I'm curious -- anyone who goes to Towne Mini for service -- what do you do while you're there? I'm about 1 hour from there and the last time I had service done I waited in the lounge. I need to make another appointment and it will probably be a while that I have to wait (I have coolant leakage and a belt that needs to be replaced).
I didn't buy my Mini at the dealership, so I don't believe I can get a loaner from them.
Do you.....drop it off and drive two cars and pick it up later? Wait in the lounge? Walk somewhere? Rent a car anyways? Get them to give you a loaner if you didn't buy it there? Make it a vacation while you're out there?
Or, am I the only one that didn't buy my car at Towne?
I usually wait in the lounge, and bring something to read, or something to do. (I plotted out a Mini run with a map there once.) I bought my car there, so I've sometimes asked for loaners if I didn't have time to wait or needed to get back to work (& came back the next day). They might be able to get you a rental car through Enterprise, though you'd most likely be responsible for the rental charges. I've looked at the bus routes to see if I can get to the Albright-Knox gallery, which I think is possible, but I haven't done it yet.
I din't buy my Mini from Towne either, but Towne has always allowed me to use a loaner Mini free of charge. If you need to shop, Transit Rd has virtually all the big chains, the Village of Williamsville (2 miles east on Rt 5) has alot of smaller boutiques, restaurants and a nice public park around the falls on Ellicott Creek. The City of Buffalo is a little further east, but is only a 15 min. drive. Sorry, but there is no direct bus route to the Albright-Knox (world class art museum) however you can drive to it in less than a 1/2 hour. Delaware Park (the main park in Buffalo is very nice, an Olmstead park) and the Elmwood or Hertel Avenue strips are full of interesting shops and restaurants. I'm sure you'll fine something to do.
Last I was there I brought a laptop to access some work stuff via Internet, but unless something has recently changed there is no wireless internet access. although there used to be access via a system Towne had set up on a desk on the BMW side of the house.
The MINI 'lounge' is pretty sparse compared to the cushy BMW waiting area.
Generally I've just hung around and read, but next time I'll probably take the offer of a loaner and find something to do.
I go for test drives....that kills some time...and my dealership (Prestige) has a computer in the lounge so i check the boards ....or i press my face and hands against the glass and watch them work
__________________
Venno
DS w/DS '06MCS-17%/Alta CAI/Detroit Bypass Valve/Alta Air Diverter/Schroth Rcng Hrnss/CF Uber Scoop/Alta 19mm Sway Bar/Irlnd Cmbr Plt/Team Dynamics ProRace 1 17" Anthracite Rims with Jerzee Plts and a Gray-Scale Czech roof flag
Sue, As much as i would like to guarantee a loaner for every service visit, it is some thing i can not do. I will do my best to have one to use locally to keep busy for a few hours, but unfortunatley that is the best i cant do. In the MSRP Customers pay for the vehicle from us includes a small amount MINI takes in account for and then supplys the dealers with loaners as per traffic flow. I hope i cant be of assistance in the future. Mark Huber
Think goodness my Cooper is flawless and only requires scheduled maintenence but when I do stop, I'll usually take a demo for a spin and compare the things I like in the 06 and the 07.
I always try to visit with AnnMarie on the BMW side just because she's simply awesome!
Or if I'm driving around and need to pee, the bathroom is always clean!