I went to the Mini Cooper web site where I reviewed the various models and familiarized myself with the various options available. I then went to Edmunds and Kelly Blue book for pricing information and dealer recommendations. Edmunds sent out an e-mail with my specifications to various dealers in a 500 mile radius of where I live. Mike from Crevier BMW sent me a short message stating that he had some Minis in which I might be interested. That started a very interesting and productive exchange of views and options. Mike was always courteous and fantastically prompt in his replies, even when I was a little obnoxious; he kept his cool. In short he provided me with all the information I requested, even sent pictures, and offered helpful suggestions. When we finally got down to a car that was CLOSE but not exactly what I had in mind, he smoothed out the differences, truthfully acknowledged the missing features I wanted and honestly explained the additional features which I DIDN'T WANT but which my wife loved and two months later still loves (It's her car. I just bought it.) When we finally agreed on the outline of a possible deal, my wife and I went to Crevier for a test drive. Everything was as Mike had described. There were no hassles and no surprises. Basically, we couldn't think of a reason NOT to buy the car (although I don't part with $32K easily). P.S. The whole thing took about two weeks and the deal was done before I started getting messages from other dealers.
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