Herb Chambers MINI of Boston

My experience is with the parts and service departments. First the parts department: I needed some maintenance stuff for my Mini — wiper blades, motor oil and filters, etc. Down to Herb Chambers I go, where the guy at the counter was extremely unpleasant (after a long wait) to deal with. Mini parts are expensive, and I don’t expect to be treated like I’m doing anyone favors, but it would be nice to meet the same level of professionalism and friendliness as you’d get at, oh, say, a CVS. Or maybe a cranky meter maid. In the end the counter guy made me very very sorry I interrupted his coffee break.
Not being one to learn my lesson, some time later I foolishly attempted to schedule service at HCM for my Cooper. Again I got the sense of «these annoying customers keep interrupting our coffee breaks!» They couldn’t offer me a service date for nearly a month. I understand they are the only Mini dealer in Boston, so being swamped with business isn’t really their fault, though that market situation does seem to affect their attitude in dealing with customers. I was able to schedule service with Mini of Peabody within the week; they were extremely cordial and seemed happy to get my business; and I was extremely pleased with the quality of service. Also their parts counter was all business.
My advice: Read the other reviews of people who have dealt with the service side of HCM. If you don’t feel like being the proverbial fish in a barrel, take your car and your business elsewhere.

Liz in the Mini Service team is knowledgable and super friendly. I enjoy taking my Mini here for service.

First time to Herb mini, highly recommended Mark Ravin. He is very Professional, Honest and really really Nice!! I would definitely come back :) Also, the shuttle driver (forget his name :(he is very nice, friendly and dropped me to the back bay and I really appreciate. Hope he had a nice trip to Connecticut, I want thank both of them .The service at herb mini is awesome !!

I bought my Mini from a Herb Chambers local to me. I brought it in for a check-​to make sure the previous owner didn’t neglect it before the warranty ran out. Liz was my service advisor. She was wonderful. It was she that I spoke to on the phone when I had questions, and assured me she would be in the day that I brought my car. She was there, and she followed it through every step of the way. I needed to replace my water pump-​covered under warranty. She pointed me in the direction to kill some time. I’m not familiar with Boston. I love the showroom, looking at all the Mini’s for sale. Comfortable waiting room, and a freshly washed car to drive home in. Thank you Herb Chambers, huge thank you to Liz!

Edit: I was immediately contacted by the service department to make this right and brought my car in two days later for the rear brakes to be done. Very good customer service and great loaner mini. One star off because it happened at all but really happy with the way it was handled and I am willing to say it was a fluke. Kyle the service manager was really great.
Brought my mini cooper here for a service after a cross-​country road trip. Normal service, front brake pads replaced, etc. Two months later, my rear brake pads need to be replaced badly. Note: the service took place a week before my service agreement expired. With the MINIMAL driving I do living in a city, there is NO way my rear brakes were in normal condition two months ago and now are in this overly-​in-​need-​of-​service state. The service department did not service my rear brakes, probably knowing they would need repair shortly and I’d have to bring it back and pay this time.

Great sales department, terrible service. Service light came on, even though had changed oil and reset service indicator less than 6 months previously. Took the car in. Drop off was a zoo; took half hour. They said I needed another oil change and a new tire, and charged me $ 360 for the new tire. When I picked it up, they had lost the special mini tire valve caps and didn’t have replacements, so had to reorder.
The worst thing is the service light is still on!
When I went to reschedule, their on line service scheduling web page didn’t work.

Purchased a 2013 used Paceman at Herb Chamber Mini of Boston in December 2014. The car only had around 4000 miles on it so it was fairly new. We do a lot highway drive so the sales guys recommended us to put the invisible shield on the front of the car. We did it and were told that it comes with lifetime warranty.
In August 2015 we found that the invisible shield on the bumper started to peel off. We went to the dealership in September and talked to our business manager, because we were told that she is the only one who has the warranty information and who can contact the invisible shield company. She told us on that day that to send her an email with image attached. We did it as she said on the following week and sent the email through our gmail account. Then we waited a month, no emails or calls. So we went to her office again in October and was told that she received nothing, she said the email must went to her junk box. THAT’S A LIE! We sent it again at her office through the same account, this time she received it immediately, what a magic!
She read the email and she told us they would fix it and it does look pretty bad. She told us she will contact them and call us the following week. Then we went home and I finally called her after two weeks without hearing from her. She said she will call the invisible shield company and call me back in 10 minutes. I waited 30 minutes and she did not call me back so I called her again and she did not answer the phone. Finally I emailed her on October 22 and asking her to give me a call back, I also said that if she would not be able to assist me please let me know who would be and I will contact that person. No REPLY again. I called her manager on October 27 and the manager told me that he will work on it and have her get back to me as soon as possible. Few hours later I got an email from her saying that she was sick the week before and just returned to her office. She asked me several question regarding the time and location. I got back to her right away. Then came the same waiting game. I waited until November 2^nd when I finally called her manager again requesting to have the issue resolved that day, the manager said it will be a little bit too push to have it resolved on that day, so I said ok I will give you until Friday November 6^th to get back to me. The manager called me few minutes later and told me that my business manager emailed the invisible shield company three days ago. I said I don’t care if it was three days ago or a week ago the issue was brought to you almost three months ago. She said she will make sure to have it solved within the week.
Today is November 9^th no response yet.

MINI Service Advisors Mark, Matt & Liz provide professional service with a smile. The team is knowledgable and as accommodating as possible. In 3+ years of care, I’ve never been oversold services. This recommendation is without hesitation.

I had a really good experience buying my second MINI from Motoring Advisor David Lopez and Business Manager Moustafa Hamouda at Herb Chambers MINI of Boston. David was so nice, friendly and patient. I didn’t feel the high pressure sales vibe I have felt other places. He’s a sweetheart and that made a huge difference in my shopping and buying experience. Moustafa was equally warm, friendly and patient as we went through the financial end of things. He helped to clarify what I didn’t understand while being kind, fun to talk with, and devoid of icky sales pressure. I enjoyed working with both of them very much which was a pleasant change from the previous MINI Dealership I had bought from. Both seem like really good guys :)

I live in Peabody but went to Boston Herb Chambers from a referral by a friend. I emailed Skakiah G, a client care specialist, and she emailed me a variety of different minis (that fit my specifications) that they had available. When I got to Mini I was greeted by Katie and Andrei. Both were wonderful, down to earth, friendly, and Andrei had me test driving a vehicle within minutes. The process went quickly and I spent most of my time trying to decide which color I really wanted; Andrei was incredibly nice and helping me point out minor differences in two cars I was thinking about. The process was quick, painless, and even Nicole in finance was efficient and friendly. Overall, everyone was nothing but incredibly nice and I would recommend Herb Chambers Mini to anyone considering buying one.

Dear Herb Chambers Mini. Let me teach you a bit about semantics. Going into my 2^nd hour and 45 minutes after I was told, «We’re just changing the oil and we’ll get you right out.» I was getting a little frustrated. Then I get the hand motion and Liz mouthed, «They’re washing it now.» I was hopeful. So after 45 more minutes the valet tells me, «It’s ready but hasn’t been washed.»
«Washing it now.» Vs «Hasn’t been washed»
Get your act together. The 4^th Mini most definitely will be purchased and serviced elsewhere.

In complete contrast to my experience yesterday at Metro Honda in RI, I had an outstanding experience today at Herb Chambers MINI. I should’ve gone there first, but I didn’t think they’d be able to work within my budget.
Quick background: I’m currently in my 3^rd MINI. I leased the first 2 from this dealership with no complaints. I bought my current car, a 2-​door Hardtop, in 2013 before realizing how impossible it is to have a 2-​door car with a small child! Because it had only been 2 years, I hadn’t paid much of the car off and owed more than my car was worth. A lot more. So, for this reason, I figured I’d need to get a very inexpensive used car to offset the price difference. I tried working with a few different dealerships with very unpleasant experiences. The typical bait and switch, dishonesty, and sleaziness.
Fast forward to today: After getting back in touch with one of the sales reps at MINI Herb Chambers (Sara E), I quickly realized that they appreciated my dilemma and wanted to work hard to keep my business. Since I knew what I wanted and they knew what I had to trade in, the process was super painless. Most of it was done on the phone. I just returned from signing my paperwork on my 4^th MINI (a Countryman!) and I couldn’t be more pleased with the entire experience. I really appreciated the outstanding customer service. I worked with Sara and Katie who are unbelievably sweet and personable. They were very considerate of my time and very good to my little girl who I brought with me. The financial/​paperwork guy was great too and didn’t pressure me to buy anything extra. I have 4 separate car buying or leasing experiences with this dealership and they have all been top notch, but this most recent one was the best. Since I’ve been working with this dealership for many years, I’ve also been in for service many times. No complaints at all! I highly recommend Herb Chambers MINI.
Oh, and MINIs are the absolute best car to drive, in case you didn’t already know that! So. Much. Fun!

Mark R is heaven sent for Mini Boston.

I echo every sentiment about Mark Ravin. I’m actually at a loss for words for the level of service I’ve received and should ever I find one fitting enough, it most certainly will be an understatement. Simply put, they do not get better than Mr. Ravin.
I took my MINI in for something seemingly simple and learned that it was actually more involved than that, thanks to a 40lb+ raccoon who… should he still be alive… has a branding of my MINI’s grill on his ass for life. Before learning of this information, I was tucked away in the waiting area working along when Mark came in, sat down and apologized for the wait. It seems I would have known about the situation sooner, but he’d admitted to having been in his office trying to figure out a way to break the news to me. I tend to err on the side of caution where people are concerned, always leery of tricks and dishonesty, but at that very moment Mark earned my trust, my faith in his competence, and whether he likes it or not… a friend for life:) His knowledge and professionalism coupled with his down-​to-​earth nature cannot be beat. Home Run Herb Chambers!
Furthermore, Matt, also a Service Advisor took great care of me when Mark was away, the maintenance guys are top-​notch and their shuttle driver, Mike isn’t half bad either;)
I’m new to Boston and plan to stay, but should ever that change, I’d travel from anywhere to see these guys before entrusting the care of my beloved MINI to anyone else.

I bought a used mini from another dealership, but bring it in here for repairs. This review is for the service department. I love my mini, but dislike the dealership. To be honest, I’m not sure there is any good dealership in the world. They are all about ripping the customer off, and making as much profit as possible. This review is based on comparing them to my ideal dealership, who is honest. I know, an oxymoron.
Plus:
They will wash your car for you if you aren’t so late because of their bad estimate that you have to leave before they have a chance to do it.
Free bottles of water. It was more for staff then customers however, based on watching it, but it didn’t run out.
Their mini roadside assist paid $ 300 to tow my car from Worcester to the dealership.
Average:
The service advisors seem to care when you talk to them. Its the same dealership BS however: «I have to talk to the service manager and get back to you.»
Minus:
It very hard to find for new customers who have never been to the service department. Maybe thats just Boston, but it was very confusing on my first visit.
They aren’t good at making estimates on how long it will take. Based on 3 visits, they missed the estimate each time.
The prices are VERY HIGH. A $ 100+ oil change?
Dishonest: I called and talked to a service advisor. I asked «is that covered by the warranty?» They said yes. I came in and they said it was not covered. I discussed it with them in detail, they finally decided to give it to me for free, but I shouldn’t have to go through that.
The mini roadside assistance spent an hour «trying to find someone who was willing to do the tow to the dealership and couldn’t find anyone.» I made one call, and the first person I called in Worcester was willing to do it. I called mini to give them the phone number, and they had them out 75 minutes later.

GREAT SERVICE!
I highly recommend David Lopez! I met with him at first undecided about the Mini that I wanted, and he patiently and knowledgably guided me to the Mini of my dreams! He clearly loves Mini’s and was able to recommend several fun add-​ons to customize my car.
Throughout the process, he was very responsive and made the car buying process as simple as possible.
I am totally delighted with my new Mini Cooper Roadster and look forward to dealing with the folks at Herb CHambers Mini /​BMW in the future.

Mark Ravin in service is outstanding! I have never dealt with a more competant, professional, service writer. He offers a high level of customer service and seems to genuinely love his job and mini coopers. I have bought and sold hundreds of vehicles in my professional career and I choose to drive over an hour to have my mini serviced by Mark and his team.
The online booking tool for appointments is very easy to use. The waiting area is comfortable with plenty of seating, WIFI, and complimentary beverages. The service door is difficult to find your first time to the dealership. The dealership is in a heavily congested area but the service staff seems to have a system that works.

I live on Cape Cod and purchased a used Mini from Herb Chambers a few months ago and the radio was defective. My husband and I were up at Mini in Boston last week to have this replaced. WOW 5 STARS on customer service. Mark Ravin was great to speak with, showed me some tricks with my Mini, got us a loaner car (it took 6 hours for the radio) new brake pads, new wiper blades… AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE. I’m looking forward to bringing my MINI back for service next year!
A++++

Liz and Mark in Mini service are a dream team. I showed up on a rainy & windy Wednesday on Thanksgiving eve to drop my daughters car off for regular service. I was able to drive inside to drop my car off for service staying warm & dry.
With Liz & Mark there are numerous smiles and zero excuses. The place was packed with clients yet they listed to my needs and then I was written up and given a loaner Mini very quickly.
Our car was ready EARLIER than promised and all work (including the new wipers I requested) was done as promised.
The icing on the cake was it was actually raining harder when I was leaving with my car and they backed it inside so I again would be dry as I prepared to leave — this occurred without me even asking.
I am well aware that any Mini dealership can change my oil & wiper blades however «the devil is in the details» and this dream team nailed it! As busy as they are to proactively know exactly how to create Raving Fan after Raving fan is really appreciated.
I would highly recommend Liz & Mark and Mini Boston.
Jay

Mark in service rocks. Fast attention and no pressure. Nice facility too.
Came here with an issue that another dealer didn’t catch. Happy that they were able to diagnose problem quickly.
I have a 2010 Cooper S. Hope to come here for all my service moving forward.
Oh…it was so cool that Sara remembered me from when we met A YEAR AGO at Head of the Charles Regatta. Wow, what a memory.