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MINI Cooper Care & Maintenance

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Comments

  • stevecebustevecebu Member Posts: 493
    I have thought about campaigning a stripped Cooper S with the quafie in the FWD rally class. Its gotta be a stripped model though to reduce weight a minimum and sealing up that enormous panoramic sunroof would be a PITA.

    I asked about the RallyX rules and downloaded them. I think you could campaign a '69 Dodge dart with a straight 6 and do pretty well. ;)
    Rally is now separate from RallyX. For me I'd go with RallyX but no Mini's run in it in that region. I should check nationally and see if any run. But the MazdaSpeed 3 is a real monster so maybe that will dominate the FWD category?
    I'll keep my eyes open to see what's going on.
  • karijacksonkarijackson Member Posts: 1
    That's absolutely what you get when you use the highest octane gas in a MINI Cooper S. When I took mine to my MINI dealer to have that symptom fixed, they couldn't find anything wrong and told me to never use anything higher than 89 octane. I was skeptical indeed! But I refilled the tank with 89, and the symptom went away. The time my boyfriend borrowed the car and did me the favor of splurging on the "best" gas, the symptom came back. When that tank of gas was used up and I went back to 89 octane, the syptom went away.
  • socalfemsocalfem Member Posts: 14
    I use premium gas in a 2003 Cooper and was told to use that or I would sputter and jerk, so I always have....do I really need it ? Its $3.16 here in the OC right now
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I've tried both mid-grade and premium, and I can't say I've noticed any long-term difference --- our Cooper Base with the CVT remains temperamental and herky jerky, albeit only at low speed! What did appear to help was a tranny flush, but the jerkiness does eventually come back, and I can't afford to, nor would I want to, treat it with regular tranny flushes.
  • socalfemsocalfem Member Posts: 14
    I wonder if it would ruin anything if I tried the 89, I would hate to have problems after that..the dealer told me to use premium :confuse:
  • simplygwentssimplygwents Member Posts: 2
    Hi,
    Looking for thoughts on the MINI/BMW Maintenance (Service) Extended coverage. Here's the deal: Husband purchased dream 2007 MINI Cooper S less than 48 hours ago. He agreed and signed the program upgrade agreement at cost of $1795. It is listed as "OPTIONAL" in the actual PURCHASE AGREEMENT. After he shows me....I start to wonder, "Is this really a 'good deal'? Is this 'even money' as I'm sure he'll want service at authorized MINI dealership only?" Then I think, let me check it out before we commit....but when we call dealership, they say it's "too late"....contract has been turned into BMW and we agreed to it and it's a done deal. My financing credit union says NO! It's "optional" and they can just NOT pay it. Dealer then says, "Yeah, but you'll owe us $1795". What happened to "buyer's remorse" laws? Don't I have like 72 hours to revoke an agreement like this?

    AND, when all is said and done, are we being ripped off....or is this TRULY an "Even money" good deal? I just wanted a little more time to explore....I don't have long though. I would appreciate thoughts from people that know....thus I appreciate all help you can provide! Car will be driven AT LEAST 20K (probably more like 25K) a year in non-extreme (well, HOT) weather conditions. Many freeway miles as well.

    As for bumper-to-bumper warranty extension, credit union beat BMW/MINI by $1500 and so will go with their coverage. 72/100K with $200 deductible at $831/year. Thoughts on this as well are appreciated!
  • mrosmarinmrosmarin Member Posts: 1
    Need a good mechanic in the Boston area........west of Boston is ok too. I love my mini! Thanks!

    P.S. I got a large amount of Stree tar on the side doors and found a great body work person to remove it in an hour for a reasonable fee. Let me know if you need address/name....he is in Needham Mass.
  • coop10coop10 Member Posts: 1
    The extended maintenance service program agreement is a pretty good deal, and it is sold by BMW Mini. BMW MINI charges the dealerships $1195 for this package and recommends that they sell it at a $1395 retail price - anything above $1195 is dealership profit. Around the country, prices range from $1395 to $2195 depending on the dealership. All dealerships will negotiate the price on this package. That being said, considering that you and your husband will be driving the car pretty consistently, and this maintenance package pays for all "normal " maintenance for 6 years/100,000 mi, including brake pads/rotors, oil changes, service inspections, clutch, etc (all the stuff included in your original 3 year/36000mi maintenance coverage), it is worth the price. Keep in mind that this is separate from a warranty. Currently those are all 3rd-party, and you have to be very careful, as these "warranties " tend to have exclusion lists that are much longer than the lists of what is covered. Read carefully. You should have a 72 hour/ 3 day right to cancel, but it sounds like you have gone past that anyhow - but I think your husband did OK.
  • ticatica Member Posts: 64
    I'm leasing a 2007 Mini Cooper basic. I've had it 6 1/2 months and I'm just about to hit 5000 miles

    I thought I was supposed to change the oil at 5000 miles, maybe I read that somewhere.

    But I called the dealer and they said I'm not due for service yet. , what am I supposed to do? I can't find anything in the manual or lease form that gives me specifics.

    Is there anything I need to do before lease return date in May?

    thanks
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    "...lease return date in May"

    You're on a 12-month lease? :confuse:
  • wongkidwongkid Member Posts: 23
    Many/most serious BMW Club car owners believe that car mfgrs who now offer "free" maintenance miraculously now also believe that delaying oil changes beyond "old-school" 3000-5000 mile intervals is OK (because now THEY have to pay for it). Even with new technology and superior synthetic oils (which can go beyound 5000 miles between changes).

    Car "fanatics" that want to keep their cars for a long time and in peak condition usually change oil more frequently than these new extended recommendations - it's cheap insurance to keep a car running beyond 75,000 miles. That said, the car certainly won't fail during the time you have it on lease, and even so, it's on warranty. Less frequent oil changes are the "next owner's problem".

    Some more "weasle words" - If you drive in hot climates, do more stop-and-go, drive hard, then oil should be changes more often. If it's a freeway cruiser in temperate climates, less frequent. If you use synthetic oil - less frequent. If "normal" oil, more frequent.

    Last "split the baby" - some people change the oil more frequently but change the oil filter every other time to save a little money and/or it is easier to change oil youself without changing the filter.

    More than you wanted to know . . .
  • ticatica Member Posts: 64
    thank you so much, actually that's exactly what I wanted to know. I"d read about the 5000 mile oil change somewhere and then was confused when the Mini people said no...but this is the thing, I live in NYC, so lots of stop start stuff. I definitely have no idea how to change my own oil. How much does it cost? i'm not sure if I'm buying this car after my lease is up (I will if they lower the price, otherwise I might just buy a 2008 with fewer options--so around the same price as buyingm y current at residual-- and get a new car and new year on the warrantly)

    but on the chance I do buy this one, I certainly would want to have done right by the oil! And so you're saying, I could change the whole oil and/or change the filter (whatever that is), how much can I expect to pay for these things, and, when it's time for my official Mini maintenance check will they hold it against me that I did these things? (you know some of this warrantly stuff says you are not supposed to do things on your own or somesuch)

    thanks for the very helpful information.
  • minipakminipak Member Posts: 7
    BMW-MINI dealer told me that the new MINI Cooper based on the 15K miles service or ones per year. Is it right or wrong? It's very hard to believe, but I could not verify this statement in the owners manual yet, because just a week ago placed order for '08 MINI basic model (automatic with a couple optional packages). It should be ready for delivery in the second part of January, 2008. Also, is the MINI comes with the tinted glass? :confuse:
  • wongkidwongkid Member Posts: 23
    You should just call around and get quotes for oil change pricing, and compare with an official Mini Dealer quote. People might look at you funny if you talk about changing the oil without changing the filter. This is definitely more a do-it-yourself, "penny-pinching" approach, but hey, I haven't found the money tree yet. BUT, if BMW/Mini say that oil filters are good for 10K or 15K, why change it at 5K (oil, on the otherhand, does break down, which is why we're discussing more frequent oil changes). As far a warranty, you should ask Mini. I don;t see how they could hold doing MORE frequent oil changes (that you pay for) against you - - as long as the oil changes are done properly.

    Of note, in the "old days" (just 5 years ago), high performance BMWs used to require an early oil change after an engine break-in period (forgot how many miles it was at, might have been as low as 2500), before they recommended high speed/high performance driving of the car. That was "old-school".

    Good luck.
  • wongkidwongkid Member Posts: 23
    See my post #115 regarding my OPINION regarding oil changes.
  • minipakminipak Member Posts: 7
    Thanks a lot. I am commuting to work about 65 miles each way and mostly on the highway. Also, I have '08 model on order and it should be available for delivery in the end of January. This is my first experience with MINI going to be. Do you know if the standard MINI Cooper comes with the tinted glass?
  • denrogdenrog Member Posts: 8
    I ordered my MCS the other day and the dealer said that the oil change was at 10,000 miles or once a year.
  • bijoubaby05bijoubaby05 Member Posts: 23
    that is incredible information. thank you
  • aab750aab750 Member Posts: 1
    Have a 2004 mini 70000 miles burns 1 qt of oil over interval Dealership says its "normal" no white smoke out the exhaust. I asked many certified mechanics not working for BMW. their response the interval seems much too long. I guess we will see if motors start going in these cars before the bodies??? down the road. otherwise fun car to drive and its not driven hard.
  • vweospghvweospgh Member Posts: 6
    I have an 05 MINI Cooper Conv CVT with about 15,000 miles that I purchased new in May 2005. I have been having problems getting it to pass PA emission inspection. MINI has blamed the fact that I store it during the winter months. In Spring'06, I had it to 2 different inspection stations that were unable to get it to pass with 7000 miles on the odometer. I finally took it to MINI dealer and they were unable to pass it as well. They told me they applied for an exemption from the state since it was so new. By spring of 07 when I took it out of storage I only put on an additional 2500 miles and was exempt from the state with less than 5000 miles driven. Now I am afraid I am going to have problems again this spring (with 5500 miles driven, I am not exempt).
    Has anyone else had problems with emissions?
  • andhravoduandhravodu Member Posts: 3
    I had brought an '08 Mini Cooper S and the sales person tried to sell me a tire and wheel warranty for ~700$ He said it was a good deal and I would need it especially for a Cooper S with the run-flat tires on it. You guys think it's any good? The areas are drive aren't the nicest roads and potholes can be found fairly easy. I can get the warranty later if it's necessary but was wondering if this is a big deal. Any opinions?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I was offered the same warranty --- but @ $1200 Cdn.!! So I naturally declined. At that price, I'll take my chance! The business manager tried to sway me by saying that I could easily damage both tire and rim, even by running into potholes. And she also said run-flats cannot be repaired, and must be replaced. Interestingly enough, a friend has a BMW 3-series and had 2 flats on her run-flats, but her dealer repaired them for her.
  • wongkidwongkid Member Posts: 23
    1. I distrust any type of "insurance", especially when a dealer tells me it is a "good deal" ("Can you tell when a car dealer is lying? . . . ). Most experienced car folks will tell you that these types of add-ons are the most profitable sales dealers can make to new car owners.

    2. Like a fairly large contingent of BMW/Mini enthusiasts/fanatics, we hate run-flats. Expensive, noisy, low performance, expensive, questionable whether they can really be repaired after they go flat (so expensive replacement is req'd).

    SO, what i did . . . (previous post #74)

    My 2003 "S" has no space for a spare. Due to high cost of run flats and performance, I ditched run-flats for high performance/reasonably priced Yoko AVS ES100 (from Tire Rack), a can of tire repair/inflator from AutoZone or PEP Boys in case I get a nail-hole, and upgraded my AAA Auto Club membership to "Plus" status which gives me free 100 mile tow and roadside service (and all the maps you can eat!). So, if I get a flat, I try the "repair in a can", and if not dice, I call AAA and they can fix it or tow me to a tire shop. Not exactly risk-free, but it works for me. So . . .

    Big surprise - I don't believe in this type of insurance. If I were you and ever got a flat, I would call AAA to tow me to safety and buy 4 new NON-RUN flat tires (or a replacement RUN-FLAT) - you'll probably save money in the long run - and who knows - you may never get a flat and save all the money. Keep your eyes open and avoid potholes (easier said than done).

    Note that, depending on extent of damage, many bent or damaged wheels can be repaired (though you have to find a specialist - dealers will NEVER agree to fix a damaged wheel). I've also heard that, because of the complexity of run-flat tires and the fact that you essentially drive on the sidewalls when driving on them flat that they are NOT REPAIRABLE (at least not reliably).

    Anyway, it's all about risk, reward, and cost. I don't worry about potholes here in Las Vegas, but i do drive 250 miles across barren desert weekly and do so in my "S" on REGULAR tires and keep my AAA card handy (never got a flat, though - knock on wood).

    If you buy the insurance, read the fine print . . . how long are you covered, are there any exceptions to coverage (like hitting a pothole while speeding), do they replace damaged tires/wheels free of charge or pro-rate the reimbursement based on remaining life (like battery companies do), etc. etc. Caveat emptor!

    Good luck.
  • wongkidwongkid Member Posts: 23
    I am not a mechanic, but have been around high performance BMWs and Minis for a long time. With emissions laws being what they are, and car manufacturers having to to build cars with durable emission control systems to meet those requirements, I am SHOCKED that a 2005 fails the PA emissions test AND that the dealer was asking for an "exemption". DO NOT ACCEPT THIS. Your car should still be on warranty, and make them FIX THE CAR TO PASS, and do it on warranty. Getting an exemption would only pass the problem off to the next owner (or back to you again at the next certification). When you go to sell the car, I don't know how you could sell a car that can not pass emissions and relies on an "exemption". Best case - you'll have to tremendously cut the price. If on lease, I don't know how the leasing company would accept the car back until it passed smog. I live on California, the originator of the hard-to-pass emission test and my 2003 MCS passes.

    My gut says that blaming this emissions problem on "storage" of the car is BS. How long was the car in storage and where did you store it?

    Something is not right here. With today's complex car systems, maybe a computer software engine control problem, which can be very hard to fix. Make them fix it on warranty!!!! Or, YOU will pay to have it fixed later, when it is not on warranty. OR did you "abuse" your Mini (and are just not telling us)?

    Good luck.
  • whorl1quotewhorl1quote Member Posts: 1
    I did not have the maintenance manual so would appreciate input from mini owners!

    My 2004 mini is now around 40k miles and it's close to 12 month since last time I have it serviced in the dealer (still within warranty) when the service indicator went to 0.

    Now the service indicator is around 4500 miles which would take me another 4-6 months to get that through. Do I need to take it for the service before the indicator goes to 0? I heard i am supposed to do a low-mileage check-up every 12 month.

    Can I just take it to an independent shop for an oil change before scheduling a more comprehensive service when indicator's 0?

    Also do you recommend to take it to the dealer or independent shop for the major service (is it called Inspection I)? My 4 year/50K warranty is die this July.
  • bobbienbobbien Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a 2005 w/ 26,000 miles on it. The dealer sold me a maintenance/service agreement for $1,000 good 'til 75,000. I still have 30 days to return it at no charge. What do you suggest - i just learned that oil changes are only every 10,000k! Maybe its a waste of money.
  • tiff_ctiff_c Member Posts: 531
    I just bought a 2005 w/ 26,000 miles on it. The dealer sold me a maintenance/service agreement for $1,000 good 'til 75,000. I still have 30 days to return it at no charge. What do you suggest - i just learned that oil changes are only every 10,000k! Maybe its a waste of money.

    Does it cover the clutch? It's well worth it if it covers the clutch if it's a manual and if it fully covers the transmission if it's an automatic. Otherwise it's not really worth it for oil changes and brake pads
  • andhravoduandhravodu Member Posts: 3
    Excellent advice. I was researching the claims of the sales-person on the net and this is one of the best responses I got. The salesman mentioned that Run-flats run upto 350$ on the mini, but I found Continentals for 120$ on tirerack.com I guess he was really trying to push the deal. The northeast roads are unreliable but repair shops can be found everywhere. I think I will get a AAA road-hazard for my personal use. The S is such a nice car, but it's such a shame they can't put a spare in there.
  • bendygirlbendygirl Member Posts: 1
    My warranty expires in August 2008 on my 2005 Mini. The dealer told me there are various warranties I can sign up for when mine expires, and I'd like some opinions on whether to do this or not. Or which plan to choose. She said there is one for 1,900$ that covers up to 100K miles. Also less expensive versions. I have about 21K miles on my car right now. Any input is appreciated! :)
  • misschievousxxmisschievousxx Member Posts: 1
    i just bought a mini on an 02 reg. i have only had it 2 weeks and it started to make a funny noise from the front passenger side- a slight wining noise. I took it back to the garage , luckily it was still under warranty. They have had the car 3 days now under repair with costs of £700.
  • sealyhammersealyhammer Member Posts: 2
    NOT an S, just plain jane. do i burn regular gasolilne preferably?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Base Cooper still burns premium gas.
  • lweinberglweinberg Member Posts: 3
    Just purchased a 2008 Mini Clubman S and trying to find out if the above warranties are worth it or not. I purchased the run flat tire replacement warranty for $1750.00 after being told that the tires would be replaced automatically at 25k -30k and that each tire would run me approximately $350.00 to replace on my own. After reading these forum comments it appears we were taken advantage of. Now I need to get an idea on what a good price is on the remaining two policies. I believe the dealer wanted $2899.00 on the extended warranty and $1799.00 for the extended maintenance. I would appreciate any recommendation on how to find a Mini dealer that is offering these warranties at an honest price. Thank you in advance for your comments. :confuse:
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I can't comment on your warranty offerings as I have not seen them. However, when my wife bought her new Mini in 2005, we declined all extra cost warranties, especially the tire warranty.

    The tire warranty that was offered to us was only for replacement tires due to road hazard, not wear replacement...much like a car battery warranty, pro-rated by the tread life. Since total cost of tire replacement is approx. $250... (I know this is accurate, since she has had to replace a tire), you can do the math to see how many tires she would have to go through to break even.

    Also, tire mileage varies by driving conditions, and in her case, she is a mild mannered driver. She has 30K miles on the 3 original tires and about 8K on the new tire, and I would estimate at least 75-80% tread remains on the 3 original tires. If you are a conservative driver, you can easily get over 50K miles out of a set of Goodyear run-flats. I admit that it surprised me quite a bit.

    So, maybe the wording is different in your tire warranty.

    In the end, the question is..."Do you feel lucky?"

    On a Mini, like a BMW, it doesn't take a catastrophic event to run up a huge repair bill, so its money well spent if you wind up needing it. Also, remember that the dealer/warranty provider is betting you won't have a problem that will cost as much as the warranty sells for, or there would be no profit in it.

    I would consider the question..."In other vehicles, have I experience major repair costs in the mileage/time period covered by the extra warranty?"

    If yes, then consider the warranty...If no, then skip it and bank the cash.

    PS...The only service issue she has had was a leaking temperature sensor replaced at 26 K miles (the housing of this sensor is plastic, so I would expect to see an ECO on this item if it is a widespread problem)....Replaced under warranty taking about 4 hours to do the job.
  • karen31karen31 Member Posts: 7
    I'm in southern CA and found 16 " michelin flat runs for $175 each. BMW tried to sell them to me for $250 ea. ABC Tires or start calling around town.

    As far as warranties go ... i would highly recommend it but frankly haven't looked into it thoroughly. I can tell you I've had so many problems with my mini (mainly transmission) and that even after replacing the transmission ($8k) worth it never ran correctly again. Could not even trade it in (mind you i still owed $16k). Huge loss. Maybe the 08's are made better -- maybe not. I just know I will never buy from BMW again.

    Good luck with your decision.
  • rlmiller9rlmiller9 Member Posts: 48
    I wouldn't blame BMW, but MINI right?
    These cars are from England, not Germany aren't they?
  • ticatica Member Posts: 64
    are you having transmission problems on your 07? I leased an 07 for 1 year and it's about to run out so I have to decide in the next week or two whether I"m going to buy this one, or get an 08 instead for roughly the same price (fewer options). I have 3600 miles on it in 11 months--nyc driving--and have had the intermittent Check Engline Light (that I took to the dealer once and they reprogrammed and got rid of it, but one month later it went on for a month. It's not the gas as it has happneed when I didn't gas.) So that's my worry, what are the signs that a bad transmission could be in my future?
  • rlmiller9rlmiller9 Member Posts: 48
    run don't walk away from this car.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    run don't walk away from this car

    Just curious ....why do you suggest this?

    If I re-read the posts correctly, tica hasn't had any difficulty with the car other than a warning light issue, which doesn't appear to be an issue any more, and which apparently incurred no costs to get resolved..

    tica doesn't appear to have an extreme amount of knowledge about this car, judging from the earlier postings regarding oil changes and oil filters, and has apparantly done OK with the Mini.

    SO, why would you suggest that?
  • rlmiller9rlmiller9 Member Posts: 48
    >and have had the intermittent Check Engline Light (that I took to the dealer once and >they >reprogrammed and got rid of it, but one month later it went on for a month. It's not >the >gas as it has happneed when I didn't gas.)
    A year or so old car that can not get the check engine light off, that does not seem like a minor thing to me, just my opinion.
    It sounds to me like the issue DID NOT get resolved.

    http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I have 3600 miles on it in 11 months--nyc driving--and have had the intermittent Check Engline Light (that I took to the dealer once and they reprogrammed and got rid of it, but one month later it went on for a month. It's not the gas as it has happneed when I didn't gas.)

    I guess it isn't very clear whether the light is still on or off, so I will only say that I agree with you in that I would like to have an explanation why the light was on. I'm not sure what the "It's not the gas as it has happneed when I didn't gas" comment means, either, but it also doesn't appear that the dealer was offered much of a chance to resolve the issue (based upon the limited posting).
  • rlmiller9rlmiller9 Member Posts: 48
    I have to admint that I do not understand the statement It's not the gas as it has happneed when I didn't gas"mean :)
  • wongkidwongkid Member Posts: 23
    There is lots of advice regarding extended warranties on this forum. My only advice - Search internet for other, NON-DEALER extended warranty companies which will cost much less than buying it from the dealer. HOWEVER, check to be sure you choose a large, in-business-for-a-long-time company and read the EXCLUSIONS carefully. Like everything else, the Dealer overcharges for extended warranties (OR, at least negotiate a lower price from teh dealer - their profit margins on extended warranties are "very healthy").
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I visited the

    "http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html" web-site that you listed on your earlier posting.

    Specifically, it appeared that well over 50% of the complaints were from non-original owners, but I wish to add that its just a guess...no scientific analysis performed to arrive at that number.

    It got me to thinking about the issue of reliability on both the Mini as well as other cars.

    First of all, and I think you would agree with this statement, you can find a blog/forum/posting site detailing disgruntled owners of just about any vehicle made in mass production, so the very "existance" of a posting site detailing complaints does not necessarily mean the model is trash, whether it be Mini, GM. Ford, Mercedes, etc.

    But, don't infer from that statement that I am saying there are no lemons out there. Believe me, I have had 1st-hand experience in that arena!

    Most recently, a 05 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback LT with all options. It never saw a dirt/gravel road and was always garaged when not in use, and at 34K miles the car was literally self-destructing...I even purchased the Helm shop manuals when I bought the car, intending to keep the car for an extended length of time. I guess I was fortunate, in a way. Even though the MPG never approached what the EPA figures, the car never suffered from any mechanical issues, so I was never stranded. However, it literally began falling apart at around 24 K miles...As examples, It was on the 3rd sunroof, doorhandles came off and the CD player played only at its convenience, whenever it felt like playing.

    I don't mean this to be a gripe session about the Aveo, but to simply illustrate my point, in that some fowners really love this car and have no issues with it, even after very high mileage, and would buy another one without hesitation.

    It strikes me any "performance" car like the Mini (Nizzan 300Z, Corvette, any car in this category) should require a slightly different viewpoint when it comes to viewing service and reliability. That's a topic that no dealer wants to bring up with a prospective buyer, since in sales, you "prefer" to avoid negatives.

    Think about it for a minute...If you have ever purchased a car with performance tires, did the salesman stress that you would not get nearly the mileage on the tires as compared to "all season" tires? When we purchased our 05 Mini, for example, the run-flat extended warranty wasn't mentioned (along with the reasons why we should buy it...by the way, we didn't) until after the deal was done.

    In our case, our Mini Convertible has over 30K miles with the only issue being a bad temperature sending unit, which the dealer repaired while I waited...less than 4 hours, and covered under warranty. Now, my wife is the primary driver, and she in no way could be considered an aggressive driver, so that is one reason I think we have had a "clean" car. I also have the oil/filter changed every 5 K miles, even though BMW/Mini state you can get by with a lot more miles between changes. Even then, during the 1st 3 years/36 K miles, you get a free oil/filter change once a year...no charge. So, no excuses for no oil changes in that time period.

    In the used car world, this car would be called "cherry", due to its history. However, simply due to the nature of this type of vehicle, ours is probably the exception, and I would think most owners push their cars a little (maybe a lot more) than my wife does hers. Of course, the sales folks encourage these behaviors as well. Have you ever heard a car salesman state that driving his product aggressively will cause it to fail prematurely?And, while there are many owners who drive very conservatively, I would guess the average Mini driver to be more "sports driving oriented" than say, a Ford Taurus owner...and, that's one of the reasons why they bought the car...

    Since I have dragged this out much further than I should have, I'll end with a few bullit points...

    - Buying a used "performance" vehicle probably entails additional risks, as those cars have probably been driven more aggressively by previous owners.

    - Service history should be more important to a potential buyer when considering a used performance-oriented vehicle.

    - When buying a new vehicle, the buyer should look at the "entire package". By that, I mean looking beyond price paid for the car. Are you planning to have the selling party also perform the service? Have you taken a look at the service facility to ensure it looks clean and professional? Does the dealer have a good reputation and a lot of repeat business? Things of that nature...

    - Shopping for a car like you would a TV set or a blender will, more often than not, get you a better up-front price, but also, again more often than not, ultimately lead to a "less than completely satisfied" owner experience. Most TV sets and blenders do not require on-going service to remain in service.

    - A dealer that attempts to take advantage of you in the sales process will probably do the same in the service process.

    - The dealer with the lowest selling price is quite often going to have a higher percentage of dis-satisfied customers in the long run.

    My attitude in buying an automobile has always been that, after the deal is done, we should both be able to leave the table "frown-free".

    Again, lemons are built by every manufacturer. Sometimes, the best we can do is to hope we aren't the one getting it...

    Sorry about the long post...I guess I had too much time on my hands today...
  • rasldaslrasldasl Member Posts: 74
    If it's not already too late don't buy any of these warranties. Read the article on extended warranties in the April 2008 Consumer Reports auto issue. The odds are stacked against you ever getting your money's worth.

    You are better off taking the $6448 they want and putting it into a high-yield savings account and using that for any repairs or maintenance not covered by the warranty that comes with the car.
  • rlmiller9rlmiller9 Member Posts: 48
    IMO there are two bad possible scenarios associated with your post.

    1. The dealer makes a lot of money off of the money they get from you.

    2. The dealer needs to charge that much $ cause the car will require it.
  • 08clubman08clubman Member Posts: 1
    Just bought an 08 clubman yesterday. came from the opposite spectrum with 3 land rovers as last 3 cars. looking forward to triple the mileage.
    dealer offered several extended coverage options:
    5 years ding repair ~$600//
    5 years leather guard ~$600//
    5 years clear coat ~$600//
    maint included to 72/100 $1295. this includes shoes, .... this didn't sound like a great deal as it only included maint items. I can't image at their service interval that would pay for itself. she said they buy that agreement for 1095 and sell for 1695 (her initial offer)//
    and finally extended warranty to 72/100 $2695. said they buy this for 1995 and she would have probably gone to around $2295. said that if we do not make a claim on this extended warranty then the entire amount gets refunded at the end of the warranty (an interesting gamble). also said there was a one-time $100 deductible. I can picture myself at 70/95 K faced with a $2000 repair bill and eating it rather than loosing out on the refund. I don't like gambling on things like this because the MBAs that come up with the odds are smarter than me. I don't play the lottery either. I got a simple dealer 72/100 on my wife's new pilot in 06 for $750 -- good piece of mind.
    Anyway, I really want a straight forward extended warranty (did I mention I have experience with leland vehicles). Can anyone give me some advice on how I can get an extended warranty, preferably dealer authorized repairs, which is straight forward?
    thanks and hello to the club.
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    I just purchased the April 08 Consumer Reports issue (The annual car issue).

    While I am no Consumer Reports "Kool Aid" drinker, they rank the 08 Mini Cooper as a Recommended Buy. They also list the last 5 year models as" neutral" to "better" in repair history.

    However, they did list the 05 Mini Cooper Convertible "S" as a used car to avoid, but that was the only year and model in that category.

    Take the information for whatever its worth
  • ticatica Member Posts: 64
    Hi
    sorry I was unclear. as someone posted earlier, no, I don't know anything about cars, the Mini is my first car--even though I'm 40--I've lived in NY and London for past 20 years so never needed one.

    I love my Mini. I don't like the sunroof, but that's just personal--I don't want wrinkles and the shake doesn't block out all the light even when closed.

    The Check Engine LIght (CEL). has come on intermittently for no apparent reason over the past year I've had omy 2007 basic Mini. The very first time it happened, it did, in fact happen after I put gas in it--and accidentally drove away with the gas thing still in the gas hole (I thought the guy had taken it out--dumb I know!) It stayed on for a week or two, then went off. Over the past year on occasion--once a month or once every two months, perhaps, it's gone on for no apparent reason. So in other words, not necessarily after I've put gas in it. And it may stay on for a day or two then go off inexplicably. The last time it happened, a couple of months ago, it was on for 2 weeks, so I took it to the dealer, they 'preprogrammed' it all. It's the sensors or somesuch. No one seemed concerned about it. It was off when I picked it up. It did go back on 2 weeks later for about 2 days, then went off. So I don't know if this is bad or not. I've never had any problem besides this.

    A good friend who has a BMW told me that her CEL went on a lot for no reason, too. The guy who inspected my car from the bank leasing company last week told me that on his Honda, his CEL went on too the first year he had it. So I don't know. Maybe it's not a big deal.

    My only big question is, for the same price and fewer features, should I get the 08 so that I get a newer car and f1 year more warranty? I have about 4 weeks to make up my mind before I have to turn my current car in. It has 3600 miles.

    thanks
  • busirisbusiris Member Posts: 3,490
    You ask a difficult question...

    I guess I would ask you why you have the Mini...

    Is the the style of the car? MPG rating? Good lease pricing? Something else?

    I ask this because, first of all, you put very few miles on your car. From a financial point of view, it would be much cheaper for you to drive a Corolla, Yaris, Versa, or any number of comparably sized cars. You are taking a fairly big hit on depreciation as well.

    You have never really said what attracted you to the Mini, other than you really don't prefer the sunroof, so its obvious that you didn't get it for that reason.

    If you really like the Mini, before anyone can voice an intellegent opinion, you need to supply some cost information/figures on the car you have .vs. the deals offered on a 08 Mini.

    As for the CEL occasionally being on at times, it doesn't appear that it has ever affected the drivability of the car, and since it has 2 more years of warranty, I personally wouldn't let that single item get in the way of keeping the car.

    Again, however, I would suggest that anyone only putting 4000 miles/year on a car look at cheaper alternatives, unless you have the cash to spend and simply MUST have a particulat make/model vehicle.

    Sorry to not be of more help... Good luck in making your decision!
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