Great site here , I hope some of the experts can help a newbie.

My wife and I are considering a Mini for our next 'fun' car. We've been able to agree on this one: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=307775383

We took a test drive over the weekend and it was a blast! It is within our budget although I am concerned about ongoing service. The dealer only tried to push a generic 'service agreement' and when I asked who would be performing the maintenance the response was vague at best basically "if we can't service it we'll send it to someone that is certified".

My biggest issue is that there are no authorized Mini dealerships in Peoria. The closest is in the Chicago suburbs which is 2+ hours away. I'm assuming that any warranty work would have to be performed there, right?

Is this a bad choice if I don't want to drive 2 hours to have a check engine light or other 'minor' issue diagnosed? Are there other good service/warranty options? Anyone out there in the same situation with regrets that there wasn't a closer dealer when they pulled the trigger?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
J

 

i would take the vin# to the mini dealer and see its history if all service and tsbs have been kept up to date.

 

I would look around for something a bit cheaper or try to talk them down. That's a nice looking car with relatively low miles on it...BUT I bought a 2007 S more than a year ago with around the same amount of miles, but it had navi, heated seats, xenons, iPod integration, etc. for almost a grand less. I bet you could find a better deal or talk them down a bit. You'd be out of warranty and 2007's aren't known to be super reliable.

With that being said, welcome to the MINI world I don't mean to scare you off, just want to make sure you get the right car at the right price. Good luck on whatever car you decide!

 

I'd be wary about buying a used R56 out of warranty. Just too many expensive things to go wrong, in my opinion. I'd look for a low mileage R53. I'm not sure if it's an option for you, but I'd also steer clear from using the dealership for service. Find a good independent shop, even if it's further away. Just my opinion.

 

I think you will both love a MINI. That said, my advice to potential MINI owners is to go into the purchase with a clear understanding that maintenance and repair costs will be higher than on something like a Toyota or Honda. When new, you don't have to worry about that because you can just take it to the dealer. When out of warranty/free maintenance, you will pay more for regular maintenance or when something breaks. I found my 2006 MC to be reliable, but the few repairs it did need were pricey. If you go used, try to find a good independent shop that works on foreign autos. If new, yes, you would have to go to the MINI dealer for warranty work. If you go with a regular third party warranty, I think you can have that work done at other shops, but I would read the contract closely to see what they cover and where it can be done. If you do get a MINI, you will likely fall in love. I did, and I'm on my second one!

 

Buy a countryman

 

OP wants a MINI.

 

Push!

 

I live in the Peoria area and there is a good European repair shop in town. Kauth and Meyeur. They have a good rep.... Not sure on prices since I have not had them do anywork myself but have family that has had their VW TDI worked on there several times.

 

I'm afraid I'd have to agree about looking around for a newer version, a 2009 or even a 2010 won't be much more than that, and every year you gain in reliability, plus it might still be in warranty.

That said my 2009 has been absolutely bulletproof......I had one small thing done at 5K (tensioner replaced) and that's been it. I'm now at 43K trouble free, and my car has been from coast to coast many times.

It's not that '07's aren't reliable, but if one of the "issues" was missed, it can really bite if it goes wrong now in your ownership

 

I'm so grateful for your replies! We will continue to look for the right opportunity which hopefully will be a later model. This is definitely the ride we want after testing the GTI, WRX, and Civic-SI - can't beat the style and paddle shifters.

 

Good luck with your search.

 

if you are worried about big repair bills, you could buy an after market warranty. i'd check to be sure the local euro indy shop listed takes the type of warranty you'll buy and then you are set. initial cash outlay is a bit more, but piece of mind is quite valuable!

 

They have a good rep.... Not sure on prices since I have not had them do anywork myself but have family that has had their VW TDI worked on there several times.

 

Just do the repairs/work yourself. That's how my hubby and I have been doing it (mainly him hehe), cuz we've just had bad experiences at dealers and shops. It's just easier to diagnose things yourself thru the works of google and forums At least for us anyway. CEL on? We go to Autozone and have it tested, then fix it ourselves. Granted, we each bought our MINI's thru private parties, since we don't do the dealer thing.

Love that grey though!