I bought my first cooper"s when I was working in a chevron station. I had to wear a white shirt and white garrison hat, with a black bow tie. I was pumping gas and washing this guys windows, when I commented ,cool little car, must get great mileage... This obviously ticked the guy off because he started his Austin cooper 's' up ,, and proceeded to burn rubber in first and second before he was off our lot... Needless to say I was blown away and have been under the spell of the coolest little car ever built since 1967. I have owned a 1966's' 2 1967 's' and a 997. I sold my last classic in 2000 and just purchased a 2002 's' Different animal but still feels like a mini,
I am hoping some one in the Orange county area could recommend an honest mechanic who is reasonable and knows these little cars, I can do some of the work but lack confidence in my skills. I paid for a diagnostic , and the first thing on his list was the 2 stage fan needs to be replaced, $700. The car has shown no signs of overheating on gage and I drove home last night 35 miles and the hood was not even warm , I am not in a position to throw money around but don't want to jepordise the engine. he also quoted $1200. in suspension which is likely right. Know one will likely read this because it is so long . But if some one should read it I would appreciate any help.

 

Hey, I read it! Welcome to the fold. Search for the local Mini club in your area, they should be able to "steer" you in the right direction for a competent mechanic. Or someone here may be able to chime in. Good luck with your Mini!

Check these sub forums:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...california-27/

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...i-maniacs-203/

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oper-club-171/

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...les-moala-165/

 

I read it, too! But have no advice on a mechanic, since I'm a new owner. Also in So Cal, but IE area, and have also been wondering about a good mechanic, should the need arise. Checking out the local clubs is a great idea

 

Welcome! I'm the 115th person to read your post. Owned a 1967 Austin Cooper. Currently own 2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop. Even though mine is a non-S I feel like your gas station visitor every time someone says it's "cute." If I had a manual I'd probably do the same thing!

The Southern California MINI Maniacs group will not steer you wrong...

 

It is always good to see new mini owners. This Saturday so cal mini maniacs is having a fund raiser and breakfast for a pet shelter in norco at the original pancake house. There will be a lot of other mini owners to talk to for all kinds of advise on all things mini. There will also be a raffle with all the proceeds going to the animal shelter. There will be a lot of great mini and non mini items up for raffle. Hope you all can make it out and have a great get together.

 

SCMM is the biggest club in California, possibly even in the US. We have meetings all over So Cal, from San Diego to Malibu to the IE and OC. And the mechanic that many members use is MINIWorks in Laguna Hills. :-) They are all MINI mechanics and do quality work at a fair price. Welcome to the crazy world of MINI! Maybe we'll see you at an event!

 

Just to let you know, the IE group (who are holding the event in Norco to benefit the animal shelter) are LOCO CRAZY and a whole lot of fun!! They are the nuts in the banana bread of MINIs.

 

Thanks Every body, for taking your time to read it. I will likely be joining sccmm, as I did belong to MOALA. for many years, it sounds like your club is very active.
Because I am a pretty poor parts changer, and new to this breed of mini, I have gone to 3 mechanics in So. Oc and have 3 almost totally different estimates from $1,900 to $850 the most expensive was the most high Profile mini only shop,, not a dealer. The other two were small do everything shops Who do I ,, Who Can I trust.
I just dont,, like being taken advantage of and the most expensive shop was the only one who mentioned the $700 two stage fan repair.

 

I just took my MINI-to-be to Miniworx in Laguna Hills for a pre-purchase inspection. I got a very good vibe from John, the owner. He spent a lot of time explaining to me all the common maintenance issues on the 2nd gen S. He speaks clearly and doesn't assume you have a technical background. I believe he used to work for BMW. Online reviews of Miniworks are of the highest caliber. There is one complaint on BBB about a shady technician who recommended repairs that weren't necessary. The owners followed up by firing the tech and giving the customer a full refund. The customer has since retracted the complaint as he/she was very satisfied with the response. They seem to take customer satisfaction very seriously!

 

MiniWorx regularly holds tech clinics for SCMM, where they discuss issues, things to watch out for, service intervals, etc. and answer all questions. They are top notch, and always stand behind their work. Between them and Scott at Motoring Magic, and MINI of San Diego for warranty work, our club is lucky to have such high caliber and honest mechanics helping us.

 

Thanks , I live pretty close to Miniworx so that will likely be where I take him.
Thanks again.

 

+1 for:
MiniWorx Orange County
23192 Verdugo
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 916-4150



John's Mini knowledge is vast, his background is impressive, and he drives a Mini too.