I just bought a 2014 Mini Cooper Clubman S in red and black. I'm still learning about my Mini and the only drawback I see so far is the distance to any certified mechanic in my area.

 

Welcome to NAM, Jennifer. Congratulations on the purchase of your new MINI. Where are you located?

 

I'm in the Texas Panhandle, north about 45 miles from Amarillo.

 

Try putting your postal code in the search box at this site here to see if there are any MINI indy shops located near you.

 

There are three so that saved me one question. Thanks. My other question is, are these mechanics allowed to work on my car if it's still under warranty and does it work the same way as if I brought it to a dealer to work on? Otherwise, my closest dealer is 210 miles away.

 

Indy shops wont be able to do manufacture warranty work as that will have to be done at the dealer, i.e. for example if something failed on the car that would be covered under your MINI warranty, in order to claim that it would have to be done at a dealer. Otherwise, you'll have to pay out of pocket for the repair at an indy shop. Now, if you have an extended warranty that is outside of MINI after your factory/manufacture warranty is up then the indy shop will be able to work with that warranty company to get repair costs covered. In regards to if they're "allowed" to work on your MINI, any competent MINI indy shop will be able to work on your MINI. As far as the dealer having issues if something is previous repaired by an indy shop and that item fails, then the dealer wont cover it, but most indy shops have great warranties that cover their repairs as well. For example, the old shop I worked at we worked on new cars all the time and provided a 2 year and/or 24,000 mile warranty on all works performed on the vehicle. Indy shops are great to go to for work that will not be covered under your manufacture warranty. So, all work that will cost you out of pocket.

 

Thank you for your answer. I have some warranty left and I have the extended when the first runs out. I guess I am stuck getting to Oklahoma if something goes wrong.

 

We don't have a dealer in Maine, and the nearest 2 dealers are about 110 miles one way. 210 is a hike! You will get free maintenance at a Mini dealership for 3 years/36,000 miles. It's great coverage, plus replacements on things like wiper blades and brake pads, so you should take advantage and try to have them do all maintenance for that period. 210 miles is what Mini's do best!

Make sure you get your oil changes done, don't go long on them. Ours is a 2014, and has been trouble free for the 2.3 months we've owned it so far! I'm knocking on wood as I type, just in case.

Put some pictures of your Clubman S up when you can and Welcome to Mini!

 

Welcome, pretty cool you got one of the last R55 Clubmans

Sorry but only MINI dealers can do MINI warranty work, but if your exteneded warranty is from another company not MINI then you can take it to an independent shop

 

Will do when I give it another bath. We've had snow and muddy patches all week.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm getting more details from my dealer. I'm sure the 210 miles will be fine for a scheduled appointment and I will take care of my new baby in the meantime to maintain it.