I have just joined this group. I boiught the car over three years ago when my life partner told me to. I do stuff like that. The kid drove it high school for the first year. The only one in the parking lot, and way down at the end far from the fancy GM 4 bys and the rusty Accords.

When she went off to college I got to use it . This car is wasted (I hope) on a child...the first day I drove it to work I was asked where I bought it. Before I could answer someone else said "The Shriners' Circus". My poor Mini is now known as the Clown Car. Not uncommon, I guess. Once in a while I get to give a ride to a coworker. They climb out believing.

Now we are off warrantee I would like to know just what I need to do to keep this toy healthy. MOP has not been helpful, providing poor service, not listening to the symptoms, and downright lying to me on one occasion. I hope I am the only one.

The whole family loves this car, and we may well always own one. Unless we get something more fun and less practical. Caterham comes to mind. Meanwhile, I intend to keep it as long as I can. With some help and technical support that seems possible.

How are you?

 

Welcome to the forum from a fellow newbie

 

Hello MittenHed

I too am a MiniMainer (2 Mini family). If you're insulted by the clown car comment, just tell 'em ya couldn't drive ya backhoe today because it's in the shop for repaih (not a typo) Actually, I get more admiration for my Mini from old - I mean old- native Mainers. You know, guys and gals in their pressed unisex Dickies: "What is that?" Thoughtfully "Real cunnin' cah." It's the transplants who have ego issues.

Please feel free to PM me.

David

 

See peopel make fun of you for driving a MINI also
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=86170


Life partner ah?

 

Welcome and Enjoy

 

I don't much care what people say. By the time they are looking at my tail lights I can't hear them anyway. Cunnin' Cah? You bet. Backhoe in the shop? I don't think so. I can fix backhoes. Still have a lot to learn about fixing Minis.

Mid coast is a bit downeast from here. I am just outside of Portland.

 

Wow! I almost never hear negative about MINI of Peabody - sorry you're disappointed with them :(

Most New England chat is over on MINI2, but there is a regional forum here on NAM too

 

Ditto that. They've been terrific to me

 

MOP

Took the car in last December or so. Running badly. No power, 25mpg. Was told that this is normal. Had the car towed in a week later. Would not run at all. Well, I drove it onto the car carrier, but would not trust it on the street. Wiring harness had a corroded fitting. (Have your ever driven this car in the rain?) Common problem. MOP replaced the harness. Why was this common repair so painful? Makes no sense. 25mpg on the highway is NOT normal for a standard Cooper.

Car in for service, 36,000 warrantee kissoff. Brake pads are worn down to nothing. Bought new brake pads. Waited forever for the parts guy to come to the counter and paid way more than the website said. Pulled the wheels. If the brake pads were worn, they sold me used ones.

I am not used to that sort of treatment. Sure, they have a nice waiting room, are polite and smile when they take your money, but they are not honest. They just do not expect their customers to know better. Get a second opinion before you give these people your life savings.