I got the MINI tire and wheel warranty that the dealer sells. I was able to get it at cost about 600 bucks. 2 weeks to the day I picked up the car, I got one of those huge construction staples in my driver rear. I plucked out the staple and SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

 

Woo Hoo, my Mini is officially at the dealership. I'm impressed it arrived as promised before 1/3/12...and less than 2 months from the date of the order. I should have the car by Wednesday.

Normally I don't opt for the extended warranty, but this is my first MINI and the Countryman all4 is in year 2. That said, I'm still leaning toward going solo without tire insurance or the warranty, but before I go through the usual dance with the sales/finance manager I was wondering what others are being quoted for (i) tire insurance, and (ii) extended warranty.

BTW-I have no qualms with the dealership (they have been friendly), but so far the buying experience in terms of price was like buying a new Harley (i.e. limited wiggle room to negotiate).

Thanks...

 

I find it amusing that people pay the $700 or more for the tire warranty (or whatever warranty), then get a new $300 tire (dealer priced) when they damage one, and are happy ????

 

Please forgive my stupid question: Are the optional "all-season" tires run-flat tires like the standard "performance" tires are?

 

The performance tires are summer tires which means they are only recommended for dry and wet conditions.

If you get snow, you should go for the all season tires as they provide better snow traction. Performance summer tires are equivalent to bars of soap in snow. Individual tires vary greatly and the opinions on each vary exponentially. The typical trade offs for all season tires are decreased handling characteristics and steering feel.

 

The MINI-provided all-season tires are run-flat tires.

 

This warranty is different than the standard tire warranty. This warranty repairs/replaces at no cost the wheel and the tire if it is damaged. There is a $5,000 cap on it.

 

I thought the summer performance tires were run flats as well. Is that not the case? Too late for mine but that's what my MA told me.

 

I don't understand the comment?

If you get the tire warranty that $300 tire is "free"....2 tires and the warranty has paid for itself.

My wife got the same warranty on her BMW and had 2 flats within the first 6 months....warranty has already paid for itself.

 

The tire ain't free!
You are in effect, prepaying them for the cost of approx 2.5 tires, on the assumption you may need them replaced at some point. May not ever need them, of course. That $700 dollars could replace all 4 tires with non-RF's. I would rather pocket the money on the off-chance I will need to replace the tires if they are damaged. (notice I didn't say "went flat".) And remember, RF's CAN be repaired, depending on the situation. If they simply "go flat", they are repairable for about $10.

 

Just picked up my new MINI. The dealer quoted me $1,595 for the tire insurance. He didn't budge off the price, and said that the insurance company that used to offer tire insurance for $700-800 is no longer offering that deal for MINIs. Just repeating what I was told.

I declined the tire insurance and extended warranty.

Cheers,