Hey all, first post and a non-mini owner also. To the point, I have really got the hots for a cooper s even though I have never driven/ridden in one. I would more than likely be buying an 03 or another used out of warranty car due to my budget. In my research I have learned that these cars are not toyota/honda perfect and more than likely will need some service that is beyond my mechanical abilities. I can change oil/filters and some other basics, but after that its to the dealer...SO what are all you bammers doing for service work?

Does Tom Williams/B'ham or Century/H'ville do service work on minis? I am in Decatur. Are there any independent shops that work on minis in the Decatur/Huntsville area? Do you folks have to go to Nashville, TN for everything? If so I may have to look a VWs/Mazdas/Hondas instead.

So how is living with a mini in N AL?

 

Several place in the Bham area do after-warranty work. But you'd better wait for input from the Rocket City MINI bunch. They can give you the scoop on places more convenient to you.

 

Are you looking to buy a manual or an automatic?

 

Bamatt, a Midlands manual unless I can save up for a newer model. No cvt for me.

 

i'm also live in decatur, i have an 07 so i will be going to nashville if it needs any work since i have a warranty. i've had my MINI cooper s since 8.3.07 and haven't had any problems with it. if you have the nots for one now without driving/ridden in one don't cause it will be even worse after you do. by the way honda of decatur has an 04 green MINI Cooper auto with 31k miles on it. they are asking 16,990 for it, you can see it >here<.

if you want to see inside or take a ride in a 07 MINI s i could meet you somewhere sometime.

 

Soul, thanks for the offer, I emailed you.

 

So I guess I can assume all these Huntsville/Decatur Minis are still under warranty or else never need any local service or repairs.

 

Where are those Huntsville folks to answer these questions?

Here in Birmingham, we have a couple shops that will work on MINI's. I go to Stephen's Garage and have always been very happy with the quality and price of service. Stephen is the only honest mechanic I know and a top notch guy.

Any good independent BMW mechanic should be quite competent to fix anything on a MINI, but some will have more specific experience than others.

 

Where's SB these days? He's in Huntsville and should be able to answer that question.

 

Here I am.

Century in Huntsville does not do any mechanical work on MINIs. I've been going to Ashley's Garage in Huntsville for a few years now. I've heard the person that purchased my old MINI has been there also. Huntsville doesn't have any like Stephen Garage unfortunately. A person who owns a garage and owns a MINI. So Ashley's is only familiar with what comes in on occasion. It's a great shop and they are very knowledgeable on BMW's, Audi's and Volvo's that I can see. Best of all. They don't have that BMW attitude and they love the MINI.

 

That sounds like a great shop SB. Anybody who is able to do computer diagnostics for BMW's and is willing to work on the MINI will almost certainly be competent.

There is nothing magical about our MINI's when it comes to working on them.

 

I imagine it enhances the mechanic.

 

So you're saying me dressing in a MINI skirt, singing I wear short shorts while cleaning the air filter does nothing to make it flow better? I really need to stop listening to some people.

 

Ashley Garage
3207 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL
35805
....works on MINIs... they love them. David Ashley owner and his crew of mechanics do good work, bunch of nice guys.. they can work on anything, and have the ability to do computer diagnostics. I just got my Miranda back from them... She was running HOT.. She has a new thermostat now and feeling much better. As far as cost.. I'm sure I paid less than going to the dealer.

 

Also, Y.E.S Automotive on Washington Street works on Minis. I find they are fairly trouble free. They have their quirks. But do the maintenance and they are very reliable. The S is a great car. Stay away from the automatics. BMW automatics have never been that great.