Hi everyone,
Got my Mini Cooper S (Nemo) 6 months ago and it's time for maintenance. Just called Passport Mini and got a shock at the cost... $550! I don't have the skill or setup to do it myself so wanted to see if there are any shops that you guys trust to take the Mini too. I am hopeing those may be a bit cheaper.
Thanks!

 

To give you the most accurate information, tell us what specific maintenance items need to be addressed.

 

Sure, thanks. It's just regular maintenance.... just engine oil and vehicle check according to my app, although the dealership I called said they had to change two filters as well.

 

I don't live in the DC area, but I would think there would be plenty of independent mechanics who are familiar with MINIs in your neck of the woods. I'm pretty sure one of the filters the 'stealership' was referring to is the cabin filter, which you can access from inside the glove compartment. You can buy the part and install that yourself, no prob.

 

What year? What filters? An oil change with filter can be done at home for ~$50. And an air filter shouldn’t cost more than $20. Save some moola and DIY!

 

Geez.... stealership alright. I just called GTPeace (a shop I saw recommended on another thread) and they quoted me $250. They even said they usually recommend a change every 5000 miles and my car only has 4000, but I'll go ahead anyway since it's been 6 months.

In any case, if anyone else has recommendations for reliable mechanics around here, let me know. At least I am down 50% on price already, and they will do a tire rotation as well (which the dealership will charge for separately as well).

 

I know, I know... wish I could. I live in an apartment with no place to do any mechanical stuff. I've never done it before either so would not know how.... I guess since I never owned a Mini before, I am not 100% sure what this car needs either to keep working properly. It's has a lot more bells and whistles than my 1998 VW Cabrio!

It's a 2021 Mini Cooper S. It needs and oil change (plus oil filter). I think he is quoting me for an air filter too (which they say it's needed at the 4th oil change or 40,000 miles) so if it was never changed before, maybe that could be due (although the car has only 20k, but it's 2 years old, so it would be the 4th oil change if you count by date).

I guess I'll do an oil change with GTPeace and then ask for their advice on the rest.

 

Understand. I lived in an apartment for the first 5 years after getting married, and it pained me to not be able to work on the car at the time. Have the shop do the oil change. Air filter are super easy, and can be done in 10 minutes max. I usually change mine as part of my spring maintenance.

 

I change oil & filter when the odo shows a 5 and 3 zeros or 4 zeros. Also, a search engine for a reliable MINI wrench: https://www.minirepairshops.com/