Hi All,

I'm considering becoming a Mini owner!!! This car makes so much sense to me. Affordable, high performance, fuel efficient, great looks, great resale value..... but I have a problem... the closest dealer is more than 70 miles away. Its not worth going 70 mile for my oil changes and heaven forbid I need to go there for warranty work.

What do others do? This would be my everyday driver. Is there a list of planed future dealship opening?

I'd really like the Clubman S or a JCW Clubman.... I can almost taste it!!!

j

 

I had the same considerations as my dealer is 130 miles away. Hopefully there want be any major issues. The oil changes and services are scheduled so far apart I did not see it as a problem. There is also the fact that I tried and could not find another car that I wanted. Just go order one.

 

Make plans to visit other things in the area while you are in for servicing. Personally, I think it would be well worth it.

 

If you like the MINI that much the 70 miles isn't so bad. And as Ace121 put it, the servicing is far apart. For all the reasons you listed, a MINI makes the most sense. And no doubt you'll enjoy the ride to the dealer, provided there isn't any traffic congestion.

CROC 411

 

I'll have 2 hours to the nearest warranty shop. I'm just crossing my fingers that there are no major issues with it. If there are some minor issues I can save them up for a special trip over (maybe if I'm over on business).

 

Hey all thanks for the input... this is still something I'm going to have to think about.
I've heard there are often warranty issues so expect to make the trip. And if its like other dealerships the first visit they determine the problem, but never have the parts in stock so you need to come back again.

Is the dealership network expanding? How can I find out if a new dealership is planned for my area?


Thanks agian for the comments

j

 

I wish they would just partner with other BMW dealerships to do warranty work on them.

Like I said -- I'm hoping -- like most -- I have minor annoyance issues and not major issues. If this is the case, I can come to get them checked out one month and return for the fix the next month.

If I have major work during warranty, they will tow my vehicle and I'll drive over to pick it up when it's done.

 

I live 210 miles from my dealership

As has been mentioned, just make plans in the area. If it's a long service, dealerships are generally pretty good about giving you a loaner.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong -- but most of the issues so far have been annoyance issues have they not? I mean the vast majority of these vehicles (the newer models) are mechanically sound. I know the first couple years they had issues with the transmission, but those seem to be cleared up for the most part.

 

I live 100 miles from mine 1 time a year and i am set, I also love Ikea which is there too..when warranty end s have a BMW shop and euro shop who can do it

 

60 miles for ours, but MINI Roadside will tow if necessary, and we like going into town anyway.

 

I will be 100 miles from my dealership, but the scheduled appointments should only be once or twice per year, and for small issues, I can just wait until an appointment, or until my wife and I plan on going into town anyhow. We live in maine, but we usually go to Boston (where the dealership is) at least 5-6 times every year.

 

70 miles isn't really that far. My dealer is 215 miles away and I'm OK with that.

 

That's what makes these cars nice and unusual in some parts of the country. Not many folks will buy a car that has a dealership 2 hours away. There are some around Birmingham, but those are the die hards.

 

My dealer is about 4 1/2 hours away, and I had the same concerns when I bought mine back in 02. It was still a new car (model), there were alot of reports of problems. My car has been back to the dealer three times, two scheduled ("free") services, and a california emissions recall. Sure it cost me time off of work, but I got to drive my MINI all day . I timed one of the visits w/ AMVIV 1, so it was a good time anyway.

70 miles isn't that far to be from your dealer. I would consider that to be close...

Good luck!

Nik

 

i say go for it. i am lucky and my dealer is only a 5 min drive but my youngest sister has a new convert mini and her dealer is 380 miles away and she doesnt mind at all. The actually made her a great deal because she has the same concern. The owner of the dealership has personally assured her that if she ever needs to have the car left for war work, they will let her have another mini to drive while they do it! ( HOW COOL IS THAT!!! )

 

As mentioned before you will love ur mini so much, 70 mi will feel like nothin. It like a mini mini road trip

 

I'll say thats cool, If I can get a good deal and that agreement from my dealer it would be a done deal!!!!

What is the name and location for this dealership?

j