So I thought I'd kill some time and make some returns at the local mall while I was out-n-about in town. I parked in an office building parking lot that was "permit parking only" after-hours (on a Saturday night; where I've parked numerous times before) and less than one block to the mall. As soon as I rounded the corner walking back, I didn't see her. Didn't I park over there? I could have sworn I parked right over there! But she wasn't there... Oh crap.

Note the numerous IMPOUND signs... Called the number and, yep, she was there. In jail. At an impound lot. At least now I can say that I've finally I received my first MINI related "ticket" today. Guess that knock-on-wood thing I did earlier didn't work. Laurel was TOWED and IMPOUNDED!
Bribery was attempted, but I failed miserably. 30 minutes and $320 later, I got her out of jail and we were back on the road.

So, my bad, I guess what I'm wondering here is: Did they hurt anything when they towed her away? She seemed to drive fine on the way home, but should I double check? And if I should, what exactly?

 

Sorry about the tow sounds like a rip off, typical though. Shoud be OK mechanically, take a close look for body or paint damage.

 

They are making a killin' on $320 to tow a car 10 blocks... Oh, well. Its a business, right? I've learned my lesson!

I did a visual inspection and everything looks OK. I've heard of horror stories about not being able to tow a MINI due to "nowhere" to hook up the winch... or that there was damage to where they did hook it up.

Now I just have to explain it to my husband

 

I had the misfortune of getting towed off of the side of the road when the MINI died on the interstate. Luckily she was still under warranty and went straight to the dealership for repairs. I watched carefully as the technician hooked her up.

First, he showed up in a flat bed. He told me that in no situation should the car be towed away without being put on a flat bed unless you are ok with lots of damage.

Second, the hook up was not at the bumper but to the frame of the vehicle just inside and behind the front tires. Apparently there are holes in the frame for towing purposes. When he came out from underneath he handed me two plastic hole plugs and told me to have the dealership put them back before I leave the service area. They keep dirt and trash out of the holes which could lead to corrosion.

Once the parking brake is released, she is pulled easily and safely to the back of the flatbed and secured for the ride. Absolutely no damage. Believe me, I checked thoroughly.

 

Thanks for the info!

I doubt they would have the courtesy to save the two plastic hole plugs. There are not many MINI's up here to begin with. Which makes me wonder if they even knew where to hook it up if the plugs were in place?

When I picked her up at the impound lot, they had a flatbed wrecker sitting out. I assume that is what they used as opposed to the old-fashioned tow trucks (think tomater on the disney movie Cars). Which makes me feel better...

 

His name is just "Mater". When he introduces himself he says "Name's Mater, like a tomater"

 

I had my MCS flatbedded after an accident. They put chains through the wheels to hold it in place. Scratched up the wheels, which were replaced by the insurance co.

 

You're right! I stand corrected!

Guess it's been a while since I've watched that flick

 

One of my Hero's. He and Lightning are my wallpaper on my work PC. Anybody (and I do consider Mater a person) that can drive backwards like that is to be considered a Great One. He's just an honest, unpretentious truck.

~ I wasn't tractor-tippin!~

Well most times.

 

Here's a CARS video for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sBlfRswpt0

 

But the name of his business is "Tow Mater", at least that's what it says on the sign above his gate, the sign that won't sit vertical because it's lacking a cross brace or cable stay.