I have finally purchased the MINI I have always wanted - my husband calls it my mid-life crisis vehicle . . . I have found myself suddenly being concerned about how I am going to take care of it with being in the middle of the dealerships in Alexandria and Richmond. It is a 2008 MINI with about 21,500 miles on it. It was well taken care of, but nearing the end of its maintenance warranty. Still trying to decide if I am going to do the trek to either of the dealerships with an extended maintenance agreement . . . If you have a MINI and live in Fredericksburg (or near), I would greatly appreciate feedback on what you decision was regarding the maintenance extension AND if the decision was to go to a local mechanic, who would that be? Greatly appreciated . . .

 

We're in Culpeper and on our second MINI.....2003 was bought from MINI of Sterling and it always went back there for service except a couple of times I took it to Waterloo Motors in Warrenton. They specialize in foreign cars and always did a good job...brakes/oil change. Our present 2010 MINI Clubman was bought at Crown Mini of Richmond and I must say I have enjoyed them much more so than Sterling and I took it back there for a six month visit. (I'll be going again shortly for the state inspection.) For you in Fredericksburg that would be the easiest dealer to reach...wouldn't it? I've never bought extended warranties on any of my cars...I just won't do it and in over 35 years of car ownership there was only one occasion where it would have proved beneficial. There is a new one man operation here in Culpeper and there was a feature on its opening in the newspaper, and it talked about how the first car he worked on at his new shop was a MINI Cooper...I'm going to check it out when I have a moment.....for simple oil changes it might be the place to go....enjoy your MINI....I might even see you around.

 

Thanks for getting back to me (and the input). I will take my car to Richmond for the service within the warranty, but I won't be extending. I found a mechanic that moved his shop from Alexandria to Fredericksburg (slower pace). His mechanics gave my car an evaluation as a third party so it helped me in making my decision. He specializes in European make cars (he will also work on Japanese made and domestic, but he specializes in BMW, Audi, Mercedes and of course, the MINI.) Name is Forza (owner is Nick) and he is located on Ferry Road.
BTW, I have a MINI Cooper S in black with white stripes on the hood and black and white checkered hardtop and mirrors. Give me a honk and wave if you see me around.