Recommendations, only.

I'm half way between the two dealers and will need some warranty things attended to soon. Any positive experiences of one over the other?

 

I haven't had any experience with the San Antonio dealership. However I just bought Betty at the Austin dealership late last month and it was, by far, the best buying experience I've ever had. Since then I've been in quite a few times to get accessories, buy an extended warranty, etc.
And I've got an apt on the 16th to go have Betty serviced (window pinch sensor's being a bit dodgy).
Really great experience with parts and service dept as well. Each time I've gone in they've been very friendly and helpful. The parts guys will go out of their way to assist you, as will the service department.
I really can't say enough about the Austin dealership, as a whole. They really rock my world.

 

On the other hand, I bought my MINI from mini of San Antonio and had a few warrenty issues worked on there. They did a great job - in and out quickly - and were helpful and friendly. I've never been to the Austin dealer.

Looks like you can take your pick. Too bad all decisions weren't this easy!.
Cheers
mf

 

Well, the problem is travel (and possible loaner car). It's roughly 50 miles to either one. If it's a day job (oil change, etc.), I can hang around or take a bus into town for excitement. Otherwise it's a BIG hassle to get a ride home.

 

Would you mind sharing your extended warranty details?

 

Sure, what do you want to know?

 

Either... Both are good dealers.

 

Someone in the Countryman section was complaining that he had to drive all the way to Austin because he had bad ju ju with SA. FWIW.

 

In my experience the SA dealership is less than completely competent for service work.

 

Price? Terms? Coverage? Offered through MINI or aftermarket?

 

It was offered by MINI at the time of purchase. As far as price, terms, and coverage I honestly don't remember everything right off the top of my head, other than I'm covered for another 6 years or additional 100,000 miles. Let me check my paperwork and get back to you later on today, hopefully. Got a crap ton of stuff to do before I start school next month so I'm sort of running around headless chicken style.
What I would suggest is calling up your local dealership, and asking to talk to their finance dept as they're the ones that handle the extended warranty services.

 

Well, I took the car to MINI of Austin for the pump recall and chain tensioner.

In and out in 3 hours, while I watched **** Van Dyke Show reruns in the lobby, and drank weak Starbucks coffee out of an automated machine. Happy camper, otherwise.

Going back up tomorrow for a follow-up on the melted hood scoop and a couple of other items... including an @6K oil and filter change for $69 ($20 bucks more than DIY, and worth it in my book... if I'm going to be there anyway). Far North Austin is just SUCH an uninteresting and desolate place. I'm hoping I'll get a loaner, as this looks like a day-long job (probably a multi-visit job).

A fun list of MINI (but not mini) irks: SRS and belt chime errors, fuel gauge sender, sunroof noise, and bad bonnet stripes top the bill.

Both the Austin and SA dealers are Penske operations paired with Penske BMW dealerships.

EDIT: Ha! The forum software won't let me spell out the first name of Jerry Van Dyke's brother.

 

I know what you mean.
I live about the same distance from the closest dealer.The good thing is,I work somewhat close to the dealer and can easily return their loaner car.
Without a loaner,it would be a pain.

 

Since on the topic of Service -
My wife ordered her Mini from a dealer outside our area (State). Do not have a Mini Dealer in town, (closest is 6 hours +) just a BMW dealer - can they do all the maintenance, honor the warranty and the like?

 

Nope, they will not touch it.

 

pump recall? Holy crap...gonna go google now...