I have a partner at work who has a 2006 MCS. She keeps telling me how much the dealers charges for working on her car (husban does not work on the cars). I was seeing if anyone knew of a honest shop in the Riverside area. I do most of my own work and have not had to use a mini shop yet. I've seen some shops mentioned here in the San Diego area but was looking for something a little closer.

 

There's a really good independent mechanic in Thousand Oaks (Motoring Magic) and another one in Orange County (MINIWorx) Both of those are used by our club, and they get terrific reviews.

If you want local info, try So Cal MINI Maniacs forum, or on FB. That is the biggest club in California (might be the biggest in the country) and we have an Inland Empire group on there.

Not only are dealers more expensive, but sometimes their mechanics are not as good as the guys who have to make their livings by referrals.