Hi - just bought a 2015 stick shift. They are "highly" suggesting I buy the additional maintenance package for $2,195.00 which can be tacked on to my monthly payments. It covers the clutch, brakes, etc. Any advice? Is it worth it?

Thanks!

 

I am sure others will chime in with differing opinions, but provided you get full brake service including rotors as well as a clutch it's not a terrible investment. I have it on my CPO 2015 and because I was buying it from 2,000 miles away while at a conference and with my wife as proxy I neglected to take into account that mine is an auto, so while I would have been happier were it a manual (the clutch was the kicker for me) I am not completely remorseful.

 

Depends on how long the coverage is, how many miles you will drive and how hard you are going to be on the brakes & clutch. Also need to read the fine print carefully. Just because they say it covers the clutch, what are the exceptions to that? Is this a MINI plan or an after market unaffiliated plan?

Lots of information required before you decide.

For me I prefer to have $2195 in the bank and then pay out if needed.

 

Nope. Roll the dice and do the work yourself!

 

I have attached the 4 packages they offered me.

 

I would pass on all of those. Unless you have a habit of going through clutches (heavy city driving) I don’t see that maintenance plan paying for itself. Looks like you are already going slightly upside down on that trade to do this deal, and the interest rate isn’t awesome, so I’d be reluctant to pile on more.

Save the extra money and put it aside into savings so you have it ready when you eventually need brakes or whatever. You still have factory maintenance until 36k/3 years from the car’s in service date. (Though that 3 year point could well be past; find out.)

Maintenance at the dealer will be pricey. Find a local German car specialist and get your oil changes done there. It will cost you half as much and be done just as well.

So far the 2015 F56 series cars have been quite reliable. I don’t think you will have a lot to worry about. Do budget for tires, as MINIs do tend to go through them faster than most cars. Oh, and buy them anywhere but the dealer, unless you can get them to price match TireRack.com

Good luck and enjoy the new ride!

 

Actually you may not have free maintenance. Just checked MINI’s website and fine print says it’s not transferable. :(

http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...intenance.html