Hello all!! I am a new owner of a used 2003 Cooper S in the Raleigh area. I have all of the standard questions:

Is there a local mechanic or shop for Mini's in the Raleigh area?
Any Mini events happening here or are they all going on in surrounding areas?
Any suggestions for a new owner from you veterans out there?

The first question I have about my car is why when you start the car and you have left the AC on, you get a musty smell for about 10-30 seconds....

It is happening with another new owner of a used 2005 Cooper S that I know also.

The second question is do you have to go to a dealer to get a second key made or is there a locksmith in the Raleigh area who can make a key?

Almost 300.00 for a programed key from Flow in Winston-Salem smells like a huge rip-off!

Is there any place I can go to check to see if there were any recalls on the car?



Okay, that enough for starters. I look forward to seeing all of the Raleigh area Coopers on the road!!!!!

 

Check out http://tarheelminis.org for events and other great info about your questions.

 

Hello all!! I am a new owner of a used 2003 Cooper S in the Raleigh area. I have all of the standard questions:

Is there a local mechanic or shop for Mini's in the Raleigh area?

The best is in Thomasville, NC GrassrootsGarage.com

Any Mini events happening here or are they all going on in surrounding areas?

Plenty of that info at Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club

Any suggestions for a new owner from you veterans out there?

See response above

The first question I have about my car is why when you start the car and you have left the AC on, you get a musty smell for about 10-30 seconds....

That's somewhat normal if your previous drive was short and moisture built up is AC vents. Also, have your cabin air filter replaced

It is happening with another new owner of a used 2005 Cooper S that I know also.

The second question is do you have to go to a dealer to get a second key made or is there a locksmith in the Raleigh area who can make a key?

Most likely not

Almost 300.00 for a programed key from Flow in Winston-Salem, smells like a huge rip-off!

Wish I could comment on that one

Is there any place I can go to check to see if there were any recalls on the car?

If you take it to Flow for a service call, they will provide you with all that info and give you a plan for updates. Joe Yoder is the best

 

Welcome

 

The key is about $150 IIRC, and then any of the keys from 2005 and earlier must be logged on to the GM via dealership GT1. That would be .5 to 1.0 labor hr.

 

Welcome to the madness.. In addition to tar heel minis, there is also M2C2.. the mini motoring club of the carolinas. We are an active group.. always seems like we are doing something. From driving to meet and eats, there is something for everyone.
Suggestions to new owners.. hm.. that could take a long time to type out. -- just enjoy the car.. it is so much fun to drive.. and read your owners manual... there is alot of good information in there..
Congratulations on your mini, looking forward to seeing some pictures!!!
You can also check for recalls on your car on miniusa.com on the owners lounge.
Looking forward to meeting you.

 

Welcome and congrats!

We have a thriving MINI community in Raleigh now - several Raleigh area events coming up - come out and meet other MINI owners, and we can answer these questions (and more!):

Monthly Tranquil Triangle Thursdays meet on July 10th.

Meet & Motor & Beer Tasting on July 12th.

 

Welcome! Snoop around the threads for events, there are plenty this summer and fall, (including my Alpaca run), and you've just made a new circle of friends who share one common theme--we <heart> our MINIs!

Come join us for a run, event or meal sometime...

 

Welcome ns
I want to know more about your car. I think Mark answered most of your questions. Color, etc. Pics are nice as well. Enjoy the motoring!!! Look forward to meeting you at an event soon.