ok - 1st thanks for all the input from socal ppl regarding experience etc at local mini dealers. i decided to get into Assael in Monrovia - 50mile one way drive for me. i booked appt as brake inspection (figuring that my service and warranty contract expired this month) so that if i could get new brakes then why not (brakes have been fine - maybe not perfect (car has 19k miles, 6500 when i bought it from orig owner 11/2007) turns out, even tho my car is 2005 - its orig service date was 10/04 so service contract expired already.

so i asked them to look it over for anything under warranty that needs to be covered. they pulled it right in and 20 minutes later said i had a few leaky gaskets, everything will be covered under warranty and here's a free rental car - we hope to have you back in your mcs by close of business tonight.

i'll post after i pick up the car, but at this point, my initial impression with Assael is positive.

 

so service promised car would be ready by 5 - shortly after 5 they called me that the car was ready to go

b/c it's a 100 mile round trip and we're talking socal traffic, i'm gonna pick up the car in the morning - so i'll post another update with my post pickup impressions - but at this point, Assael is making a good impression on me.

 

Picked up the car this morning. The fact that I brought it in asked them to look it over for any warranty issues and they replaced the oil pan and valve gaskets makes me very happy. Everyone was polite, professional and very friendly. It's one experience - but it's definitely a good first impression.

Re: buying the extended warranty - not sure I can pull the trigger on $2500 - so I may need to see if there's wiggle room (like say $1200 of wiggle room) or if I can buy a 24 month xtnd warranty for ~$1200.