Hi there! I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get some advice on care for my mini. I bought it used with about 50k miles last summer, and it is due for its "Inspection II" I am skeptical of taking cars to the dealer for anything, as the prices are usually exorbitant. An Inspection II at my local mini dealer is $560, which seems to be what dealers usually charge for this service. My experience so far with minis is that they are advertised as needing a fair amount of "specialty care" from the dealer. My question is how much specialty care they actually need. Should I get my major $60k mile service done at the dealer where they check a million things and charge me a ton, or should I take it to the local mechanic who will charge me half the price. Does the mini need special oil/fluids/filters that the dealer will provide, or will I be just as well off and with less of a bill if I go somewhere cheaper?

Thanks!!!!

 

Do what you're comfortable with. If you trust your third party mechanics, then by all means go through them. If not, then go to the dealership.

 

Not to be dense, but I'm a little new to foreign cars, and I'm confused on whether the mini needs special care that only the dealer can provide...is it ok to take the mini to the third party mechanic?

Thanks!

 

Do you already have an Independent MINI Mechanic that you use, if so then go to him/her they will know what services/parts/fluids are required for your MINI.

If not then I would suggest taking your MINI to your local dealer, have them do the required maintenance, then you can inquire as to what else may need to be done down the road and then make the determination whether or not you want the dealer to service your MINI or if an Independent shop will have the capabilities to take care of your MINI for you.

Remembr, money spent now will help keep your MINI stay on the road longer, just like any other vehicle you may own in the future.

Good Luck!!

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Find the local MINI club and check out their website. Often, they will know local mechanics that can be trusted with working on your car.