Just bought a 2006 mini cooper. What are peoples opinions on taking it to oil can henery's to get it serviced

 

Never heard of it, but I suspect that anyone who doesn't live in Herndon, Virginia hasn't either.

Nearly any shop can do the basic things, it's just a car. Except an oil change, the filter canister can be tricky to get back on correctly.

 

I would recommend getting the correct tools and supplies and learning to do your own oil changes.

I do drive by on my commute people wearing absurd oufits at the local Oil Can Henry's - the only difference from a Jiffy Lube is the costumes. If they have the correct oil for a MINI it would be shocking.

http://www.oilcanhenrys.com/services...ice_oil_change

 

Good - Fast - Cheap
Pick two.


I'd never trust my car to any 'quickie lube' type place. If you drive under 15K/year, then the MINI calls for a yearly oil change (I go overboard and change mine at 5-7K.) Take it to a good independent shop.

 

Some kind of chain, huh? Interesting.

The OP's IP was out of Virginia, and Oil Can's own site shows no locations there.

There should be plenty of reputable independent shops. Perhaps check a local club section of NAM.

 

I prefer doing my own... gives me a good excuse to get under the car and take a look around.

I've heard bad stories about the chain places, but for every bad story, I'm sure that there are hundreds of satisfied people who drive in and drive out without a hiccup. As long as they are using a MINI factory filter (you may want to buy a few from the dealer to supply to the garage and keep them on the shelf in your garage) I don't see a huge problem with it. Supply them also the correct new copper crush washer and o-ring, if your car needs it (if you don't know, ask at your MINI dealer parts desk). Also make sure that they use a full synthetic oil... probably an upcharge over their normal rate, and watch 'em fill it from the waiting area so they don't put normal Dino oil in there.

 

Or go hire a high school kid to do it for you........ Oh never mind, the quick lubes did that for you already.......

Customer Reviews

 

Too many people make a big deal about taking their mini to a fast lube place. I take my own oil, filter etc. and then I don't have to climb under the car, get rid of my oil, drive an hour to the dealer, and save $50 each time I go. We have two mini's and I have been doing this for years. Pick a trusted chain and you will be fine. Just my 2 cents.

 

They won't change the oil filter, unless you bring your own. Some shops won't replace if you bring your own parts though, chain rules or something. Some shops will charge you full price even though you bring your own oil and filter.

 

Virginia? Go to Mach V....

 

took the car to the dealer for an oil change

they gave me the car back and 1/4 mile away I have no pressure.

Fortunately I can do a quick u-turn and return to find

nothing on the dip stick.

it ain't only quicky places that employ dunderheads

"sorry, we forgot to put in the oil"

now curiously, the last time I used a quicky place WAS in VA

and there, they brought you back to your car, pulled the dip stick and showed you the current level; then you paid.

Not all quicky's suck . . .

but TRUE, the GEN1 filter canister can be a PIA and I doubt many quicky places should be trusted with it . .

 

Actually Oil Can Henry's is a very well respected quick lube shop. I wouldn't hesitate to use them, but only if I wasn't able to do it myself.

 

When the dealer did the oil services on my MINI I always popped the hood & checked the oil before I drove away. It was always OK, but I have heard too many stories of oops, no oil after a change.

In fact whenever my car is worked on I always pop the hood & have a look.

 

Huh I never seen an Oil Can Henrys while in East coast.

 

They aren't, strictly west (mostly).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_Can_Henry%27s

 

Never heard of them.
Have never seen one.
I wouldn't trust my MINI at a quick lube shop.
We have 2 of them in town and it seems everyweek that 1 of them is in the news for screwing up somebody's car.
It's not rocket science.
More owner's should get involved in maintaining there own cars.

 

So which is it......

No Oil Can Henry's in Fla..........

 

I have seen them in Seattle, but as of a year ago they still did not carry the filter for the MINI, so be prepared that you might be stuck with bringing your own. Still, anything beats driving all the way to Tacoma for an oil change.

I am a +1 for DIY, but I know plenty of people that either do not want to, or just simply do not know how. Since the MINI's oil change is harder than some other cars, I could see why you wouldn't want to practice on it.

Good luck with your oil change.

 

Two quick lubes shops.

Jiffy Lube and the Shell Service centers around here have a decent reputation. But I only bring waste oil to them.

 

i live in washington state. Nice try

 

LOL, we were all guessing as you hadn't responded. Either way I recommend a good local mech to do it rather than a quick lube. Especially as the 1st gen can be a little difficult. to change.

 

I can see everyone's IP since I'm a moderator, and using an IP lookup tool it came back as Virginia. Never had a discrepancy before.

Anyway, it is always helpful to list your location in your profile.