So I live 2.5hours from the closest Mini dealer... actually pretty much right in between 3 different dealers.

My wife and I would love to get a Countryman but we are worried about how far away from a dealer and service center we would be.

Thought I'd ask around and see what experience other people had with the reliability of their Mini, how often you have yours in the shop, and what kind of life we could expect from the RF tire (this would be my first experience with them)... and to see if anyone else is in the same position that we are in.

 

I'm in a similar situation - 2 hours to two dealers. It's doable, but you need a little flexibility in your work/home sked to do it.

You will need to be able to devote a day to regular services, as long as you make a reservation ahead of time, you should/will be able to get a loaner, so hopefully you'll be ale to find something to do while waiting in town.

My Cooper had the infamous steering failure issue, and both times (they could never get the issue to turn up when they had it) since it was in warranty, a truck came and carried her away to the dealer, and then brought her home fixed. At least, on the second occasion. So you need to be able to get by on one car for a few days or so.

As to reliability, in my experience, very, but of course YMMV. Except for the steering, it would only go in for an oil change etc, and since I bought the car used, most of those have been out of warranty, and thus NOT at the nearest dealerships.

 

so the warranty covers them coming and picking up the mini... and returning it?

 

Yup - it didn't cost me a dime. Thankfully.

 

Both pickup and return, to be clear, yes. And she travelled on the back of a flatbed truck. Very cushy.

 

I live 1 hour from the closest MINI dealer. And the dealer I purchased my Countryman from is over 2 hrs away.

This is my 3rd MINI.

your MINI comes with a maintence pkg that covers almost everthing except gas and tires. So you may have to take it in for oil changes, brakes etc.
When I make an appt (usually on a SAT as I work M_F)I always ask for a loaner and make a day of it doing something in that city.

I have always been able to get a loaner if I call ahead. You can schedule regular service online.

1st Mini had overheated(under warranty) ( this problem has been rectified in future MINI;s) they came picked up the car and towed it. I have never asked them to return it I always go pick it up.

2nd MINI turbo blew, fuel pump had to be replaced and timing chain tensioner replaced. Each time car was towed. And while it was being fixed I was given a loaner to drive.

So as you can see I love the MINI, my dealership(s) are awesome to work with and always give me a loaner MINI.

Would it be easier if they had a delership in the town I live...yes, but it is a minor inconvience to drive the 1-2 hours for a repair.

You won't be sorry if you get a new Countryman, I love mine.

 

I have lived two hours away for the 7 years I had my 2004 MCS, and I went in once a year for service, for the first four years. I had power steering problems, brakes needed to be replaced, the oil gasket leaked, and the alignment was off over the past three years, necessitating trips about twice a year. I agree, the loaner is key, but I also don't mind waiting with work/reading materials/laptop handy. I just picked up my CM today, and it was the best trip home!

 

Bought my clubbie when lived in NM and lived 5 min from the dealer. Then moved to IN and am now 110 miles away. Was a pain to take Ziggy in for her maintenance but each time gave me a loaner or rental car for free. I just got Sully the CM and this new dealer gave me 4 vouchers for local pickup and delivery that can be used for maintenance/service or whatever. They will pick you up locally and deliver your Mini to the dealer for service. Seems like a good deal. We'll find out.