Hi, all,
Do any of you in AZ have any experience with this dealership for service once out of warranty? I'm curious about how you feel about the quality of their service and their pricing policies.

I mean, $50 for "shop supplies" on every bill??

And how many of you actually go to a dealer after the warranty is expired? I'm finding out that I may be better off getting tires from tire places and my work done independently, but . . .

Thanks,
Paula

 

Defiantly, go to Independent shop much cheaper parts and labor rates. As for TIRES, Tire Rack has good deals on tires and have good suggestions on shops in your area to install with pricing some as low as $14 balance and mount per wheel in my area.
That was on new Hunter equipment, too

 

+1 - definitely do NOT pay the dealer for out-of-warranty work, and NEVER pay a dealer for tires! In Phoenix there are plenty of great indy shops that will do better work and not rob you blind.

 

Try these guys http://www.azbimmermotorwerks.com/ . they are in Mesa. Thats where my car is spending th night

 

$50 for Shop Supplies! And they dont identify what its for? Its almost funny how dealers will figure out ways to steal from ya. You ought to thank them for not charging you for the air you breathe while your there.

 

I've had nothing but good experiences at MINI North Scottsdale, and just used their 39% off special to get my clutch replaced. That said, Bavarian Motors LTD on 16th St and Oak (602) 254-7380 is a fantastic shop, and came recommended by three people I talked to. They were very friendly, fast and reasonably priced. Ray is the owner.

 

Definitely go with the independent shop for out-of-warranty work. Or, hook up with the local motoring kids and learn to do it yourself. It can be part of the "joy of ownership".

MNS can be hit and miss for service (kinda like Jekyll and Hyde). MNS has a very Penske (parent company) philosophy: "We're here to sell cars, not service them."

MINI of Tempe is more consistent and well liked by the local motoring enthusiast community, but their prices are no better - they also are owned by Penske, but seem to have a little more leeway to do things right being further away from their corporate offices in Scottsdale.

As far as out of warranty work goes, there are several options including Beyer BMW in Chandler and AZBimmerworks in Mesa. Both are good shops with very knowledgable techs.

I've also found that Discount Tire Co is generally reasonable. Just take the time to tell them what you want, what your concerns are, and the impacts if they make a mistake. They'll do right by you.

 

Thunderball Kaboom: North Scottsdale MINI is the place where 3 service managers told me, repeatedly, that I could NOT go to non-run flats because "the rims on the MINI are made only for runflats. If you want to change to regular tires, you will have to buy all new rims." So, I kept buying sets of overpriced runflats, thinking I had no choice. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Now that I'm out of warranty, there is no reason to go to a dealer, period. However, I am glad you had a good experience.

OldGameFreak: FYI, I sent AZ Bimmers an email asking them about MINIs as they do not list them on their site as a car they work on. I got an email back from Cody saying that they are not certified to work on MINIs and that they are not comfortable with all the possible services a MINI might need, but that they are doing more of them these days. I think I'll skip that one for now until they get more under their belts. lol

I have also found that Network Alignment, apparently, can do all sorts of work on many cars, including MINI. Alignments, control arms, bushings--all the things I need (according to the dealer). We shall see on Saturday . . . I'll let everyone know what happens!

I've also heard good things about Beck's European. They do mostly Porsches, but also BMWs and MINIs. Checking them out as well, plus the places you all listed.

Thank you!!!

 

Hi, Finner!

No kidding. I have never been charged for shop supplies anywhere, including MNS. When I asked what the $50 was for and why it was the same on every bill (makes it seem pretty arbitrary), the main manager there, Gary, said it was for sprays, towels, "you know, miscellaneous supplies. And every shop does it." lol I asked for it refunded and he said no. I still haven't filled out the infamous "survey" so perhaps I will get my $50 back from corporate?

It's all rather bogus. Plus now, for every service you decline, they are attaching repair propaganda to your bill to make you think that your family's welfare is in danger over something as simple as a minor alignment. Oy vey!