I'm bidding on an eom car cover for my mini, since it's been doing way more sitting than driving :(
I'm here in the black hills of south Dakota, and there is crazy tons of mica dust in the air! It's all over the car. I keep telling my uncle to quit touching it bc it'll scratch the paint! Lol.

Anyway, after a little research, someone said the OEM car cover was NOT waterproof. Can any validate this for me? I need to know if I should increase my eBay bid beyond $50 (with 6 days left, it'll prolly go for double that), or if I should just cough up $100 for one of these: http://www.empirecovers.com/detail.a...rReviewSummary

Everyone gave the cover good reviews, and it's about the only fair priced cover that is waterproof, and not one of those eBay janky ones that lots of people say are crap in their reviews (even the "6 layer" ones people complain about, then have issues with refunds, and contacting the seller)

Yes I know the car may get scratched, but I don't hardly drive it anymore, and it's just sitting in the yard getting weathered and mica dusted to death! I plan on washing her good, then covering it, and only covering her after a wash to hopefully prevent scratching!

 

The OEM is nylon, so no, it's not waterproof (though possibly resistant.) I wouldn't use mine for continuous coverage.
Note that any 'waterproof' cover will lose this ability over time. Key is that moisture can evaporate out through the cover, as even if it it is 'waterproof', temperature changes will still cause condensation under the cover. FWIW, I'm a fan of covers with mirror pockets. Otherwise you have a big gap from the mirrors (can be reduced by folding them in) which will allow more movement against the car in windy conditions.

 

Thanks for the info! Guess if I can get an OEM one for 50$, not a bad deal. I just need something here... Guess SD has regular hail storms >:( and I have to share a garage with a Chevy 2500 and a suburban :( so, as you can imagine, not much room there for me. I get about half the car in and covered with the awning, then I have to pad and tarp it, which is a super pita, and I'm always worried about scratches bc of all this damn mica dust.

It's all been super frustrating.

 

Just bought an OEM one for our coupe (not cheap though) and it's a nice fit and seems to be waterproof. It's black with red roof(racing stripes on roof) and red mirror covers with the min logo, looks cool.
I hear you on the garage problem, Have our Sequoia in there and with all the tool box's and bench's/shelving no way the Mini's going to fit in there.
Wifes having a fit and want's me to "re-arrange" the garage for her Mini.
It's a no win situation.
We also put foan padding and a tarp over it if hail is threatening.