Hello everyone,

My name is Christina. Just wanted to introduce myself, I'm trying to learn more about cars. I figured this would be a good place since my bf is totally clueless. I'm tired of feeling ripped off when I go to the dealer.

Thanks

 

Welcome! You'll learn a lot here for sure Just dive head first into the forums, and don't be afraid of the large threads, there's a lot of info there. Also, do you have a MINI? If so, what year and model do you have?

 

Its a good place to find out about your MINI. Congrats and post up some pics, and then we can tell you more about your MINI.

Thanks

 

Welcome to NAM, ChristinaK, ask away. Hopefully there is a MINI in your near future.

 

I have a 2013 MINI Cooper S Convertible

 

Wooohooo! Sounds like fun. Too bad the top down weather is starting to fade. That is unless you're in a top down 365 kind of climate, if so, then good on ya!

 

Post up some pics and congrats.

 

tell us where you are and perchance we can point you to some local groups or resources .....


if you want to look at automotive basics, check your local adult education resources. SOME places I've lived there were very good courses offered about basic automotive maintenance and repair via the community college or high school system . . . The Norfolk VA area was particularly rich in this area a few years ago.


The local Air Force base offers a course in basics aimed particularly at spouses who's partner (who took care of the car) is about to deploy. A GREAT starting point . . .


*******
the best way to get rid of the 'ripped of by the dealer feeling'


is to find a good local mechanic .... ask around .... here's a good place to start: I'm gonna bet that on any nice weather weekend there's a car show or two around your town. Seek them out ... it is typically free to come and look .... you may find some MINI folks there. Strike up a conversation ..... and away you go ....


You can even look at independent BMW mechanics ... many also do MINI ... not all, so call and ask.


Bottom line tho is that an independent mech' usually charges a fraction of what the dealer does since the dealer is "bound to a book". For example a local mech' charged me 1/2 what the dealer wanted to replace the thermostat housing on my 07S. And I do brake pads and rotors for local folks for free ... they buy the parts, I put 'em on (while teaching them how)




*************
p.s.


most folks start in first gear . . . .


but that's OK .....


I skip shift all the time . . . and pulling out in second is not a problem if you can control your clutch slip . . .

 

Welcome, we are happy to help with anything you need.

It is common for dealers to give that feeling as they often don't want to explain what exactly is going on, then on top of that they are expensive making you feel taken advantage of. Ask questions and get them to put info in writing, then ask someone you trust is the best thing you can do to start.

 

^ Way's a guy full of informations! You'll learn heaps if you stalk his posts like I do

 

Also, scroll thru the Club Directory and find one near you. There will be every shade of car/MINI enthusiast you find right there and they will welcome you into the fold.
Warranty work - dealership
Regular service cycle stuff and post warranty - independent shop
Visit Way and order the 'lightInSight'. Don't ask why, just do it and thank me later.