12/27/14.

The battery went out this morning in my 2010 John Cooper Works Mini, so I called the Automobile Club of Southern California and tried out their new policy of carrying batteries in their trucks.

A really nice guy named Cristhian Luis Ponce showed up in his AAA truck and changed the battery right out in 45 minutes for about $150.00. That included a printed read out of my battery (shot) and alternator (just fine), and a 3-year warranty through AAA. And he did it in my driveway.

Cristhian and I compared my Mini to his Nissan 350Z he had sitting at home. There are many similarities between the two like great handing and quickness. Unlike the Mini, he's got a Nitrous tank in the Z car as well too...

Here's a recent photo of my 2010 John Cooper Works Mini.

Thank you AAA. You saved me again.

 

+1 for AAA. I also have their auto insurance. When I was in an accident a few years ago, they were awesome..

 

AAA is awesome! I've been a member for over 10 years and they have never failed me. I drive 120 miles/day just for work so it's mandatory to have a solid and reliable roadside service not to mention the discounts it offers for travel and etcetera. My auto insurance coverage has it too for back up purposes.

Since you have a 2010 JCW… Isn't too soon for the battery to go out? Gotta be a least 60 months, right?

 

My 2010 John Cooper Works Mini battery lasted 5 years. It was putting out 9 volts at the end, not 12, and it was almost co9mpoletely depleted.

According to the guy who put in the new one, everyone should change their battery every 3 years. Makes sense...you really depend on your battery to start when you need it to.

 

Another +1 for AAA. I've used them more than I care to admit (although never yet for one of the MINIs -- knock on wood!), and it's a nice bit of piece of mind to have that card in my wallet. Just gotta make sure that there's phone service . . .

Also use their insurance, and have had great service there too. Being in SoCal, I really like being able to take title and registration stuff into the Auto Club office instead of having to go to the DMV.

 

AAA also offers extended warranty for autos. Anyone use them to extend warranty on a Mini?

 

Did they replace your battery with a Mini brand battery? The AAA tow truck driver was able to check your AC to make sure it was charging? I have AAA and love them!