I just got my new MINI and unfortunately my apartment complex does not have any sort of cover for our cars. I didn't care so much when I just had a beat up Neon, but now I'm super scared of every thunderstorm that blows through. I thought maybe a car cover might help in case of storms and perhaps a little with some surprise hail.

I almost bought the outdoor cover sold by the MINI dealerships, but I read a post somewhere that those covers might be a little brittle and scratchy. Do any of you have car cover experience that you could share with a newbie?

Any help or advice is much appreciated.

Thanks!

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05 MCS Auto, Sport, Cold, Lamps, Electric Blue, White Roof and Mirrors, Chrome Grille, body match dashboard

 

You did good by not getting the MINI cover ar the dealership. I had them order me one and I returned it after one look.....cheap, but sells for $197.

I have a cover from Montana Car Cover Company that I paid about $130 for. It's not bad but all covers are a pain. They also get dirty easily and when it rains they are not 100% waterproof, the dirt goes through them with the rain and gets the car filthy. Still, if you no other choice a car cover is an improvement over no cover at all. It helps prevent sun damage.

If you want a little hail protection the Evolution fabric is probably best due to it's thickness.

 

There are plenty of good covers that block out the elements. I used a "Noah" brand cover on my Triumph one winter, it worked like a charm. The car stayed dry as a bone and clean in the worst rainstorms. The Noah cover cost about $120 plus shipping.

The best, modern covers are made of space age fibers that are gas permeable, allowing an air exhange through the fibers while repelling moisture. They are also custom-made to fit your car perfectly. With such a cover, the car stays dry as long as the cover is in good condition. Used constantly, I'd expect a good cover to last at least a year in the climate here in VA.

However, ice and snow must be removed at once. If ice forms on the cover, it blocks air exchange and moisture will form on the car.

Do a Google search for "car covers" you'll get tons of info.

Yes, it appears the MINI dealer cover is a ripoff, good ones may be had for significantly less money.

 

I'm in the same situation, I live in an Apartment with no garage. However, with a very good car cover and proper care, it's possible to keep your car looking brand new.

Check out California Car Cover where you can select the best cover for any given climate, they're pricey but worth every penny (they also have the Noah).
If you want the best protection and can afford it, get two: one for summer climate and one for Winter climate.
I live in California so I only need one cover year round (which happens to be machine washable, so I can keep it clean easily) and with regular Zaino treatment, my car looks as nice as any great looking garaged cars.

Good luck.

 

Ditto the good experience with the car covers made from the "NOAH" fabric. I got one for my MINI a year ago and it has held up great. It is not completely waterproof, but will breathe like Gortex. I shopped around and got it for about $160. Fits good too. Also, it is a 1-2 mm thick or so, so it offers atleast some protection from small hail. Big hail? Run quick for every blanket and comforter in the house you can grab and cover your baby while being pelted (true personal story!).

 

Check out Moss Mini's new little Cab Cover. It goes over your top and windows. It keeps the sun out. I just ordered one today out of their new catalog. They have one online for the convertible, but the one for the Cooper and S cars has a part number of: 100-154. They are $49.95 in the catalog. The guy on the phone quoted $54.95. I got it for the catalog price and they shipped it today.

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...73&SortOrder=1

I also have a full car cover. Here is a previous post.