My service contract is about to expire on my 2006 Mini Cooper base w/ CVT. I'm trying to decide whether or not to pay the $1,700.00 and extend the service warranty or if I would be better off seeking out an independent mechanic that can perform standard maintenance for a lot less than the dealserships. Does anyone know of a mechanic that has experience working on Mini's, particularly CVT equipped Mini's? I live in Pottstown and work in Lansdale so anywhere in between would be fantastic.

 

Joe Spanial at Spanial's Exxon (Main Street and Orvilla Rd in Lansdale) has a MINI (I know this because I sold it to him in 2003). I'm sure he could do any required service for you. Nobody will have the kind of experience working on your MINI like the dealership. Since MINI dealerships only work on MINI's they know everything there is to know.
Good Luck!
Mark

 

Yes I can second Spanials because he does good work and is honest. They buy parts from one of our stores and we provide him with good availability of OE and aftermarket MINI parts. I also would recommend Reeses Garage in Silverdale as I know they service MINI's also and are very honest.

 

Thanks for the feedback! Just as an FYI, I had contacted Spaniels but I was told that Joe Spaniel is semi-retired and doesn't really work on the shop floor anymore which is a bummer since his shop is really close to my work. Anyway, in thinking about it, it's probably not that big of a deal. I can stick with the dealsership for the schedule 1 and 2 services. I can probably get the oil changed pretty much anywhere and I can probably handle the brake work myself. Still, thanks for helping me mull this over!

 

I may be slightly biased, but I think MINI of the Main Line has one heck of a service department. Give them a call, I'm sure they'll bend over backwards to help you out. 610.667.1000 Ask for Ed, he's the service manager.
(I suppose I should mention that I've been a motoring advisor there for a shade over 7 years)

 

lol i live in limerick and work in lansdale

i'm gonna see what reeses says about a clutch job....mine's going out :(

 

Dizzee,

Let me know what you find out about Resse's. I live in Hatfield and I'm looking to get my clutch replaced. Thanks

 

I'd check with Helix. They seem to be one of the best non-dealer resources around.

http://www.helix13.com/mini/products

 

Helix hands down. I drive over 130 miles one way to see Eric and Ralph. I'd double that if I had to. Good prices, great service, They won't steer you wrong!

New shop's waiting area is a big improvement over the old one...

 

I was going to mention Helix too. http://www.helix13.com
I live in Southeast NY and will be going to them for my 15% pulley reduction and CAI sometime soon... possibly a new Borla Exhaust, and short shifter too.
I was recommended by a co-worker who took his MINI there from Northeast PA.

 

I'm in PhillyMINI and Mike Marzo at Lion Collision in Warminster knows his Minis(he is also a member).....and he wrenches part time at Helix and that speaks for itself.