Hi everyone! I'm seriously considering purchasing a MINI but have a few questions...

I'm in Pasadena, CA (Southern California). I'll probably purchase from out of state to avoid the ripoffs, but will need to take it somewhere around here for service. What dealer is best in the SoCal area? I've heard that some won't take MINIs for service on Saturdays. Also, does anyone have a good indy shop that they like in So Cal? I'd love to avoid the expensive oil changes and services post-warranty. That and after having a VW, I'm jaded and used to getting bad treatment from a dealer!

Anything else I should know? How long does it take you to get used to having the speedometer in the middle of the dash?

Thanks!

 

I don't know the answers to your service question, since I've yet to have to deal with it. And I'm in San Diego anyway, so that's no help.

But, I can tell you that you can toggle the display on the tech between the outside temperature and your speed (plus other stuff if you get the on-board computer). Therefore, you don't need to look at the speedometer in the middle of the car. There are lots of warning lights though, like the sneaky little almost-out-of-gas line that does very little to make you notice it, so you can't just ignore it entirely.

 

Welcome to NAM buster,

For a great indy shop, you should look no further than Steve's Auto Clinic. He is located in the valley, and his number is (818) 891-6109. He has done a ton of mods to people's cars here in Socal, and lots of pulley installs. You should look at the Socal section of these boards to find more info about various dealers etc.. Luckily I haven't had the opportunity to visit any dealers yet for service. I am almost at a year now too. Also be sure to check out SCMM which is a cool club here in the Socal area.

 

No time at all....okay maybe five minutes top!

 

my favorite dealer for service is Bob Smith in Calabasas. They were great!

I second the Steve's for indi work. :smile: :smile:

 

Thanks for the input. I sure wish Steve's were closer!

Another question - I understand that there are some things for the 05 that are getting rolled out in January 05. I don't really know what they are - are they worth waiting for? I'm going to get an MCS...

 

1. Best way to avoid expensive oil changes is to buy a 36mm socket and an oil pan.

2. The question isn't "how long will it take to get used to the center speedo?" The question IS; "How in the hell am I supposed to drive _______'s car with the stupid speedo mounted behind the steering wheel????" [center speedo is super easy to get used to, but I am now a fish out of water with "normally" mounted speedos]

3. Congrats on your potential purchase! Yay!

 

Its really not that big a deal at all. I was considering getting NAV just to have a speedometer where it should be... But decided not to..

I don't even know how often I really look at the speedometer to check speed... I guess I got used to the Tach and guess my speed based on the engine speed and other cars on the road..

 

In what manual is it written that the speedo can't be where is should be in a MINIYou should be able to figure out how fast your going within a few mph,by rpm and gear.And I bet more time is spent looking at radios,and air controls

 

Ok, in the MINI its where it should be, and I agree with what OmToast said earlier.. Driving other cars makes it feel like THEY are strange, not the other way around.

2. The question isn't "how long will it take to get used to the center speedo?" The question IS; "How in the hell am I supposed to drive _______'s car with the stupid speedo mounted behind the steering wheel????" [center speedo is super easy to get used to, but I am now a fish out of water with "normally" mounted speedos]

 

If you are truly concerned you can get the navagation as mentioned above, or also a chrono pack is available for the center and the speedo will be on the steering column. You can see what it looks like here. http://www.motoringfile.com/pictures/cabrio/cabrio9.jpg

 

When a MINI speedo is not available in the center of the dash,we will just be buying a BMW.That would be sad

 

Hiya, Buster!

Welcome to NAM! I second the recommendation for Steve's Auto Clinic in Northridge. He also owns a MINI and installed the K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake on my Wanda....fair price, prompt work, really nice guy, and a good mechanic! Definitely worth the drive from Pasadena to Northridge. I drive there from West Los Angeles!

:smile: As for new things for '05, starting with January builds, LSD will be offered on the MCS. Limited Slip Differential, that is....not the Tim Leary LSD! LOL! But, no worries! The MINI is a trip in itself!

Clo/Wanda

 

I don't know about the rest of you, but Alexander Mini gets my vote as the best dealer - ever! Weird part of town (South Central LA), but great people and service techs. I bought my 03 MCS there and have had better than great service, which BTW has been, uh, free! My only regret is that I left SoCal last year and will have to find another dealer... or maybe I'll make the 1000 mile drive back down from Oregon just to get it serviced... Hmmm, good excuse for a road trip down Hwy 1.

 

Interesting about the center speedometer.
I NEVER look at the center speedometer, and just use the digital readout on the Tach. In my previous 928, I got use to having the digital option on too, (about the same spot as the MINI), and like it much better. Perfect combo in my opinion, MINI tach is in right spot, and built in digital speedo is perfect for quick reference.

I figure the center speedo is for the passengers.