just moved to the dc area-and my 2006 Mini Convert JCW is in need of finding a new mechanic and if there is a top flight detailer--any suggestions greatly appreciated

 

This is my $0.02

If you need dealer service, I would recommend Mini of Alexandria (Passport Mini). If you are looking for a mechanic, I had a good experience with MachV in Sterling. I do 85% of the work myself so I go to someone else for struts or the complex stuff. As for a detailer, no one washes or waxes my cars but me... sorry.

There is a DC Metro Mini group that may be able to help you www.dcmetrominis.org

Welcome to the area, we live in Gaithersburg and work in DC. I have a DS/B MCS w/JCW and my wife has a red MCSc w/JCW.

 

I had perfunctory attitude from the service advisor and worse still, when my '05 Convertible top was replaced under "good will" from MiniUSA, they charged me $1500 - I later found out that Mini of Towson would have done it for $1000 out of pocket.

Worse still, the A-pillar trim was broken when I picked up the car AND NO ONE MENTIONED IT - even though the broken part about the size of a playing card was sitting on the passenger seat - I shudder to think what their reaction would have been if I drove off without noticing it.

To cap it all off - when I showed the broken piece to the SA - no apologies but just told me to wait 15 minutes and took the car off without saying anything else. Brought it back with the trim replaced like he'd done me a favor.

So... bad attitude, bad service and overpriced is the result of my one (and only) visit to Passport Mini.

 

thanks much for input--ironpen did you then find someone really good after this experience. in atlanta i went to a private mechanic-very highly regarded mini expert--was hoping to find someone like this here--and maybe a great detailer to use now and then. i like doing my detailing work also-but now and then get someone to really get it perfect-or close

 

I'm a new MINI owner and the first thing I did was to look for a reputable and affordable mechanic. I checked out Alexandria Bavarian but their price quotes over the telephone was actually more expensive than the dealer.

I've chatted with Darrin, a service guy over at MachV, about doing a pulley install and he seemed very helpful and knowledgeable but I haven't had the time to go over there yet. And the prices... better than dealer but still not what I would say is affordable - at least not for the usual stuff.

And, btw, the SA at Passport Mini told me that I needed to wait ONE MONTH for the new top to "stretch out" and that I shouldn't even open the sunroof part because I might burn out the motor.

 

When the top was replaced on my 07 MCc, the dealer told me to wait a few days, I waited a week and didn't have any issues the the top or motor. This is the 3rd top that Princeton Mini has put on my Mini. All the mechanical issues were fixed before the 3rd top was installed. This top has about a year on it with lots of ups and downs and there are no issues. IMHO I would wait a week or 2 at the most.

 

The time frame just didn't make sense based on everything I read - so I called a different MINI dealer and asked their SA - she said two, three days tops - based on the hundreds of tops their dealership replaced over the years. Apparently mine was only the second top Passport MINI replaced since they opened last year.

 

I'll give a +1 for both Passport Mini of Alexandria (PMoA)and Mach V.

All of my experience with PMoA has been beyond reproach, even when I hang out at the parts counter and annoy the heck out of them to look at, touch and get an idea of the part.

As for non dealer work, I've only taken mine to Mach V (fastmini.net) and my customer satisfaction with them is 100%. They aren't the most convenient for me but for the quality of the work they have done for me, I'm willing to go a little out of the way.

Welcome to the DC Metro area though. If you haven't checked out DCMM, please do. It's a fun group and you'll find lots of information to answer your questions there.

Craig

 

thanks to all for the ideas--if anyone has other private top mini mechanics love to hear about them--or top detailers. was spoiled to have one of the top mechanics to take care of mods in atlanta-so love to find someone that really specializes in minis-likely try the dealer in alexandria if i get more positives. my thanks again-excited to get involved in community. my car is a very interesting one -lots of mods on it when purchased--i mostly added performance ones. thanks

 

need top mechanic and detail in DC---any updates or ideas??

 

hey man are you still looking for top mechanics? try automotive artistry. heard they're the best :-) although I havent tried them yet since i'm always here in NY. hoping to try them someday too.

 

Mach V is really your best option in the DC area for a mechanic. They are a performance shop, so their prices are a little higher than most, but they are also good at what they do and stand by their work. They will treat you right and know the MINI in and out. I do my own detailing work, so I have nothing for you there.