Hello!

I have a 2006 Mini Cooper S convertible, Sport package, chrome package, harman/kardon, and it's automatic (I know, I know, but I live in LA and sit PARKED in traffic way more than I'd like to be, so I decided to treat myself to a transmission that would mean maybe I'd arrive home without my feet being asleep from using the clutch so much. Don't judge me.). I bought the car frm an independent dealer in Feb of this year, and am still under warranty until the beginning of June. Apparently, BMW no longer offers the extended warranty for my year Mini, so there went my plan to purchase my extended warranty through BMW. Since I've had the car, I've already had to replace a cracked oil pan, replace so many hoses with the AC unit that I can't remember, had some issues fixed having to do with low-voltage, and a handful of other minor issues. I feel that I'd be an idiot NOT purchasing a warranty, and what research I've done online says I should get one with a CLIP (Contractual Liability Insurance Policy) contract. Any of you have good (or bad) stories or suggestions of companies you love? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

If you MUST have an extended warranty, check with AAA. They have excellent plans that have good coverage, at least here in PA. You want a policy that spells out what is EXCLUDED (i.e. anything not specifically Excluded IS Covered). It is called "Exclusionary Coverage". From what I understand, these types of warranties are more comprehensive and harder for the provider to deny claims.


FYI, Mini only offers an extended warranty on their CPO vehicles, purchased through a Authorized Mini dealer.

 

I'm so conflicted on even getting the warranty, b/c the service centers affiliated with the Mini dealerships are so awful. I have less than 27K on a four year old car, but since I bought it in Feb, I've already had the AC worked on, oil pan replaced, etc. I'm terrified that as soon as my warranty expires a whole crop of more issues will come up. What is your opinion about warranties? THANK YOU!

 

I too have an '06 MCSc (34k) and so far about $2000 worth of repair has been done (under the original warranty). No major components (i.e...AC, Transmission/Clutch, Supercharger, Convertible top, Power Steering) but they add up due to dealer rates and pricing. I decided against buying an extended warranty ($3500) which will cover up till 75k/2015. The reason is I can do some of the work myself and can buy parts much cheaper than the dealer. Hopefully I made the right decision.

Extended warranties sold by BMW are 3rd parties so you would be at their mercy anyway. Only CPO (certified pre-owned) cars are covered by the factory policy. You can ask your own insurance company for recommendations. AAA is a good company with good rates, so see what they have to offer.

BTW, there is an independent Mini shop in NoHo that's recommended by many on this board... www.minicorsa.com ... You might consider having the car looked over by them and see what they recommend.

Issues that could be costly...
-Supercharger (if your Mini was originally sold and registered in CA, it's covered to 7yrs/70000 miles)
-Power Steering pump
-A/C
-Transmission
-Motor mount
-Radiator fan
-Convertible top mechanisms

Also keep in mind that persistent electrical problems could mean more problems in the future.

 

I have an 05 Cabrio with only 22K miles. So far minor stuff, door handles that didn't work, now a motor mount. If you go to a Mini dealer, your going to pay big bucks. But you should be able to find a good mechanic that can take care of most items for much less cost. I'm paranoid about my top going, but, warranties are rolling the dice. Like most Casinos the house (warranty company), knows the odds cold, and they almost always win.

I looked at many of the warranties, and most are so restrictive they are useless. AAA is a good company with a reputation to protect, so I figure they are about the safest bet. But I still opted to take my chances.

The other thing about these warranties, is they pay a fixed amount, so you will most likely end up paying some amount on many repairs anyway. I almost bought an 05 Passat, but passed it up after pricing the warranty. Made more sense to get an 08 with CPO from VW. It only cost me a little more then the 05 with a third party warranty.

 

I purchased a used 05 cabrio S that had about 6 months of the warranty left and it was at just past 40K. I have a small loan on it, and my bank (loan company) offers extended warranties on their cars. Mine cost around $2500 and will cover me for 5 more years or up to 100K. I got it after my mini warranty ran out and I am glad I did. Had a bad pothole expierence and when I took it in they replace bushing, bearings, find oil pan leaking, etc. It took a little longer to get done because they have to send an adjuster out to look at the car before they will let the mechanic do it, but the total bill came to about $2200. My deductible was on $50 bucks. So I have already almost got my money out of my warranty.

The good thing about taking it to the mini dealership too is that they warranty the work and part they put on for 3 years. So even if you do have the warranty, if the same part goes bad, at least they will change it right away without having to deal with the warranty company.

I would recommend getting a extended warranty. Most are transferrable anyway so if you do sell it/trade it off, that will add to the resale value.

 

I just bought a 2006 MCSc with 30k miles and am wondering if I should buy an extended warranty or not. Looks like the previous owner did not rotate the tires and that leads me to believe maybe they did not have serviced it regularly besides oil changes.

So far I have read that extended warranties usually just benefit the warranty company. I have had them in the past and half the time they were beneficial, the other half I lost out but had peace of mind and better resale value because it was transferable.

Any updates and additional opinions on this?

 

I bought an '06 Cooper hardtop last year. It had a few months of factory warranty left at the time, and I also purchased a 4yr warranty at the dealership through a third party insurer (First Canadian Protection Plan.)

So far I haven't had to make any claims. I've paid for the Inspection I and I had it in a few times for a stiff shift to first, unable to replicate. Great dealership and they promised a good will repair if it flares up and gets worse.

If not, I'll use my warranty. However, if I make no claims I get the bulk of the cost back, about $3000. I'll avoid using it unless it is a big money repair, naturally. For me it's cash in the bank and peace of mind. It's also transferable if I sell the car privately.

 

Thanks, Danny.

I am undecided. I have a quote for $2000 for my '06 MCSc with 30k miles to get me to 100k miles/5 years and $50 deductible. It is exclusionary (contract HERE) and wouldn't cover anything for the convertible top except the motor. It is administrated by Enterprise Financial Group. It is backed by American Security Insurance Company (A rated).

Any additional feedback?

 

We do a lot of extended warranty repairs and have saved customers a ton. The best thing to do is shop around, and read what is and isn't covered. Make sure the normal MINI problem stuff is covered like P/S pumps, transmissions. Credit unions can have great deals.

 

'06 S cabrio bought with 22k 2 1/2 years ago with a full extended warranty from Fidelity Warranty Services. We've put 25K on the car and just now have taken it in for service totaling a little over $700.00. The independent service guy called them up with the work order and it is all covered plus diagnostics less my $100.00 deductable. About the only thing they won't cover with the top tier coverage are wiper blades, brake pads and clutch plates. Oh yea, and light bulbs.
Happy with this outfit and service? You betcha. Give them a call.

 

Hello,

Does anyone have USAA Extended Vehicle Protection Warranty?

They are a fantastic customer service company but that may not necessarily translate to their car warranty.

The underwritting company is Assurant Solutions (or technically American Security Insurance Company if you are in CA like me).

Anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks,
T.

 

I bought my 2006 S-vert at a Nissin Dealer and they offered a Nissin Backed Warranty for 5 years and 100000 miles for like $1500 that covers everything (It has a short list of exclusions) I think the pricing is based on covering a Nissin and not a MINI so I jumped on it. Most of the other warranties I shopped were in the $3500 range and at that I would have said no way.

 

Hi All,

Fidelity can only be purchased through dealers. I didn't ever get a warranty and am trying to figure out which one is best.

Any good experiences on an extended warranty for Mini's, particularly convertible's?

Thanks!

 

I would buy the extended warranty I purchased my 06 Mini Cooper S Conv with 76000 miles on it. It now has 82000 miles on the odometer and it’s at the dealership with a automatic transmission problem they wanted $9600 to replace the transmission. I got them to go lower but not low enough. Get the extended warranty for piece of mind.

 

I am trying to. I have to get an aftermarket one... trying to figure out which.