Dear all,

Although I found a few posts similar to my question, I still want to know more if anyone has some suggestions/advices/comments for me before I pick up my little mini this coming weekend. Such as what questions should I ask? How should I check my Mini? Test drive...and what else?

It's so weird that I never thought I was going to feel nervous before. Now, I feel nervous thinking about picking it up.

I don't have a garage, should I buy the car cover from Mini? Or should I just buy the car cover from different stores?

Also, when I pick up your Mini, should I "nag" the saleman from some free stuffs such as key chain or etc.?

I am very appreciated your feedback, thanks so much!

Tina

 

Most dealers give free stuff (like keychains or hats) and you always get a bulldog plushie.

On keeping your Mini outside, mine lives outside with no car cover and it's fine.

 

You're supposed to have any free stuff in writing typically, but you can get free mats and maybe a free boot mat and keychains.

I'd check the body panels to make sure everything is good, maybe make sure the back bumper isn't warped. Mine is warped and I didn't notice till a few months later and they won't fix it

 

Tina,

Welcome to the obsession. We are all expecting pictures & the name of your new addition to the family. There is no standard expectation from MINI dealers, so ask away. If you give them referrals, they may gift you!

 

I was one of several that have posted that found the dealer didn't reduce the tire pressure from the as shipped 45+ psi down to the correct pressure. The ride will loosen your fillings until that is done. Monitor will not indicate a problem if they are all equally high. Bring a good gauge and check yourself.

 

Congrats and Welcome!!
Your MA should go through some of the features of the car with you. Do a walk around with him/her looking at all of the panels, bumpers, lamps etc.
Have them show you where and how to check the oil. Make sure the sound system doesn't cause any rattles or buzzing.
When you get home, read the Owners Manual from cover to cover and then read it again. I work in a Nissan dealer (Parts Dept) and you wouldn't believe how many questions we get asked that the answer is in the Owners Manual.

Hope this helps.
Have Fun!!!!

Jim

 

People become very stupid during the first 6 months of newcar ownership.

I love it when they call on sunday for parts

 

I don't know of anyone that has gotten a buldog plushie.

 

You might want to call the day before to make sure the car's ready to go. I drove 80 miles Saturday to pick up our new Clubman, and they still hadn't applied Invisishield, stripes, or mudflaps, even though the car had been there for two weeks. Fortunately they did the right thing gave us a loaner--an S even!-- til ours is ready

 

I never received a bulldog plush ..

however, I did not have to ask for wheel locks, floor mats and the cargo net. So I guess they thought I would like more practical things. Although I would have appreciated a stuffie. *sniffle*

oh yes and I would definitely recommend checking the tire pressure. They're very super inflated when they come from the dealership.

 

Give your self plenty of time and ask all those dumb questions you will probably be afraid to ask.

Take a drive and go back and ask some more questions.

Get your SA # -- I still call mine with dumb questions.

Come back to NAM and ask the rest of the dumb questions online.

Take your time, enjoy the experience and have fun!

 

We're picking up our new baby this weekend as well. Dealer is throwing in front and back mats...not charging labor to 'install' side mirror covers (probably no big deal anyway). They are supposed to thoroughly inspect inside and out....we're lucky...we have a garage...last house, though, we built a simple carport, with 6"x6" corner supports and had a tarp cut special (the material truckers use) for the roof. Looked pretty cool and it kept hail, etc. off our old 'Winnie'.....good luck!!!

 

Congratulations!

If you PM me with an email address, I will send you a very basic, but pretty thorough Excel file I worked up based on other posters list of things to check. If you use the search function, or search all my posts, I think you'll find the original thread, which was pretty helpful not only for items it listed, but suggestions for approaching the dealer / MA if you found issues. It's all about delivery...

OK, found the thread I was thinking of; check this out: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...p-the-r56.html. I also took my MINI on a test drive before I signed / handed over the $.

Some folks have had some clutch issues on their MINIs. You did get a standard, right? If so, it might be a good idea to check your technique with your MA. I don't mean to scare you (there's lots of people who have had no problems, including me) but it might be something to ask about on a test drive--how to get the longest life out of your clutch.

I can tell you despite all my thoroughness in checking out the MINI, it's been an absolute blast, from the moment I left the dealer's lot. Have a great time and Happy Motoring!

 

I like to meet the SA'a and check out the shop!

You can tell a lot about a dealer by how clean the shop is and see how the service guys take care of others cars while you are their.

The SA wont remember you when you call to schedule your service appt, but at least you will know what he looks like when you call. I just hate thinking what a jerk someone is on the phone, and when you meet them they are never what you expect.

Also, ask about any local MINI clubs.

My MINI dealer (MINI of Pittsburgh) pays the initial dues to our local club for you! You can learn a lot from these members, and have fun motoring around!

 

same here

 

Along with 'all-of-the-above' and time for a thorough 'Magnifying Glass' inspection (bring a friend is good to help with this); pay attention as your MA takes you through all the Custom Settings (like un-lock choices , 'three-click' Lane Change option, Daytime lights, HiFi settings, TPM Re-Set and others, depending on equipment/options installed.

It will be done twice, as each of your two key/fobs will 'remember' a choice of settings.

Your Owner's Manual has the settings scattered in different sections, like 'locking', lighting, etc.,
wish that it had a section for just Key/Fob Settings to cover it like your MA will.

 

In addition to checking for things like paint chips, drips or other cosmetic issues these are MINI specific things I would look for during the vehicle inspection:

• If you have carpeted mats: make sure the velcro fasteners are installed in the driver's side floor board. These are easily forgotten by the dealer
• I would check under the door, the boot, and the bonnet for cosmoline leakage (waxy orangish protectant applied to prevent corrossion). It should be cleaned/removed by the dealer prior to delivery. You may even call ahead and tell them you'll be checking.
• Check that the door sills (silver plates in the doorway) are not wavy or lifting up. Sometimes these don't stick well when applied by the factory.
• Check that one-touch up and down windows work
• Double check you have a jack, towing i-bolt, and multi-tip screw driver in the boot. You may even ask your MA to show you how it works.
• If you have a sun-roof, make note if the rear pane is not flush (even) with the roof when closed. If it sits low, this may be an issue down the road with sticking sunroofs when it's hot outside.
• As mentioned, check the tire pressure. Probably want 36-38#. If you have to let some air out, ask the MA to show you how to reset the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system).
• Ask the MA to show you how to check your oil. Even if you know how just to make sure it is not over-capacity.
• Ask the MA to show you where your battery is.

 

good luck and show yr new MINI....

btw, what is the correct pressure on the stock run flat?

 

Says who. I certainly did not get any godies.

 

Yeah whats this all about the plush bulldog. I never got one.

All I got were a set off keychains and my floormates, I also got wheel locks but The dealship I went do did that to all there MINI/BMW's that came in. They had a problme with people stealing the wheels or something so the first thing done when new cars arive is wheels locks.

 

Take your time and inspect the exterior for any scratches. After you drive the car off the lot, they may try to blame it on you. Also, run your hand (hopefully clean) against the paint.

If it's rough that's usually a sign of overspray (repainted).