I am purchasing a new S. I asked about an extended service plan and they said they have one for $1895. I haven't read through everything yet, so I'm not sure it is worth it. I am a bit reluctant as I am traiding in my 02 (#162) with 201k on it and it still has the original clutch, exhaust, shocks. I think the only things I ever had to replace was the AC unit and Cat. And the dealer installed used ones for me. I've never even changed a bulb. My first brake job was at 75k, and it was only $650. Basically I spent nothing in the first 100k on my last one.

But maybe I was just lucky. Does anybody feel it is worth it on the new ones? I drive about 700 miles a week in my job.

-Jim

 

Is it a "service plan" or an extended warranty plan?

Anyway, I wouldn't do it - I would insure it with Geico and get their mechanical breakdown coverage. It costs about $30 or $60/year (can't remember) and is only eligible to put on new cars. For a $250 deductible, it covers the car up to 100k miles or 7 years. Of course, it would only be needed once the Mini's original warranty has expired.

 

It's more an extended service. It covers the same stuff the 4/50 does, just extends it to 6/100. The Geico looks great, but you need to have your car insurance through them to do it. You can't get it as a separate policy.

-Jim

 

Although I haven't bought the extended warranty yet, my MA said it could be bought anytime before the factory warranty expires. The one offered by my dealer is through a company called EasyCare, who I've had some good experiences with on previous cars I've owned. Their "TotalCare" package is the one I had previously and it covered 100% of needed repairs with no deductible.

If you're asking about the extended maintenance plan, as far as I know, it covers everything the the factory one does, oil, brakes, air filter, etc when the car decides it needs these things

 

does that Easy Care x/w cover clutches? reason I ask is that it's considered a wear item and not covered by most xtended warranties. read exclusions carefully....

I would hold off on buying anything until you find out if your car is a keeper; you will know this by the time the OEM warranty expires.

 

A friend of mine with an 05 S had to deal with a Geico x/w and it was not a pleasant nor efficient experience. i have heard of others with the same issues. Ergo, I'd be wary of this.

 

I agree about reading the exclusion list carefully,
I can't comment on the clutches, since the wife can't/won't drive a stick I've yet to own a car with all three pedals

 

You will probably break even on the maintenance plan. I bought mine for 1625. There is a sticky on NAM that covers what is in it. I have 42,000 on my '08 R56. So far I've had the following doen under the maintenance extension.

Oil change: $90
From Brakes/Rotors: $600.

During the course of the proram I anticipate:

3 oil changes @ 54,000, 72,000, 90,000 [I also do a self paid one every 7500 miles and Seafoam treatment]: $270.
2 front brake jobs: $1200
1 rear brake job: $600
2 spark plug changes [changed every 2nd oil change when you have the JCW kit] $800.

So I may come out a little bit ahead or break even. I know that much of this is fairly easy DIY but i have neither the tools, skills, place to perform these repairs or inclination to do them.

It's a personal preference [and dealership profit generator], but it was a good choice for me. I beleive that if you maitain the car a lot of the mechanical issues are negated. I would buy the plan again.

 

To me those plans are designed to separate you from more money at the time of purchase. If you are very vigilant and a little lucky (i.e. don't total, or sell the car), you can make them pay off. On the other hand, if you are a little vigilant, you can pay much less for the same services and parts from an independent shop, when you actually need the work.

 

Let me know if you get that covered. I have been denied twice getting the plugs changed with an oil change and a stage 1. They will however cover the 60k plug service.

 

Accordign to my Sa the plugs would be covered on the next oil change. ince this will be the second oild change since the JCW addition, what reason did they give you fr not changing the plugs under th maint plan?

 

Actually the factory warranty is 4/50...I believe the provided basic service plan by MINI is 3/30?

 

They stated that the spark plug change would occur at 60k per maintenance program (extended). The JCW kit spark plug change is not covered under that progam. If you find documentation that proves otherwise send it my way.