R56 Unimpressed with MINI "Free Maintenance"
I know a dude with over 300K on the original brakes on his 2008 Duramax towing new RV 5th wheels to Canada. It's all in how it's driven, dude.
I think some here are getting bent out of shape because of the psychology of 'FREE'. I know that feeling. You feel like, just like with warranty creeps toward expiration, that if something's going to fail, it's gonna fail right AFTER your coverage expires. And thats no fun. Especially when you read about folks getting new clutches, brakes, rotors, etc etc etc under that initial maintenance/ warranty period (as I did, and yes, it's how you drive, but also WHERE you drive). I remember learning that I was 5% away from pads and rotors, some 5 months or less from end of coverage. But anyway, if you think about this more realistically, ie. You are merely paying for somewhat subsidized scheduled maintenance for 3 years in advance, and make your peace with that, it doesn't have the same psychological impact. It is merely what it is. Sure they play a marketing game with it. But if you know what it is going in, it's not a big deal.
My boss used to lord his BMW maintenance over me sometimes, with the extra year they get and same day loaners and such. But I just reminded him back that his 'scheduled maintenance advance payment' was proportionally higher as well. HA. And when I owned cars without it, like my GTI or the Element, it had it's own set of psychological affects. Something goes hinky in the first year or so and you prepare for a battle at the dealership...
My boss used to lord his BMW maintenance over me sometimes, with the extra year they get and same day loaners and such. But I just reminded him back that his 'scheduled maintenance advance payment' was proportionally higher as well. HA. And when I owned cars without it, like my GTI or the Element, it had it's own set of psychological affects. Something goes hinky in the first year or so and you prepare for a battle at the dealership...
In 2 years/28,000 miles, I've gotten 2 oil/filter changes, new wiper blades 3 times, new front brakes, and a fuel pump replaced. I feel like it was worth it so far considering how pricey I hear this stuff can be! I also have the extended plan added on as well, mailnly because I'm a wimp when it comes to car stuff. I don't know jack, I feel helpless when stuff goes wrong and I hate getting socked with high repair costs (because you know they always happen at the worst time!).
In the 'free maintenance' period of my 07 S, it received front brakes, 3 oil changes, microfilter service, and wipers once (although I could have complained about those more often). I was happy to at least get the front brakes done - those aren't cheap.
I'm at 30K. I've had done:
@14K
-Oil changes
-Front pads
-Wipers
@ 22K
-Rear pads
-Timing Chain TSB
@29K
-Front pads & rotors
-Wipers
-Cabin filter
-Brake fluid flush
I think that's all I'll be able to get out of them. Now my valve cover gaskets are leaking oil because they don't change them with the Timing Chain TSB.
@14K
-Oil changes
-Front pads
-Wipers
@ 22K
-Rear pads
-Timing Chain TSB
@29K
-Front pads & rotors
-Wipers
-Cabin filter
-Brake fluid flush
I think that's all I'll be able to get out of them. Now my valve cover gaskets are leaking oil because they don't change them with the Timing Chain TSB.
If you read my post I do drive the crap out of my car but I dont abuse it. Ummm yeah we have traffic here in CA and oh yeah some hills in SF. You got all that done before 30K? Like I said it benefits people who dont know how to drive........DUDE.
You "drive the crap" out of your car, but don't abuse it........if that makes any sense.
And now, I "don't know how to drive" because I got new brakes.
Sounds like you're just angry because you wish you got some free stuff. Relax, you can opt for the 6yr extended maintenance. Maybe if you drive the crap out of your car some more you might get a set of pads.
I'm at 30K. I've had done:
@14K
-Oil changes
-Front pads
-Wipers
@ 22K
-Rear pads
-Timing Chain TSB
@29K
-Front pads & rotors
-Wipers
-Cabin filter
-Brake fluid flush
I think that's all I'll be able to get out of them. Now my valve cover gaskets are leaking oil because they don't change them with the Timing Chain TSB.
@14K
-Oil changes
-Front pads
-Wipers
@ 22K
-Rear pads
-Timing Chain TSB
@29K
-Front pads & rotors
-Wipers
-Cabin filter
-Brake fluid flush
I think that's all I'll be able to get out of them. Now my valve cover gaskets are leaking oil because they don't change them with the Timing Chain TSB.
@31K
-Left/Front Axle
-Valve cover gasket
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