Can anyone recommend a good shop for maintenance work on the mini that is a better price than the dealership? Last time I took my car to the dealer it was over $300 for an oil change. Thank you.

 

Bay Bridge Motors in Oakland or Edge Motorworks in Dublin are two of the better MINI shops in the East Bay. Most of the MINI dealers run $49 or $69 oil change specials. What did the dealership do for $300 and which dealer, East Bay MINI?

 

This is what my bill came to last time I took my car to the dealer for an oil change. It was the first time after the 3 yr free maint so I was pretty surprised at the price. Is this what you guys have encountered also?

Standard scope $128
Oil change 20.18 + 8.14 + 39.4 +2.23 = $69.95
"Vehicle check" as recommended per vehicle key read $135

Total = $332 + tax

 

What did they do in the vehicle check? Literally read the key for $135? That is an hour of labor. $70 for oil change seems about right

 

"the vehicle check" seems to be a multipoint inspection printout (eg check tire tread, rear/front brake pads, windshield waher, inspect lines, lights, leaks, mounts, horn, belts) that I thought normally is done for no charge.

 

the oil change price on it's on is not bad but what about this standard scope and "vehicle check"? What do you guys think about that?

 

Portland MINI $69.95 oil change
Courtesy vehicle check $0
Standard scope would be declined by me if offered. If they didn't tell you upfront you should demand your money back.

Local independent mechanic would charge me $50 for diagnostic if I went in with an issue.

Ripping off customers is a sure way to eliminate future biz, tell the dealership management that! You've got many other MINI sources in the bay area.

 

Good grief. Which dealer did you take it to? There is a good local guy mentioned on FB. I'll try to take a look for his shop. I want to say his name comes up in the NorCal Mini FB group.