Hello Folks,

I just joined the forum, but have been a cooper S owner since early '05. I am moving to Whitefish Montana this December (perfect time to move, I know!). I have two concerns about bringing my Mini to MT: first is the Mini's performance in ice and snow, the second is how do I get my Mini worked on, since the nearest dealer is in Seattle (an 8 hr drive in the summer).

The performance issue has been put to bed as far as I am concerned, according to a bunch of people both on this forum and elsewhere it appears Mini's perform excellantly in snow and ice provided they have the right shoes and the loose snow isn't deeper than 4-5 inches. The maintenance issue is still hanging out there for me though. I searched the forum for info regarding authorized Mini mechanics in Montana and found a couple of posts on this issue, but nothing too difinitive.

A couple days ago I wrote Mini Customer Service and asked about maintaining my Mini once I am in Whitefish. I have posted the email exchange below:

My Question to Mini Customer Service:


Good afternoon,

I am planning on moving to Whitefish Montana (just north of Kallispell, and about 1.5 hrs North of Missoula) this winter. However, I notice that the nearest dealer is in Seattle, Washington. My Mini will still be under warranty when I move to Montana, will I have to drive to Seattle (over 8 hrs away) to get it serviced and maintained? Or are there certified mechanics near Whitefish who are authorized to do the warranty work?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Will

Mini Customer Service's response:

Hi Will,

Thanks for contacting MINI. Sounds like you are a wonderful MINI parent! :-)

Sorry, MINIs can only be serviced under warranty at authorized MINI dealers. Unfortunately, we don't have any authorized mechanics outside of our MINI dealers. Also, we recommend the car be serviced at a MINI dealer after the warranty period, too. There are special tools and training that only a MINI dealer has to keep your baby healthy. Just like you, we want to make sure your MINI has top-notch care.

If there are further questions I can assist with, please feel free to drop me an e-mail. I will be happy to lend a hand.

LET’S MOTOR.
Patrick Hodges
MINI Customer Relations and Services
Representative
866.ASK.MINI (275-6464)


In one sense they answered my question, there are no authorized Mini mechanics outside of the dealers. On the other hand their answer seemed evasive, they didn't really acknowledge the issue that I (and other Minin owners who live far from a Mini dealer) face by living far from a Mini dealer.

Does anyone have any other insight? I might give Patrick Hodges at Mini a call, If I hear anything more, I will let you all know.

Will

 

As a follow up, I spoke with a Rep at Mini who confirmed that I would have to take my Mini to Seattle in order to have any warranty-related maintenance done. Looks like I will be on my own with regard to my Mini maintenance while in Whitefish.

With that said, does anyone have any recommendations as to mechanics in the Whitefish / Kalispell area who have done work on your Mini, or quality mechanics in general?

Thanks a bunch in advance,

Will

 

Welcome to Montana. There are lots of Minis here, but if you want a dealer to service your car your closest dealers are Seattle, Salt Lake City, or Denver. It's the price you pay for living in God's country. It should be noted that most your services are simply oil changes. You can have this done locally by someone you trust, and as long as you can provide documentation if asked. your warranty will not be affected. (it's the law!) You will need to provide a oil filter kit. Don't expect to find one locally. You will need to have your oil service light reset as well.

I live in Great Falls, and have found the Mini to be only limited by ground clearance when it comes to snow. Tall snow levels and a low car can be a problem at times clipping the front air dam, but the car gets around OK otherwise. Check the "tire & wheel forum for snow tire suggestions. Some day someone will form a MT club I hope. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the advice regarding servicing my Mini.

Do you (or anyone else who is reading this post) use your Mini as your primary vehicle all through the winter? Coming from Florida, I don't have all that much experience with living in the snow (not surprisingly). While my wife and I also have a 4WD '94 Bronco, we'll be sharing both cars and one of us will be driving the Mini throughout the winter. I just don't want to get to Montana and end up having to dig myself out right and left due to the clearance issue, or (heaven forbid) having my wife get stuck somewhere out in the boonies in the snow.

Although other posts in this forum have discussed the Minis performance in the snow, it would be great to hear form some individuals who use their Mini on a daily basis though the winter, and any tips they may have (besides new shoes) for preparing my Mini for a northern MT winter.

 

Will,
I bought my MINI from Ralph Schomp in Denver. It's quite a drive to get service done, but it's also a nice scenic trip if you try to look at the bright side of things. Then again, I've never visited much west of the state, more east, so everything's scenic that way for me.
With all the growth in this part of the state, I'm wondering how long it'll be before a MINI dealership is opened in Montana or Idaho. We got an Audi dealership in town, despite the fact that they (apparently) don't open in cities with a population under 1 million? If it's possible to get a MINI dealership in Montana or Idaho, does anyone know how we can go about "encouraging" MINI to look into it?

As to driving all winter long, I've only had my car for 4 months so far, this will be my first winter driving it. So good luck to both of us!

Mel

 

but let's get our groups together in the spring. What a fun drive up it would be...roads in WY and MT...and we can make a weekend out of it.

Stay in touch with us...www.MINI5280.org or info@MINI5280.org

Thanks,

Jonathan