Well I guess I will add my .02 cents. In your warranty manual on page one it does say that "vehicles used in competitive events" are excluded from coverage.

 

OK, a car show is a "competitive event". So does that mean if I shine up the car and park it where it can be judged against others that Mini USA won't honor my warranty?

 

I have no idea..but seriously doubt it. I was simply stating the first page of the warranty manual.

 

Did you even read the initial post? I was told I wouldn't have any warranty issues, then, I had warranty issues. besides, Road Rallys, Car Shows, Audio Competitions etc are competitive events as well. That blanket statement Shouldn't apply to autocross, nor does it apply to any of the above mentioned competitive events.

Anyway, as of today, MiniUSA has taken the "raced" label of my VIN and I am told if I have any future problems with my Mini, I won't be hassled with warranty issues. I would now like to thank those who supported me on this post as well as all the other posts throughout the Net on various sites. It seems that Mini USA heard all of our voices loud and clear and acted appropriately to resolve the issue in regards to my warranty and autocrossing.

Craig Wilcox

 

As of today, MiniUSA has taken the "raced" label of my VIN and I am told if I have any future problems with my Mini, I won't be hassled with warranty issues. I would now like to thank those who supported me on this post as well as all the other posts throughout the Net on various sites. It seems that Mini USA heard all of our voices loud and clear and acted appropriately to resolve the issue in regards to my warranty and autocrossing. I would also like to thank Mini USA for rising above and doing the right thing, even if they did cause me lots of pain and agony and sleepless nights regarding this issue. ;-)

Craig Wilcox

 

OT, I wouldn't doubt for a minute the main reason things "may be looking up" is because you started this post.

I also wouldn't be so secure in thinking a local autocross would keep you safe IF they want to void your warranty. Most clubs publish results on the web.
Google "Mini autococross results" and bang in .03 seconds they have your name and address.

A big selling point to me was that the salesman and the sales manager told me that Mini supported autocrossing and would give pointers on setup and never void the warranty on autocrossing.

So, if indeed MIni USA, if you are watching this forum, and you want to void warranty claims because of autocrossing, you better inform your sales people! I just bought mine a month ago!

You had better step up to the microphone and tell us all the truth.

 

OasisT
I am glad to here that all worked out for you and I think that MINI did the right thing.
Steve

 

One dealership I was in had a 6 foot cone sitting next to a mini as an auto-x joke about how the car was so small and good for auto-x.

 

I am very happy your situation was resolved!. It is amazing how results can be achieved through exposure. God bless the internet and NAM. MINIUSA if you are listening, this would be a good time to define what exactly the warranty policy is, with no room for misinterpretation, so that all past and future customers, sales and service personnel, and managers are on the same page going forward. The MINI is a great little car and owners need to know that they can have some fun with it. I still can't believe they would attempt to cancel the warranty on a BRAND NEW CAR!!!!

 

Craig,

Its great to hear your issue has been resolved. I hope none of the rest of us have the same issues.

 

Hey Craig,

Thanks for fighting the good fight for all of us that AutoX.

 

I too am glad your situation worked out well.
However, where do the rest of us stand?
Not everyone autocrossing has won a national title, not everyone even knows about this forum, that's what Mini could be banking on.
Just because they resolved Craigs issue doesn't mean they will resolve yours. We NEED to hear from Mini.
They do not seem to be talking where we might hear.
Time to call GRM and get Tim Suddard on the case.

 

Good job! Hope all goes well from here on.

 

Sorry to Zombify the thread.... but I recently picked up an MCS, and really want to autocross it in the future, as my Miata has picked up a nasty habit of oil burning.

It concerned me to find a few threads like this out there, but haven't really found any post 2008. Has this been an issue for anybody since?

I also decided to take to Twitter with this one, and this was the result. Seems like as long as I spend my time in D Stock, they don't mind Autocross? Seems like this also opens up any kind of track action, though... I was hoping for some more specificity.

 

adrive,

I have been running SCCA autocrosses for a long time, with the knowledge and support of Mini of Peabody.

I would not expect the MoP service department to quibble over wear and tear not related to competition, but neither would I expect them to offer be carte blanche in a case where a failure might have been provoked by enthusiastic driving.

In my case I conversed with the Service Manager starting at the point of purchase, and we therefore had a good mutual relationship to keep us out of trouble.

It seems that this matter is sometimes troublesome in individual cases, but overall I am not aware of any stance or policy either at the dealer or national level that would cause me to advise you not to race, or even to attempt to conceal your activities.

Talk to the service folks - that way you will be ahead of the situation in the unlikely event that you wind up with a warranty issue that might be perceived as in the grey area.

Note the MoP colors on the left rear window - this was the National finals a couple of years ago.

Cheers,

Charlie