Hello all. I'm a new resident of Charlotte and would love to get my hands on a Cooper S. Of course, the nearest dealer is 74 miles away - Flow MINI. Before I plunk my hard-earned/borrowed cash on one, what do you all think about this dealer?

Also, is there a good place in NC to get the car serviced/oil changes? I realize there's a maintenance plan, but there's no way I'm driving that far to get the oil changed.

Thanks for your help. I look forward to taking part in MINI activities soon!

-- Dan

 

Welcome to NAM!!

You'll find some useful information here:

NAM Dealer Rating System -- Flow MINI

 

Flow's been great to work with the past year. I say that with hesitation because I've only had to go there 4 times so far since getting my car. Whatever I've wanted done they've helped out with quite a bit.

The big plus is that they're one of the "mod friendly" dealers. :smile: I'd recommend them.

As for your oil change, it's a really simple job that can be done at home easily enough.
And welcome to the community!!

 

Thank you everyone. I put my order in today for a Chili Red MCS from Flow MINI. Should be here in May. Can't wait to join you all and motor!

 

Anyone who bought their car somewhere else have any problems with Flow Service? I eneded up going to Checkered Flag in VB but am a little closer to Flow.

 

My car originated at Flow, but I bought it 2nd hand from a private owner. Flow's always treated me like I've spent every dime there, though.

 

I bought my car from Century in South Carolina, but I get all service done at Flow in WS. They have always been great to me so I give them thumbs up. As Moorlockx has said, they are mod friendly. Although I got worried when one of their techs asked what the red thing was where the air intake box was supposed to be. I hope he was just kidding.

 

I got my '02 S from Flow and they've been great to work with. They are also fairly active as far as group events go, with drives up into the mountains and to VIR. Maybe your car will be here in time for their next event in May. You'll love it!

 

Don't know about mod friendly. When I asked about warranty and mods, the guy (thin, short, glasses and kinda geeky looking) looked at me like I was crazy and basically told me that any part related to a part modded would have the warranty voided.

Or perhaps I misunderstood what he meant or how all this works. New to MINI and new to mods.

Overall I have been pleased with the service. I had my first scheduled maintenance done a week before the Rally and things went smoothly. Though I do need to take it back for some whistling I am getting in the air vents now.

 

Flow's been great - no problems whatsoever.

 

So far, I haven't had any problems with Flow. The guy that sold me my car Ryan Cole was super nice. He even stayed a little late with my first trip up there since I came up from Raleigh when I was looking for a MINI.

So far no complaints from me! Just wish I had a closer dealer when I need to get stuff done, but hey, it gives me an excuse to drive my MCS on the back roads!

Michelle

 

Ryan Cole was my sales person as well. Was very good to me.

I spoke with Jim Parks and a tech named Eric (Jim called him a Super tech) about modifications and warranty issues. They saw NO warranty issues with intakes or short shift kits. They balked some at the supercharger pulley. Couldn't get a straight answer out of them about warrenty on the supercharger, but what I did hear intrigued me. Was to the effect that putting on a new pulley (even the JCW one) could cause issues because of something flaking off and getting into the motor. Belt maybe. Was on my cell phone so could not catch everything.

Strange, and very nice that they are open about this.