Hi folks,

If all goes according to plan, I will be the proud owner of a 2008 MCS in the next few days. I'm buying the car private party and in the interest of keeping my Mini happy and healthy, I'd like to start taking it to a local dealership ASAP.

I live in the Irvine area right now, and will probably be moving to Long Beach later this year. I'd be willing to travel 20 or so miles to take the car to a quality reputable dealership. What I'm looking for here are some first-hand reports of people having exceptional experiences with a SoCal Mini dealership's service department. I've read a few "recommend a dealership" threads here, but they either don't provide the kind of insight I'm looking for or they are focused on the sales department.

So, please share your stories and experiences (good or bad) about getting your Mini serviced in SoCal!

 

I've had good experience with South Bay MINI's service department. Sales, not so much (I purchased my MINI through their Internet Sales dept), but you asked about the service dept so I'll focus on that.

My MINI has always been serviced at South Bay MINI. I'm still under warranty and my maintenance is valid until Aug. of 2010. I've brought my MINI in to repair a leaky motor mount, a faulty thermostat, a few oil changes, Inspection I (I don't remember what's included in it), and a couple of other warranty things (third brake light was cracking and water got inside of it, leatherette on driver's seat was cracking). They addressed every issue I brought up and they've nearly always been on schedule in terms of having my car done at the specified time.

I know SB MINI has gone through quite a few Service Managers within the past few years and I know many people have had different experiences with them, but everyone that I've dealt with in the Service dept has treated me with respect and given me excellent service so I have no problems recommending them.

Now if you don't want to go to a dealership (not sure if the car you're buying is still under the "three years free maintenance" or even under warranty still) then there's a handful of shops that have been recommended under the sticky at the top of this forum.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask for more info if you'd like.

 

Long Beach Mini service has always been outstanding.

Last time my car was in for some minor things, they found that my water pump had just started leaking, so they called and told me they were going to need a little more time to take care of it. I didn't even know it was leaking. They have always been good with communicating with me as to what they find and when the car will be done.

I hang a sign on the rearview asking them to not wash and Richard usually also puts a bigger sign under the wiper reminding them not to wash. They have not washed my car yet, which shows they listen to the customer.

They also haven't given me any grief over my mods, they just kinda ignore them.

 

Thanks for the great info guys. Between these two dealerships, I'm sure I can find what I'm looking for!

Why do you pass on the free wash? Don't want one of those automatic washers harshing your clear coat?

 

South Bay MINI', for CA... but i bought mine out of state and saved myself about 4k

 

Exactly, I am the only one that has ever washed it beyond the initial dealer wash when they installed my complimentary swirls.

 

Those are speed swirls bro... +10hp!!1

 

South Bay MINI .... to talk to Stacy Woolridge so that you can ensure that Brian White works on your car.

nuff said....

 

Bump on Brian White

 

All right guys, thanks for all the great info. I'll check out South Bay MINI and talk to Stacy!