I'm new with a cooperS... Just wanted to get some feedback on how much usually a service cost or how much you people have been paying either at a dealership or at a local repair shop. Are they expensive or just alittle above a average car. I know BMW's are pretty pricey. I just wanted to be pocket ready if anything were to happen to my mini, mechanically. Thanks guys

 

First, I don't take my MINI to the dealer mostly because they are two hours away.
Second, I like to work on my car and I only have 57k so nothing serious to work on yet.

Having said the above, I am a firm believer in independent shops if they are knowledge about your brand. Independent shops have lower hourly costs because they have lower overhead. They also tend to be guys who were techs at a dealership but got tired of the crap.

MINIs are a little worse on costs at a dealership than a Honda but if you have a good shop available MINIs are reasonable for repair costs.

 

Labor rates at most independent shops are quite a bit less than the 'stealership's'. It's always a good idea to have some $$ stashed away for repairs and routine maintenance items. Don't forget to change brake fluid every two years and coolant every four.

 

Thanks for the good advices you two. I welcome anymore additions as I'm still learning about this car. For now, I'm loving the car, and don't want to really fall behind on anything as it usually comes back and haunts you and cost more too.