Forgive me if this is in the wrong category.

I purchased a used (lease return) 2007 MCS from East Bay Mini in Pleasanton, CA in January 2011. I decided to purchase the extended maintenance plan, since they claimed to cover the clutch, which isn't common. It had about 35k miles on it, and I was happy with it despite some dents and dings I found after taking home the car. Most notably, the passenger door didn't align properly, and the window rolled up and down slowly, with a clunk at the top when the window is rolled back up.

I brought the vehicle in 2 weeks later to have several issues looked at, and entered them into the online service scheduler, including the door and window issue, along with the engine tick that plagues many minis. East Bay Mini took care of the ticking in the engine by replacing some of the timing assembly, but did not address any of the other issues I had concerns with.

This past Wednesday, April 20th, the clutch stopped working. I had the car towed by Mini Roadside Assistance to Stevens Creek Mini, since it is closer to where I live, and I figured it would be more convenient. After having Stevens Creek Mini work on the car, and address some other issues, including the door and window issue, they state that the clutch master cylinder was replaced under warranty, but the clutch still has some sort of problem, and I may have to pay around $2000 if the clutch has failed due to neglect. I stated that I had purchased the extended maintenance warranty, and that the clutch should be covered under that, even if the replacement is a bit premature (the car only has 38k miles on it now). Stevens Creek Mini tried to state that the clutch isn't covered, but if East Bay Mini says it is covered, I should take it there. In addition, they opened the passenger door and found that the vehicle had been in an accident, and repaired incorreclty. Because this isn't a warranty issue, they could not fix it free of cost. I decided that I would bring this issue up to East Bay Mini, since the vehicle was sold to me as accident-free.

Upon speeking to the sales person I bought the vehicle from at East Bay Mini, she says that they base the vehicle's history on carfax, and they believe that information to be true. I would expect a dealership to inspect a car in some capacity before selling it, especially if they are selling their own model. The door is clearly not closing completely, and any automotive technician would be able to spot this.

Am I wrong in expectiing East Bay Mini to take care of this, because the vehicle was sold accident free when this was not the case? I know it's not common for dealerships/companies to do their customers right, but I just wanted to be sure that it is a reasonable request.

Also, what is your experience with extended maintenance warranties, don't all dealerships honor it and provide the same coverage?

 

All dealerships should honor the factory extended maintenance warranty the same. The selling dealership's service department might do a better job at going to bat for you with MINI USA in getting questionable claims processed (ie clutch at 38k miles). IMO if I bought a manual I would buy the extended maintenance plan just for the clutch coverage.

 

does your purchase contract say "accident free"

or does it say "as is"

typically they say as is . . .

who is your extended maintenance plan with? MINI or a company that sells such plans? And did you buy extended maintenance or extended warranty - they are different things . . .

A 2007 came with (looking at my window sticker here)

36 month / 36,000 maintenance program - which you have extended?

48 month / 50,000 limited warranty - which may be expired now or probably will soon - but can be extended

48 month / 50,000 roadside assit' - ditto - but you'll do better with AAA (until sometime in 2007 MINI roadside assist was actually provided by AAA - says so right on my card - but last I heard they changed companies in mid 2007)

my experience with extended warranty is that I bought one once, tried to have things repaired but they never were covered when I read the fine print after dealer denied the claim hence I exercized the clause to cancel the policy and have the prorated fee refunded. I have never bought an extended warranty or extended maintenance plan since. Better to put that money in the bank, collect interest, and know that it is there if/when unexpected repairs are needed ... which means hands off except for that reason tho ...

 

Since one MINI dealer spotted it straight away, no reason why one would expect anything different from another dealer.

Not a good idea for anyone to strictly rely on a car-fax. Due to high costs of deductables and surcharges, many opt out of filing a claim and pay body shops out of pocket.......Seems like nowdays when it comes to repairing our cars, auto insurance is about the equivilent of paying the mob for protection.......you are forced to have it, costs you an arm and a leg, and never get it when you should.......

Write a letter to MINI. Advise them full disclosure was not forthcoming, and attach copies of all documents including those from the 2nd dealer.

Good luck.