Hi all,

I'm getting really close to buying an '08 MCS, and I'd like to know what extended warranty options (and thier prices) are before the 'long sit-down.'

I checked the Miniusa site, and it describes the std 4yr/50k warranty, but nothing about extended.

Anyone know what the offerings are? Any other advice you can drop on me?

BTW, I did do a search on extended warranty. But, didn't see an answer to this specific question. Sorry if its been covered already.

Thanks.

 

I do not recommend the extended service plan.
I realize this is different from the warrenty.

After examining the book closely, it seems they have
delayed all official services to 100k miles. The extended
service plan ends at 999999.99999 miles. I don't even think
it covers rotors.

So basically, if you get the service plan you're paying
$1400 or so for a set of brake pads and a couple of
oil changes.

My SA told me that the extended warrenty was cost prohibitive
and not a good deal.

Looking back, I'd say I might have looked into the warrenty and
not the service plan.

 

But either way I think it all ends at 100k miles.

So if you want to do something like a transmission
service or change of spark plugs or whatever, before
100 k miles, they don't offer a plan to cover this.

It's not an accident either.

Which I'm not complaining its the same everywhere and
they have stuff to pay for too.

I just feel really stupid is all. Basically like $25/mo and
I'll never get anything out of it.

 

Condor,
thanks for the good advice.

 

I think a lot of people make a mistake in thinking that the extended warranty is A) the same as their regular warranty just longer and, B) that MINI USA provides it.

From my limited understanding it's a completely different ballgame than the regular warranty and it's provided by a 3rd Party.

I don't recall ever hearing from anyone on this board that the extended warranty saved their bacon.

 

When I took delivery, this is what I was quoted:

$1495 for the maintenance upgrade from 3 yrs/36K miles to 6 yrs/100K miles. This is your consumables, break pads, oil, filters, etc.

$2729 (MCS) or
$2533 (Cooper) with $50 deductible per warranty claim. Extends the warranty from 4 yrs/50K to 7 yrs/100K. This is the stuff not covered by your maintenance upgrade like engines, tranny, etc. It is provided by GE, a third party. Check with your dealer, but it should work much like the factory warranty, except you'll have a $50 out of pocket expense per claim.

My MA also said that I can purchase either of these upgrades at any time before the original runs out. If that's so, you have some time to think about it.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I did not go with the extended warranty. However, i did buy the tire protection plan. My Mini Cooper GP rims cost about 700 bucks for the rim and tire, and I hit a pothole and damaged both about a month ago. My tire insurance covered everything!

And the protection plan wasn't even 700 bucks.

So it has paid for itself already :-)

 

We use Geico mechanical breakdown insurance. It is about 10 bucks a month with a $250 deductible.

http://www.geico.com/getaquote/auto/...own-insurance/

It basically covers engine and tranny. Helps to give peace of mind if you are nervous about cold start chatter or 2 - 3 tranny grinding.

" *Exclusions to this policy include regular maintenance services such as tune-ups, suspension alignment, wheel balancing, filters, lubrication, coolant and fluids, spark plugs, brake pads and linings, brake shoes and tires. Also, breakdown repairs made necessary by intentional damage, rust and oxidation, misuse, or lack of proper maintenance are excluded. Losses to the extent covered by warranty, recall or voluntary repair programs are not covered. "

 

All i got was the Tire/Wheel protection for $400. Covers things like flats and bent rims. If i use it once it is more than paid for. The coverage also covers any tires/wheels. So in the winter if you have another set of tires/wheels you are covered. Best $400 you can spend i think.

 

Read April-08 Consumer Report's take on extended warranties.

 

Your info is a bit off.

On the R56, it looks like the service intervals are approximately 15-20k miles depending heavily on your driving style.

Brake jobs can occur every 30-50k miles depending on how the car is driven. When the brakes wear, they will cover pads and rotors.

So even if you need services every ~20k, and brakes every ~45k...

-you get 4 extra oil services (40k, 60k, 80k, and just before 100k)
-filter replacements as needed... microfilter and air filter
-you get two brake jobs (figure front and rear brake pads and rotors each time)
-you get a brake fluid flush at the 4 year mark from your production date, and 6 years from production date (if you make it to 6 years before hitting 100k)
-you get a new set of windshield wipers any time you need them

if you are not the type that would do your own maintenance, and you add up these maintenance costs, the upgrade ends up being a pretty good deal.

 

This sounds like the best deal but I'm concerned about the loose wording of misuse. What does that mean? If you ever speed or track the car? I'm going to check the website to see if there's any clarification.

 

Unfortunately, going this route, you are stuck with Geico for your auto insurance as well. For me, switching to Geico would cost me more money than any potential savings on an extended warranty or service plan versus what the dealer offers.

 

The pricing can vary from dealer to dealer. The policy my dealership has comes with a $100 deductible. Also, as the you put more miles on the MINI the price will go up. I haven't looked at my paperwork in a while but I think at 24k or 25k miles the price went up. So, it is better to get it earlier.

The thing to keep in mind is, how many miles will you put on it. We didn't get the coverage for my wife's R53 as she doesn't put as many miles on hers as I do on my R56. I will be getting both plans for mine. I also plan on keeping my MINI well beyond 3-4 years.

 

Thanks for that clarification.
I feel much less stupid.

I am one that does his own work a lot of the time.

But on this one I wanted something I could drive not work on.

So if it includes rotors (I was not able to figure that out)
I'm more cool with the $1400.

I lose out on the oil changes (mathematically I mean) but I still
will go to the dealer when the thing tells me to.
My oil change is like $32. Their free one is a 240 mile round trip
which is more than $32. (note I am not complaining I knew this
and accepted it when I bought the car)

Although the SA indicated that I would most likely get one
set of brakes.

I still have not figured it out 100% how the service stuff works
but I'm working on it.

I need this thing to last years and years and be a nice car
throughout, just like my CRX was.