Hi All - Living in Ithaca, Towne Mini is a trek. How important is it to get the recommended servicing at the dealer, rather than at a reputable local shop?
If it is inspections and oil changes and other such maintenance (alignments, etc) you're ok with a local shop. If your Mini is still under warranty and stuff is going wrong or making noises it's best to have it on record with a Mini dealer in case it remains persistent or comes back when you are out of warranty.
Towne does have a service (I don't know what the exact cost is) where they will send out a driver with a loaner to you and pick up your car and bring it back. Another option if something really goes wrong (fingers crossed that it doesn't!) is to have roadside service flatbed your Mini to Towne and rent a car to go pick it up.
How new is your Mini? I was able to get an extended warranty through my insurance company that covers my car through 7 years and I can't remember how many miles.
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nicole
Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar
We have a couple good foreign car specialists in Rochester (I use Craig Autometrics for non-dealer work), so I would check the Ithaca area listings, and ask around to see if anyone you know with an out of the ordinary type of car uses them. I would think that Ithaca would have someone like that. It would be a good idea to get Mini oil filters to bring with you for oil changes to be sure they have the right kind.
