Hi I have just bought my first mini a lovely 2011 cooper D and he needs some TLC but I can't afford to be ripped off or a dodgy mechanic. He has the TLC package. Please can anyone recommend people to fix, service, and potentially upgrade in the future my car? Also I would like to join a club, as I had classics in the past. I live in Central London SE1 so so we here not too far a track so I can get home ok. Thanks
Cbee

For TLC work, mini park lane would be worth using.

But for anything outside of tlc I'd either use an independent or travel out of london where the labour rate is at least halved for going 30 miles out...

Any recommendations, I will just need to get back with out a car ok.

TWG are in Camberley and they're a specialist that sponsor on here. Heard many good things about them.

Mini Park Lane are in Battersea and can supply a courtesy car (congestion charge is/was covered)

Hexagons (Kentish Town) are very good, but getting through to service is a pain. Sales are great too, but they weren't cheapest this time for me so lost out.

Outside of London most dealers are very good and a lot cheaper, will supply you with a courtesy car - though I'd avoid Stephen James as they like to charge way over the odds.

Wow thank you so much that's very kind and nice of you to give me that information. How far outside London would it be for me to get something cheaper?

As said TWG are great guys and I'd say well worth the trip....

Neil (Hyper Neil) may be able to offer advice. He doesn't have a MINI any more so doesn't get on here much but he comes from South East London way, so would have had his car serviced in that area.

Also watch out about James (Moon)'s use of the word Courtesy car. Most times I've had one from numerous dealers there has been a fee involved.

Carlabee wrote:

Wow thank you so much that's very kind and nice of you to give me that information. How far outside London would it be for me to get something cheaper?

specialist wouldn't be too far but maybe 30 miles or so into Kent or Essex and you'll see a very noticeable drop in labour! They will try and charge to have a courtesy car, but usually drop the charge as soon as you question it. Most of the ones ive seen it have it worded as a 'damage waiver' or 'excess reduction/cover' as brand policy is availability of a free car is part of the service! Most don't question it though so its a nice earner for the dealer.

Wow really, good to know. I firstly need someone to check him out as I bought him at auction with an hpi and full service record, and TLC package service, had a test drive, and looked him over the best I could with mirrors and things. Modern cars I can't fix or know where to start I'm afraid. I am happy to look into a specialist if it's only that far. Recommendations are welcome as that is the best way, and I would like to have a trusted person to deal with for the future. I really appreciate the guidance

Don't forget to look into what's been done already under TLC, might be worth asking your nearest dealer to check which services are remaining on the cars TLC policy. Not everything is covered under TLC (brake pads are one example) but definitely don't go to a specialist if the job is covered under the remainder of the TLC pack. TLC work can only be done at a main dealer.

Thanks I'm getting him a check up at mini park lane battersea. The will also do a winter check. Once all is known from the TLC and things I'll find a cheaper option. thanks everyone!