Mini Strikes Again

Just when I thought my finances were in order my car has a service need. I knew there would be a service required in July and that it would not be easy on my finances, but I didn't realize that I would also have to replace the brakes right now. I guess it's better that the brakes went before I was on mat leave. Who knows how I would pay for these things when I'm not working. I love my car, but the Mini is so expensive to service.

They weren't sure they would be able to do the brakes today (the red light came on this morning while I was driving to work) but once I played the pregnancy card they said they could do it today. The last time I had a red warning light my transmission had gone on my first mini and I had to buy a new car. So, the red light freaked me out.

I've also been having problems with the drivers side window. It takes 5 or 6 attempts to get the window to stay closed. Apparently, this is a known issue with the minis (as the service guy knew exactly what I was talking about). They can't fix that today (well, they could but I don't have time to wait around for that). I really hope that one is under warranty. My car is not even two years old so I'll be really annoyed if I have to pay for that one.

Ah the joys of owning a BMW / Mini. I love my car, but I do not love how much it costs.

Mini 2008 Annoyances

So, I finally picked up my new 2008 Mini Cooper. I don't love it. :(

I can't figure out why I don't love it. I'm not a big fan of the black roof with the green car. But, I do think it looks sharper than with the white roof. It's just not as cute. I think I want a white racing stripe.

But, what really annoys me: the stereo. Here are the 'features' of the mini stereo: when you turn off the car the CD player goes back to the beginning of the track.

MINI Drama

So, the MINI drama continues. I was hoping they could find me a mini earlier than mid-Sept. Apparently they are in major demand. At least in the configuration I want. Currently, there is a mini coming in about two weeks from now. Jaguar / British Racing Green with everything I want except the media connect. The media connect is the usb connection to the ipod so that I can see the song name and charge the ipod while driving, it also allows my phone to go through the radio. This would be super nice to have. But, can I live without it? Sure, but I'd rather have it now that the option has been presented. Is it worth me going insane over car options for the next month? No.

There is another dealer that found a mini with the colour and everything I want (including media connect), but they don't know if they can get a dealer trade. I kind of want this one to become available so that I get everything I want, but I would also feel bad going with a different dealer than the guy that has been putting up with my craziness for the past two weeks. He actually said I was easy to deal with (I know many people that would beg to differ on that one - it was through email so maybe he was writing it through clenched teeth).

Fingers crossed that I get a car soon!

Stupid Car

Remember my post on how many problems I had with my mini when I first bought it? Well, they haven't stopped. It turns out the battery that they put into my car is leaking battery acid. The gauges went all crazy last night. So, I took it into th mini dealership for them to check it out. $150 for them to look to see what is wrong (this after I have spent over $1200 on them checking out my car in the last 2 months). I am not impressed.

So, I called the dealership where I bought the car, they are checking to make sure the battery is still under warranty. They will then replace it (mini wants to charge me $480 + taxes for the diagnostic and the battery replacement).

Heidi, you need to find out how to service a mini! I would definitely prefer to give this money to you.