Mini update: Mini of Stevens Creek called to say the rings on no. 1 piston are toast and the cylinder is scored. Replacement engine (new, 2yr 50k mile warranty) is 12,195 installed. I figured 10 to 11k, so that's in the ballpark.
On Sunday the wife and I test drove a Golf GTI Autobahn and she loved it. Best no haggle price is Sunnyvale VW at $6,000.00 off MSRP. Not too shabby, no work required by me at this point. I should be able to get one for $30,800.00 or thereabouts. But I digress. We test drove the JCW Clubman manual trans next. Nice. The wife has done a complete 180 on me, used to hate the Golf (it's boxy) - what, the Clubman isn't?
I asked her to entertain me for a bit, and let's think big. In my little fantasy I ask Mini to meet me halfway at $6100.00 to replace the engine, based on the service record of the car (always serviced by SC Mini and Mini of Concord to their service schedule).
We're at about $9k in engine repairs this year alone - t.c. and tensioner, water pump, practically every engine seal and gasket and valve cover - this has been one expensive car to own. I asked if she would keep it and forgo the GTI for $6100.00. Yes, this is still more than her Clubman is worth but she absolutely loves the thing. She said no, let's cut the chord and get the GTI. Just then we drove past SC Mini and she made a little sad sound. I asked what was up, and she said she is sad her Mini is dead. I reminded her again that it could be repaired....
The dealer called today, and in response to my request for Mini's financial assistance when I dropped it off on Saturday, they offered a steep discount on a new Mini of our choice. They didn't say how much, because I told them no, we would go for the GTI if we replace it. The service writer told me he would contact Mini again and call me back. This young man has been absolutely awesome to work with both this time and with the last major repair, being instrumental then in Mini giving me a 50% discount.
He called back, and stated that he had Mini pull our service records for the car, told them we were a loyal Mini customer, yada yada, and then told me they offered to replace the engine for - 50% off! So that $6100.00 fantasy came true. Good on him, and good on Mini.
My wife will be in her little slot car a bit longer, and now i will get to see what a difference the Konis make!
Oh, the icing on the cake for me is that I asked if they would put me in a loaner next week until the car is done. The service writer agreed. I feel a bit cheeky, but know it is the right thing for them to do.
If any of you own Minis and have them serviced at this dealership, his name is Luver. He is a fantastic customer advocate, really going the extra mile and then some.
In the end, we are spending more than it's worth, but I plan on selling it before the next issue arises. If only I had a crystal ball......
