I'm Tina and I am new!

Originally posted by MiniHawg Tina, Did you get my information I sent you?  Also, we are having an event this weekend.  Maybe you could get a ride with someone and join us on the Coastal Run this coming weekend?  It may help you to decide between a AT or MT, or a Cooper S or Cooper.  You can go to the forum that talks about this weekend trip.  Keep in touch!   Bill

Hi Bill,

I received your message. Thank you!  I can't join the Coastal Run this coming weekend.

Thank you,

Tina

Dear all,

I haven't been here for awhile since my last post.  I finally ended up with the 2007 Cooper S.  I just brought "her" home last night.  I took a risk to buy it because when I tested drive, the service engine light was on, and the break light was still on even I released the "emergency break" already.  I am a little nervous about it.  Also, the car had the performance tires. It was a strange feeling when I drove it.  Is that how you suppose to feel with this type of tires?  I feel like they road were slippery, and I couldn't control the wheel that well.

I will need to contact Northwest Mini Service Department anytime soon.  It's a quick update about me and my "new" car. :)a

Thank you for your help in the past, I didn't believe I would end up with 2007 model after all the searching. :)  I think I will more questions about how to take care of it now and in the future. I hope that you will continue to help me.  Also, the car doesn't have the license plate in the front.  Hm...my thoughts are not together.  I will keep you posted....

Thanks for your time,

Tina

Originally posted by Wildfamily Hi Tina,   Good news is that the car should still be under warranty (if under 50K miles). If it's under 36K then you are still up for free maintenance I believe. The break light is usually tripped by the sensor (there is one for the front wheels and one for the rear). It will trip when the brake pads wear down to a certain point or if you have a bad sensor. The sensor is only about a $20 replacement part.   If by service engine light you mean the little yellow "engine shaped" light is on, that generally is an emissions thing and can be as simple as a loose gas cap, some poor quality gas, etc. Tighten the gas cap good and get a good tank of Chevron gas and maybe a bottle of techron in the tank and that might clear it up. If after a while it doesn't go out you can take it to the shop and they can check it out and find out why it's on. Hopefully it's still under warranty anyway and you won't have to pay a dime.   As for the tires, are they worn down very much or are they new? Was the road wet or dry? What type of tires are they?

Edited by Tina2009 - March/10/10 at 9:02am

Originally posted by Rob N Tina, Check your tire pressure using a pressure guage as soon as you can.

Hi Tina,

It's never too late. Call NW MINI and tell them about the problems you're having. You'll drive yourself batty worriyng about it all - talk with them about it.

When you talk to the dealer and if you determine that your car is under warranty, ask them about MINI Roadside assistance.  They may be able to help you out.  I don't think you should drive your car any further than is absolutely necessary.  It really sounds like low tire pressure and needs to be checked. 

Tina - I left you a message. Give me a call. I'm going to be out near your way if you're at work. I have a tire gauge. I will help you out in anyway I can. It's really no problem for me. Your MINI should still be under warranty. It should be covered to 50,000 miles or 4-years (whichever comes first).

Dear all,

Originally posted by 4LFCLVR Where did you buy this car? You have a three day right of recission if this car has problems that cannot be fixed. So you want to move fast on getting this evaluated.   Karin

Originally posted by Tina2009 Dear all,     My co-workers already gave the tires some air (four of them completely flat that I couldn't tell by looking at them, and I didn't press enough to know that they were flat).

Way to Go, Brenda!  I agree that Tina is in good hands.

Also, her MINI is covered under warranty until August 2011 or 50k (whichever comes first). Her maintenance is good to August 2010. It's looking like her car is due for minor service according to the diagnostic: oil, brake fluid flush, etc.

Originally posted by valvashon I find it surprising that a fellow MINI owner would sell their car with worn-out, under-inflated run-flats and a "Service Engine Soon" light on.  Since MINI's are what I like to call a "destination car", I thought that there might be a sense of "we're all in this together" even if they're not a club member but I guess I'm wrong.  Genuinely hoping it all works out for the best.  Again, I can't recommend a CarChex independent inspection strongly enough.Bruce

The MINI belonged to a couple's daughter. It has been parked for a while. Kids... She probably just ignored the service light. The oil change is only 50-miles over. It's looking like they will replace the front brakes under warranty.

It's actually a very clean looking Pepper White MINI S, automatic with black bonnet stripes and top. It also has the premium leather seats, aerokit, front and rear fog lights, driving lights, Cooper Works wheels and lots of carbon fiber accents including the scoop and mirrors. The front and mirrors also have the rock guard protection.

Originally posted by Peabody Tina, if your MINI didn't come with a manual make sure you get one, because it will explain all the different lights that can come on on the dash.  If NW MINI doesn't have one, I'm sure you can get one on line.   Also, I work in downtown Tacoma and live in Gig Harbor, so if you need any help feel free to give me a call.  I might be able to help with any legal questions if it comes to that.   John

John - She has a manual. The wheels are locked too. Thank goodness there's the wheel lock key (in the boot). I suggested she rotate the worse tires to the back just to be safe. I think they'll be okay for a while. I offered to do it, but we live a bit too south for her to drive. Anyone nearby to Tacoma who could give her a hand rotating them? I'd hate for her to make a haste decision in picking out tires (and/or wheels). She got a very good deal on it and I think the tires are a minimal investment. It's a big plus that all repairs and maintenance is covered.