["Megan"]

*Moderators, could you please leave this post here as it is Aussie Specific and of no use to anyone else - thanks*

Does anyone know of a good quality, waterproof, custom fit car cover for the MINI that is available in Australia? I have done a 'search' on the site before starting this thread, but they were all relating to covers available overseas. I would like to start locally, if possible.

I am living in inner Sydney, and don't have the luxury of undercover parking for my car. I guess, I am just lucky I have off-street parking! So I need a cover that is going to be waterproof, but still breathe.

I asked the MINI Australia Sales Manager at the Canterbury MINI Garage launch, but he didn't seem to know of a specific one, but seemed to think that you could get them in Australia.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Avril...

[swamos]

Don't do it!! I like the idea of car covers... but they are more suited to classics kept in dusty garages and are excellent for that. (I have a kenco cover) MINI used to make and sell a car cover in Aus too. The problem is, unless you wash your car thoroughly each time before you put the cover on you will be placing dirt between the cover and the car. You then get a bit of wind and you have recked paint.

In summary, I've seen heaps of cars with paint destroyed by car covers, and never seen one yet that has been saved by a car cover

[Smurfn]

I tend to disagree with Swamos here. SMURFN was parked outside on the street for it's first 2 years, and the car cover was invaluable in protecting it. I had numerous badges and the number plates stolen, and the car walked on before I bought a cover, and nothing (except someone stealing a cover) after having the cover. And my paintwork is not damaged at all.

I just had a cheap generic cover from Supercheap or somewhere, wanted it to be anonymous.

[swamos]

Quote: Originally Posted by Smurfn

I tend to disagree with Swamos here. SMURFN was parked outside on the street for it's first 2 years, and the car cover was invaluable in protecting it. I had numerous badges and the number plates stolen, and the car walked on before I bought a cover, and nothing (except someone stealing a cover) after having the cover. And my paintwork is not damaged at all.

I just had a cheap generic cover from Supercheap or somewhere, wanted it to be anonymous.

I would never have thouht a cover would have that effect! I'd be suprised if I couldn't see paint damage on the corners though. I am fussy though

[Smurfn]

Quote: Originally Posted by swamos

I would never have thouht a cover would have that effect! I'd be suprised if I couldn't see paint damage on the corners though. I am fussy though

Out of sight, out of mind And the d***heads are too lazy

I haven't noticed any paint damage, at least it will be less than the damage to our other car after it was walked on and the person had a rock in the tread of their shoes

[swamos]

Quote: Originally Posted by Smurfn

Out of sight, out of mind And the d***heads are too lazy

I haven't noticed any paint damage, at least it will be less than the damage to our other car after it was walked on and the person had a rock in the tread of their shoes

Un believeable You've got to stop parking in the neighbours driveway

["Megan"]

Thanks for the feedback guys, both points of view are valid too!

I kept a car cover on my Prelude and never put it on if the car was dirty or had been rained on. I would wait until I had washed her, and then put the cover on. If I was able to go out, and come back again without getting her dirty, the cover went back on. I honestly think it kept the paintwork looking better than if I had left her uncovered all the time. I just sold her and the guy who bought her was thrilled with the condition of the paintwork - she was resprayed 8 years ago.

If I get one for the MINI, I will do the same. If she isn't clean, the cover stays off until I wash her again. It was a good way to get me to wash my car more often :-)

It would also seem that getting a snug fitting cover is the way to go, so that it isn't moving around on the car which can cause damage to the paintwork. Unless it is a really good cover, I won't be buying it :-)

I just have to see if I can find a good enough cover for the MINI here in Australia, before having to resort to looking overseas. I would rather be able to see and feel the texture of the cover before I actually buy it.

[Chilli_Red]

Hi there,
I have sent some details of my investigations (with contact details for the company I have used) into buying a Car Cover to you by PM, due to not being able to advertise on the site.
Any questions just give me a shout.

Chilli_Red