Good Mechanic in Boston

[timocin]

Hi,

Does anyone know a good garage in Boston for servicing Mini's? (just simple stuff, oil change, etc)

Have a two month old Cooper S, now at 1300miles and want to get the oil changed but don't want the expense/time of going back to the dealer (Mini of Peabody) before the 10K. (I do have spare oil filters.)

Thanks much for your advice!
T

[Bonnie Blue]

Hi, you can go to DT Automotive in Worcester where Pete of the Ocean State Mini Club has special service for Minis. We're having a tech day on Jan 28th when Mini owners can take their cars for mods and whatnot. See the ad on the home page of www.oceanstatemini.com. Pete is an excellent mechanic and owns two Minis.

[jwardell]

I'm confused as to why...your oil changes are free at your dealer.

[timocin]

Really? I thought just the oil changes at specified service points (e.g. 10K) were free. (I want to change the oil a little more frequently as its a new engine)

And thanks for the advice on the Worcester garage - was really looking for something in Boston/Cambridge area...

[snek]

How about Gloucester?

[Aqualung]

help us narrow where specifically you're looking for a mechanic, Boston's a big place! Boston limits "proper', 'burbs, etc.

I understand what you're saying, I try to change mine every 5k, once between the free ones. At $75 out of my pocket at MoP, it's expensive. I have my local guy do it. I'm out west of the city in Southborough.

I'm "assuming" you'll stay away from Jiffy Lube!

[jwardell]

Yes they are only free when your oil change interval counter approaches zero.
Although it is arguably not needed, I understand the small costs and effort of changing it once in between by yourself. But I would think it's not worth it to take it somewhere where you don't know what oil they are putting in, if it is 100% synthetic, and if the 15 year old doing it isn't leaving something lose or stripping the plug or something. And of course now if something goes wrong, you might have voided your warranty.

[timocin]

Thanks for the responses - sorry for not being more specific!

I'd like to find a local mechanic within 15 minutes of the Back Bay in Boston (so assume that includes Boston proper, Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Allston, and so on)

I'd definitely like to avoid Jiffy Lube, etc and find someone trustable (this is my first car in Boston) who knows Mini's.

Thanks much again!

[jwardell]

If only I had a garage I would also say I would be happy to do it for you. Maybe next year.

[holdenontoit]

I live almost as far to the north of MoP as you do to the south, and I gladly pay them to do the oil changes just for the peace of mind of knowing that it's done right and if they do screw something up they will make good on it. They will generally do it while you wait(call ahead) and it's good for a free wash! Heather and Chris are your friends.welcome to the community! Jock

ps I have done oil changes at 5k for the entire 66k on the car , just the right thing to do to preserve your investment.

[tomt]

The pleasures of living in the burbs -- doing your own oil change.

And the web is full of instructions on how to change your own oil.