Best Wishes to Maxamini

[GMINI]

Long story but as of a 4:30 phone message Ed is stuck at some exit on I-84 waiting for MINI Roadside Assistance to pick his car up. They "couldn't find it" the first time earlier this morning. It's been a long day. The toys got to my dealer via my rental - now Ed's got his own. I don't know if he's still there. But I'll let him fill you in when he gets back home safe and sound.

His MINI stopped motoring. Dead on a major highway. Suspected fuel pump.

[NEMINI]

ouch, hope all turns out well, let us know when you get in Ed.

[fdnypd]

Just in case you ever call MINI Roadside, a few simple ideas. First since we're dealing with AAA as a provider of said AAASSistance, be very explicit about vehicle wherabouts. It's a big country, with small minded drivers looking like 90's versions of cowboys riding the big, stinky diesel spewing steeds. Leave your car near a major intersection, preferably with a giant billboard, arrow facing downwards....BROKEN MINI is HERE!! with large chalk outlines, and maybe some colored smoke too..
Next, specify which dealer to tow it to... there's 71 in the USA, and left unsaid, the Arkansas dealer will fix it, and send your MINI back UPS, or FEDEX. Don't let the cowboy lift the bonnet. He doesn't know what's lurking behind those big chrome eyes....
The dealer will fix your car, they are professionals. Bug the service people twice a day, once to get them moving, and again if they don't call back in the afternoon with a status report. Sad to say, each part you need is not always in stock. They have two goals, happy MOTORist, and getting paid. They don't get paid to sit on it, only once you're driving your MINI again. May your MINI always Motor, and your glass never be empty!

[GMINI]

Well said Scott.

Let us all take to carrying Vietnam War era flares and elephantine chalk sticks.

[NEMINI]

so when's Maxamini gonna tell us the whole story?

[GMINI]

As soon as he explains to his wife where the car is....

[MoonPie]

oh my best of luck, can't wait to see one of his whacko-style posts

[MaxaMini]

More later but got to work at 6:15PM. Six Hours late. Ist call to Road Side 9:30. Car finally on Hook at 4:50. Then they made me follow it back to dealer. Got home WITH Maxamini at 11:50PM.

Off to work in the Mazda. Mart has the MINI. It's her turn to roll the dice.

Gotta go work the last min shoppers untill 6:00. More later.

Merry Christmas everybody.

What a RUN huh John. Let's name it "Maxamini Trade In"... The pre run.

[GMINI]

i'm in. Confuision. Was the shop open when you arrived? How did they get it going again? Kick the gas tank?

[MaxaMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI

As soon as he explains to his wife where the car is....

The car is home. I kicked the fuel pump.
I'm just getin to be a real Mr. Fixit.

[GMINI]

Where exactly is the fuel pump?

[MaxaMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI

i'm in. Confuision. Was the shop open when you arrived? How did they get it going again? Kick the gas tank?

Of course your in confusion. You just spent the last 6 hours with MAX Let's review

Call for Hook 9:30

GMINI shows his Stratus
No way to Dodge him. Busted;..He see's me.

Call Roadside to confirm Very Specific location

10:00 assume car will be delivered to dealer. We proceed to grab last of gifts.
Proceed to dealer in Stratus. Make delivery and visit FDNYPD. Just Miss On the road again it seems.
No sign of car so we go to Service.

No Car. Let's eat. Good Lunch

John drops me off at Service 1:00

No Car. Assume it's on the way. Get rental and am told they Could NOT Find my car. Drive North to exit and there it be. Right where we left it at 9:30.

4:00 and I'm calling Roadside again.

They show. Car is on flatbed. I think I'm gonna go to work. No way.

I'm told I must accompany vehicle to dealer WTF. Now I'm getting desperate. I lay on my back on wrecker and smack the fuel tank. Might work. IT WORKS. MINI is running. I try to persuade driver to throw the rental Camry on the hook and I'll drive the MINI home.

No Can Do.

Back down to the dealer. It's dark. The dealer gives me some Falalalala yadadadadada story about I shouldn't risk it. It may crap out again.
"Of course it will " I tell him It's a MINI.

I prevail and drive away.
i'M BUSTED ANYWAY. i HAVE AN HOUR TO DRIVE TO WORK.

Get to work at 6:30 not 12:00

My story with Mart is so full of holes I don't know if I'll see 36 years..

She still assumes this all involved New Country hours north. She deserves more.

Here I am at work. Mini outside. No more problemo.

[GMINI]

Wow. My windshield wiper and now your fuelpump. You oughta consider a career change.

[MaxaMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI

Wow. My windshield wiper and now your fuelpump. You oughta consider a career change.

Not quite certain just where the fuel pump is. I wacked everything. Then I disconnected the battery and rebooted.

Diagnosing MINIs is like owning a cat.
If the cat is missing and cannot be found, and then the cat returns. Dpon't ask where the cat has been. Rejoice in the return of the cat and MOTOR!.

[GMINI]

So wait. It's not the fuelpump, it's the cat? I am so confused