New 2 site from across the pond!!

[waddy]

Hello everyone. This looks like a great MB. My girlfriend lives in SoCal and is mad on Minis. The next time I come out in July, I would love to hire a Mini Cooper/S to take her around in. Does anyone know where I might be able to hire one from?

Another question I have is, does the oil have to be changed every 3000 miles on the Minis? My girlfriend has a Toyota Echo and told me the oil "HAS" to be changed every 3000 miles. This is very odd to me as in England we only have a regular service at between 10 and 12000 miles!

Since my girlfriend was here just a week ago and told me about her love for the new Mini, I have become quite hooked myself. I hope to own one with her when I move out to the States, but until then I shall just have to get my fix from this board!

All the best to everyone here,
Waddy.

p.s.Has anyone in SoCal had any dealings with the Brecht Mini Dealership in Escondido?

[Paul]

Hi there, welcome to MINI2.

[weezgrrl]

I'd recommend Midway Car Rental (800) 878-5921 - also available online at http://www.midwaycarrental.com. They have both models available for rent from a number of southland locations. It is a bit pricey, however - I paid about US$310.00 for two days rental (including tax and insurance) of an "S" model. But it was loads of fun!

Or, Budget of Beverly Hills (they also have a website, do a Google search) also rents out MiniCoopers (both models as well), though I have not hired a car from them.

[AprilWhine]

Hi Waddy and welcome to MINI2!

The SoCal forum moderator, Jimskater, is very familiar with Brecht MINI in Escondido. He bought his first MC there, and now has an MCS on order.

[2BlueMCSMRdstr]

If you're looking to move out to Southern California some time down the road and are in no particular hurry to get a MINI quickly, why not put your name on the list at Long Beach MINI? If you want to purchase at MSRP and want a MCS then the wait time is about 12 months. Except for Long Beach and one other dealer in the San Francisco Bay Area, all California dealers are charging between $1500-$6000 over MSRP if you want a MINI now or in a short timeframe. MINIs continue to be a hot item in California and demand is high and supply low... thus the mark-up.

[ruthie]

Though some disagree, according to the Mini manual, the oil does not have to be changed anymore than you stated is required in the UK. I have followed the manual's recommendations and all is well.

By the way, best of luck to you and your girlfriend.

[waddy]

Thanks to everyone for your great comments! I am really greatful for the info on places to go to on hiring...thanks weezgrrl!

AprilWhine, looks like Jimskater will be the guy to go to about "our local" Mini dealer. Thanks for letting me know about that.

2BlueMCSMRdstr, that's great stuff to know. Once I get more of an idea when the move is going to be finalized I'll take this into serious consideration.

Last, but by no means least, thank you ruthie for your wishes for my girlfriend and I and the answer to my oil change q.

I really couldn't have come across a more helpful bunch of people.

Oh, I nearly forgot. I drove a Mini One with the CV transmission yesterday. The sales advisor took me for a test drive in 30 and 40mph zones only, so I didn't really get a feel for it, but I was just desperate to drive one. I did get a chance to take some tight corners pretty quick though and I was very impressed with the lack of roll. I know that envy isn't a good thing, but I soooo envy you guys right now!

[obehave]

It's not envy.
It's just the quite intelligent desire to improve your automotive situation


Welcome. You've come to the right place to gain MINI knowledge.

[jimskater]

Hello, Waddy. Welcome aboard.

Just PM me with any questions you might have.