Central Florida Based Mini/MINI and automotive shops.

[jboy_nm]

How many of the shops posted here are up to date? Also, any close to Maitland/Altamonte/Sanford that you guys recommend? Trying to stay as far north as possible.

My MINI is due for oil, I've got a coolant leak and my passenger door doesn't open from the inside! Any suggestions on who can do all of this? Thanks all!

-JB

[1fastmini]

We can take care of all your MINI needs

[J3kidford]

Go see Eddie at E. 407-595-4469. He's in Winter Park right off I-4. I drive from Jax to have him work on my car.

[2phun]

Another option would be Maitland Importers.

Maitland Importers, Inc.
1008 W. Church Street
Orlando FL. 32805
Ph.407-425-0545
Fax 407-422-2981

I've heard nothing but good things about them. Haven't had any personal experience with them since my extended warranty and service plans are still in effect, but everyone I've spoken with who has speaks great things of them. Not one negative from the countless people I've spoken with. Can't say that about some of the other shops in town.

[coobah]

I'll second the recommendation for Eddie at E2. He is the best!!!
I have not heard of one credible negative comment about him either....

[James]

You're joking, right? I would certainly call Steve and Tom credible.

[coobah]

I am not joking one bit.
I have heard stories, but can only go by what my personal experience has been, and it has been top notch.

[The L]

I second Maitland Importers! They are fantastic!

Give them a call and Ian will answer any questions you may have

[2phun]

[2phun]

On a side note, I had been contemplating whether or not to get the extended service contract and extended warranty on my car. When I had my experience with Eddie, I went in to Orlando MINI and purchased both within a week. I wanted peace of mind.

Having work done at the dealer is a bit more expensive than through a local shop, no question. The main concern comes in to play when something doesn't go as planned and the repair fails or doesn't solve the problem. Will the shop stand behind their work? Orlando MINI has always stood behind every repair they've ever done on my car. They had my car in 4 different times to work on my cabrio roof. It's an extremely complex system and one little bent piece can have a huge effect on the rest of the system. Each time I took it in, they problem solved to see what needed fixing. When it didn't come out quite right, they invited me back to fix it the next time. They didn't give me any excuses. They didn't charge me an additional deductible or other fees for additional parts. They stood behind their work and made it right.

Anyway, I've had some minor repairs that needed fixing over the past couple years, most of which were covered by the extended warranty. Today I took in my car for three more "small" warranty issues, and totaled with the prior repairs I've had done, my extended warranty has now paid for itself.

When it was time to change my worn brakes in October, my extended service contract also moved into the black.

With another two years on both, I'm rather happy I spent the money. Like I said, peace of mind.

Again, this is my personal experience, but I've been very pleased with my experiences at Orlando MINI. They'll be the ones doing all my service and warranty work until my plans expire, and possibly beyond.

[coobah]

[speedy1]

We have a great new place here in Jax if you are interesnted in a little road trip!!

[Minvader]

[RHE]

[Jeveretts]

I would like to post another thumbs up for Orlando Mini. I recently bought my Mini used, with 90K miles on it. It had a check engine light on that had a few people baffled, including a well respected BMW indie shop in Daytona. I talked to Eddie about the problem on the phone but really didn't get a great vibe, not that he did or said anything wrong..I just had a hunch I would be better at the dealer for this one, especially since a couple of people had already looked at it.

I drove it to Orlando Mini, checked it in and sat down to have some of the free coffee and cookies, about an hour later, the service adviser came up and said it merely needed an o2 sensor. The great part, is that they told me they fixed the 02 sensor 14 months ago on this exact car and they would do it for free this time to stand behind their previous repair (14 months later!?!?!). They also told me that my oil pan gasket is leaking a little, something I had already noticed and was going to let slide for a bit... and that they had previously fixed that at some point in the cars history, so they would be happy to do that as well at no cost to me. I am taking it in Wednesday morning to have that done. AND.. to top it off, my adviser told me they would have to drain and refill the oil to do the oil pan, so if I just pay for a filter.. I get a full oil service as another freebie bonus! AND, they would be happy to take me anywhere in the area and pick me up, so I can do a little shopping or lunch or whatever!

So far, for the cost of my gas from Daytona to Orlando Mini, I have had quite a bit of free repairs, some cookies and way more coffee than I should have had. My car is now running perfect, and since they fixed the O2 sensor, the car is now getting around 33mpg IN TOWN!

Oh, and I guess I should note, that they printed out the entire service history for my car.. something I didn't get when I bought it.

[speedy1]

Jeveretts.....sounds like an awesome MINI experience....soooo glad to hear it!! Both Tom Bush and Orlando MINI have been great to me!!

[Jeveretts]

[Jeveretts]

Just thought I would post again on this subject. Sitting on the sidewalk at Eddies shop, while Eddie is going WAY beyond the scope of a favor to get Felicia going. Giant thumbs up for Eddie.

[FeliRO]

Thank you to both of you (Jerry and Eddie) and Orlando Mini for washing my car today!!!

[speedy1]