they are not honest. I was charged $2,200 to not fix a problem.
I took my MINI Clubman to MINI of Las Vegas because of a loud rubbing noise coming from the front right of the car. In reviewing the problem with the service advisor, I pointed out that though not a mechanic, I am an engineer who has been around plenty of failing motor and pump bearings and this did not sound like a bearing problem. I paid roughly $200 to have the problem diagnosed.
The service advisor came back to me with a diagnosis of a failed wheel bearing and a $2,200 estimate. I questioned the diagnosis which he affirmed and then I asked pointedly whether replacing the wheel bearing would fix the problem. The answer was “Yes”.
I took the car in on a Tuesday. There was no loaner car available so I had to pay for a rental car for 3 days. Finally, a loaner car was available. That was a good thing because “repairs” took until the following Monday to complete.
The service advisor called to tell me that my car was ready but there was another problem with the front right tire. I picked my car up paying $2,200 under protest and pointed out to the service advisor that I paid for repairs that weren’t needed and they didn’t fix the problem. Initially he denied that and then all he could say was, “I’m sorry.” I drove directly to Discount Tire with the same load rubbing noise that cause me to take the car to MINI in the first place. Discount Tire found a tire that was cracked inside and replaced it under warranty in a couple of hours.
I called the dealership multiple times and most calls went unanswered. I finally got through and asked to talk to the service manager. No answer so I left messages requesting a return call on three successive days. No call.
Finally, the loaner car was a huge disappointment. I drive a MINI because it is a fun car to drive. The new loaner was all sterile electronics and the MINI charm and driving experience are gone.