braddlee

Hi - On the fence on MTTS from ATL to Baltimore, was hoping there might be plans for a caravan heading south prior to the start? Apologies if this isn't posted in the right spot... Braddlee

Hi - I can pass along a recent experience, but not really a recommendation. My '14 Clubman got rear-ended in October, and I wanted to get the best repairs possible, so went with Passport Collision in Camp Springs, who are "MINI Certified." The damage was fairly extensive, about $12K in repairs, ultimately paid for by the other driver's insurance. Originally the deadline given was four weeks. For a range of reasons relating to the driver's seat belt needing to be replaced, that slipped, but I got the car delivered back the week following. Not bad, right? But then.... The car was delivered back to Passport MINI in Alexandria, and when I went to pick it up, immediately noticed the barn doors wouldn't open properly with the remote. I also found some other minor issues, which I discussed with Julian at Passport MINI in Alexandria, and the car was sent back to Collision. When it was returned, Julian did a test drive, and noticed the seat frame was damaged and that had not been caught. Back to Collision. Another delay. When I got the car back, and actually had a chance to drive it, I noticed that it was making some odd noises in turns and when hitting bumps. Back to Collision, again. Turns out that the heat shield was loose and some wiring wasn't put back in place to spec. Another delay. Got the car back again in early January. Have been driving it a few weeks, but noticed that now the struts and stops on the barn doors aren't working properly in holding the doors, so I'm heading back again. Hoping this will just be a stop a MINI of Alexandria. I can understand that in a complex repair, that not everything might go right the first time, but this has been pretty frustrating. Moreover, I really feel like I've had to hound Passport Collision on the follow-up items. When I had questions, they've often been very slow in responding. At times, I've felt like they really didn't want to be very open or transparent about what was going on with the work, and that I've had to be quite the PITA to get the information I felt was appropriate. Persistent follow-up is one of my superpowers, but they really put me to the test. :banghead: On the paperwork/insurance side, this really dragged on as well. It was only this week that I was able to get Collision to resolve some open questions with the insurance company's appraiser, so the collision part of the claim could be closed. Unfortunately, I'd paid Collision out of pocket on the initial repair, and so was out of pocket for several thousand dollars from late November until this week while paperwork on the supplementals to the original claim were getting sorted out. If you go with them, I'd strongly recommend letting your insurance company handle any payments, so you don't get stuck in the middle like I did. Bottom line - were the actual repairs done well? Actually, despite all these problems, yes, I think they actually were done well. And, while this is a whole different story, because I'm pursing a diminished value claim, I paid Collision Consulting for an independent appraisal and an in-person review of the repairs (I highly recommend them, BTW). While they obviously couldn't look inside/underneath, the appraiser's comments on the work were positive. So, your mileage may vary, but I'd personally have a hard time recommending Passport Collision based on the overall experience. One important point. I've consistently been very happy with Passport MINI in Alexandria. Both shops are owned by the same company. Julian's typically been my service advisor at Passport MINI, and the quality of the service, the work performed, and the communication have all been commendable. So, even though I'd probably never go back to Passport Collision, I certainly plan to keep taking the car to Passport MINI. Happy to answer any questions, and I've been curious about other members experience with Passport Collision. Braddlee

Hi - Considering shelling out the considerable $$$$ for an Integral Audio Soundstage and Sub setup for Coco - the HK still isn't cutting it for me, although I'd hoped I'd be okay with it over time. Does anyone have an installed setup nearby (I'm Alexandria/Fairfax area) that they might be willing to let me listen in on? Coco's a Clubbie, but since I gather these are built specifically for each model, I'd expect the outcome to be similar across models. I've been talking with the folks at Kartunes up in Sterling; they've quoted me a system similar to what I had in my Subi (which I liked) at a fair price, but I still haven't quite landed the decision, and hearing would certainly help. Thanks! Braddlee http://www.integralaudio.com/index.php/mini/clubman-r55.html

Hi - I'm pretty interested - would like to discuss details. PM contact info? Thanks! Braddlee

Both in Coco ('14 S Clubman) and in a '14 Countryman loaner I had this week, the recirculation turns off after about 3-5 minutes when it's cold (30's F) outside. I'm guessing the "feature" is because in cold weather, having the system on recirc can cause the interior windows to fog. However, the thing is so darn slow to warm up compared to my Subaru, that I keep punching it back on, praying that I don't die of hypothermia first....

Hi - Have no personal commercial interest in this, just wanted to pass along a tip. Kuda, the folks who make very nice dash mounts for Minis to handle your phone or GPS, are having an un-advertised 15% off special today. Apparently it's phone-only, not on web-purchased. I did a bundle purchase, and Dirk (I gather he's the owner) did the 15%, plus knocked off an additional $20 on a package, since I got both a phone and GPS mount. :rock: Dunno if it's today, or through the weekend, but worth giving him a call if it's on your wishlist. B

SOLD! :rock:

Hi - Have a set of four, black, 6-Star Twin Spoke Alloys in need of a good home. Tires are 195/55 R16 Continental M/S All Seasons. Should include TPMS, as that's what was attested to by the dealer. I've never run these, they came with the car ('14 Clubman) but I had the dealer swap out, as I wanted 17"'s with a different look. The set has 5K miles. From a quick inspection, looked like there was one minor rim scratches on each of three of the four rims. See attached photos for representative example. Would like to see $600 for the whole thing, local pick-up in Alexandria. No splitsies, please, but open to rational conversation on price, small possibility of a swap as part of deal. Can take add'l pics and share by email if you're serious and that's helpful. First time posting in Marketplace forum, so please let me know if there are any issues with this post. Not an expert, so please fact-check on whether these will meet your needs, fit your Mini, etc. Thanks!