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| - I've taken my 2004 MINI here twice and had a good experience both times.
I took my MINI in to get diagnosed for an engine light, which was preventing me from getting plates and thus driving legally. I had already pulled down the error codes, and Larchmere Imports independently determined the same part was raising the code, did some tests, and replaced the part. Additionally, they caught that my rear license plates lights were no longer functioning, and repaired them. I was appreciative of this, as I might have never noticed myself, and was told those are required by law.
I should mention that my car had been previously worked on by Classic MINI. They diagnosed and replaced a *very* expensive part (the DME/ECU). I am still suspicious over whether or not that repair was necessary/legitimate. Since I had just purchased the vehicle preowned, these repairs were coming out of Honda of Mentor's pocket, and Classic MINI probably had high incentive to overcharge. Whatever the case, the *much* cheaper part that was additionally if not solely responsible for my engine light was not diagnosed or replaced until I took my MINI to Larchmere Imports.
Larchmere Imports were also willing to give me a loaner for the period that they had my car. Without sounding ungrateful, I was a little disappointed that it was an older BMW -- going from a MINI to a car twice the length that handled (not poorly but) completely different was not a great experience for me, and I would have preferred at least a smaller car. But it kept me on the road for the work week and saved me in renting a car or taking the bus, which matters more than my driving comfort.
More recently, I had my MINI towed in to get bailed out after a bad DIY. Before work was done, I was called to make sure that the intake manifold bolt that I had lost couldn't possibly be in the engine, as he didn't want to start the engine with a bolt inside of it. I echoed those sentiments, and was pleased that they were concerned as well, rather than for example starting the car thoughtlessly. They found the bolt (outside of the engine) and called me to confirm that they had found it, putting me at ease, and reinforcing that they would never invent problems to increase their profits.
I also left with them a piece of wheel trim for which I didn't have the time or tools to install, and they very helpfully installed it at my request and at no charge.
Additionally, and presumably in response to me inquiring about their detailing services, they washed a couple months worth of rock salt off of my car. I had never seen the body of my car so clean in a long time; and the red paint really popped in a way that I had forgotten. Not sure if it was more than just a simple wash or not, but I was stunned with the way it looked nevertheless.
The towing service they recommended (Vitalone's Services) did a great job at hauling my MINI onto a flatbed, using the correct tools and hauling points on my car. I didn't have to pay for the towing up front; rather it went on the final bill that I paid when I picked it up, which is definitely convenient and streamlined.
Above all, Larchmere Imports are honest and only do the work that needs to be done. In fact, many times I have suggested things that might need repairs and was told that they weren't necessary at the time, or given a timeline for when those thins should actually be fixed. It could be argued that they are perhaps a little too conservative in this regard. If you want them to fix something that isn't broken (my power steering pump was noisy but completely functional), you have to push a little bit. This is probably a good thing, but if you're OCD like me and are eager to fix just about anything, just let them know you understand what you're asking for.
I feel that it's important to note that they're not inexpensive and, at least for MINIs, their rate approaches that of the dealership. However, Larchmere Imports are incredibly trustworthy and do excellent work. Peace of mind is priceless.
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