Mini Spares Are Absolutely Fantastic!

[taffy1967]

In total contrast to the rubbish that is Halfords (& my local Unipart/Partco Parts Supplier Shop), I ordered the parts I wanted from Mini Spares on Thursday and they arrived this morning (i.e. Saturday).

I can't fault that and the parts are spot on right and fit too. Although the new radiator cap seems a tad flimsy compared to my old one, but I guess it's got to wear in a bit?

The new oil filter came in a plastic bag with a Unipart/Rover sticker on it, so why couldn't my local Unipart/Partco shop order it?

Anyway I'm very pleased and I had my reservations at first because I used the telephone (I like to double check I'm ordering the right parts as their website can be a bit vague at times) to order the parts and as Potters Bar were obviously very busy I got re-directed to Mini Spares North instead. The place I'd had a bad experience with before.

But to be fair they took all my details and I was contemplating chasing the order up today as the money hadn't showed up on my on-line banking account. So I instantly assumed they hadn't bothered processing it again or something. So I was wrong and they were awesome.

Marie went shopping today and had a refund on the wrong oil filter that Halfords sold us, but she bought a new Haynes Mini air-freshener whilst she was there anyway. Oh and she went shopping at Tesco's (prompted by me) and she got me a nice 'Italian Job' t-shirt. So that's the 3rd Italian Job variation t-shirt I have now.

So if you want new parts for your Minis folks, use specialists companies like Mini Spares or Somerford Minis etc, or even try the local chippie or Indian restaurant. Just don't bother trying your local Halfords.

;D

[Phil J]

I can't fault mini spares either, I ordered a wheel bearing on Thursday afternoon via the web and it arrived this morning,

Only one problem, some pleb ordered a rear one instead of a front one so Jamie's car has to wait a few mores days

[taffy1967]

So who was the plebb? Mini Spares?

[Phil J]

Nooo, the idiot on the other end of the computer

Had 1000 things going on in my head, rushing to get it sorted and clicked the wrong one

[taffy1967]

Jun 27, 2009 22:57:36 GMT 1 Phil J said:

Nooo, the idiot on the other end of the computer

Had 1000 things going on in my head, rushing to get it sorted and clicked the wrong one

LOL

That's why I tend to use the phone instead, because I'm worried I'll order the wrong part or choose the wrong item etc.

Their website is a bit of a nightmare, but their service is usually spot on.

;D

[irish]

yeah there real good,
you can even order parts not in stock, pay for them and recieve them direct off the manufactures, like outer sills for a clubby estate/van, the longer ones! for instance,
then they e-mail you or call to say they have been dispatched 3 days later,

[taffy1967]

Jun 28, 2009 4:22:28 GMT 1 irish said:

yeah there real good,
you can even order parts not in stock, pay for them and recieve them direct off the manufactures, like outer sills for a clubby estate/van, the longer ones! for instance,
then they e-mail you or call to say they have been dispatched 3 days later,

Well that's something I didn't know. Great stuff.

[boycie101]

thats handy to know they do drop shipping

[Danny California]

I ordered a new oil temp sensor last monday, and it still hasnt arrived
They are generally a good shop though, although the website is terrible for browsing parts

[taffy1967]

Jul 6, 2009 11:34:56 GMT 1 Danny California said:

I ordered a new oil temp sensor last monday, and it still hasnt arrived
They are generally a good shop though, although the website is terrible for browsing parts

Have you rang them to chase it up?

[craig2301]

i find their website awkward aswell ... more pictures would be a massive help unless you know all the item codes. they are a good company though better experience with them than minisport to say the least

[Danny California]

Nah havnt got round to it yet, busy painting today. I'll give it a couple more days then email them.

[taffy1967]

Jul 6, 2009 16:16:38 GMT 1 craig2301 said:

i find their website awkward aswell ... more pictures would be a massive help unless you know all the item codes. they are a good company though better experience with them than minisport to say the least

Yes I hate having to trawl through pages of parts, looking for that elusive one.

So what I tend to do is look up part numbers on Somerford Minis shop pdf lists, because finding stuff there is a doddle. Plus most of the part numbers correspond with Mini Spares (I also compare prices at the same time), then I just enter the actual part number into Mini Spares site and then the item shows up no problem.

[welshjosh]

Ordered a few bits just now