Hello mini owners!
I was going to buy a Mazdaspeed3, and to compare other options, I test drove a 2007 Mini Cooper S. Much to my surprise, I found that the Mini is truly a blast to drive. Broad powerband, turns on a dime, rides firm but not harsh, havent had that much fun driving in years. To be sure, I drove the Speed3 and the Mini back to back a couple of times. Every time the Mini brought a huge smile to my face, way more than the Speed3. This kind of character is not found in cars these days. Only problem is, I find issues on this site about clattering noises on startup (not just ticking which I have heard and does not concern me), blown head gasket at 5K miles, and an engine rebuild, also at 5K miles. Obviously this raises significant questions of reliability.
Looking deeper into it, I find that BMW, in its infinite wisdom, has changed the usual straight mechanical oil and waterpump setups into pressure and temperature detection "systems", that deactivate said pumps when excessive flow is not required, in the name of saving energy. I know that Peugeot builds the engines, and they may be largely based on their design, but BMW has integrated these systems of their own design. Blown head gaskets, and what sounds like to me like poorly controlled oil pressure, could be caused by these unproven new systems.
I had hoped that being attached to the BMW brand, and with all the rave reviews, both of owners and test drive articles, that reliability would not be a problem. I was literally set up to place an order, had picked down my options to keep the cost reasonable, and was going to the dealer this week, until I read about these issues.
So, from those who intimately know these cars, are these failures few and far between? Any other major issues of concern? Should I still go for it?
My heart says YES(!), but my mind isnt so sure...

 

I would say that most of the issues, that I have heard of too, are going to be fixed by newer systems in the 2008 models.

 

That is what I hope. You have heard that there are changes in the making?

 

I have talked with many people in person and have yet to come across anyone that has had a problem. I was concerned too regarding problems that I have read about so I decided to ask anybody I saw how they like their MINI and again I not one person has complained and all have highly recommended the vehicle.

 

Me too, but dont forget that pre-07 cars do not have the same engine, so there arent as many around. That said, in general people rave about their Minis.
Good luck with your clubman, I'm envious!

 

"I have a problem" gets posted every time. "Running fine every day" seldom gets posted.

 

Yes, yes, this is very true-
Molly looks great!

 

Yes they are, as you suspected. Problems do tend to get reported here but most owners motor trouble-free. Quite a few have several MINIs, such is the overall level of owner satisfaction.

Not really...none based on everything I've read. Odd things do happen (as they will with any car), but the MINI warranty is quite good and you can trust it.

Absolutely...I wouldn't think twice!!!

You are right about this car having character...it's the secret handshake among MINI owners. Some see the MINI as simply a quirky style-statement...few know how blasted good the car actually is. It you loved one on a test drive, you'll be euphoric as you drive one each day and learn to love it's subtle capabilities.

Another bit of advise...I've found that generating a good relationship w/ the service department (and the sales folks for that matter) can really pay off. Just being fair, patient, and respectful has made the whole dealership interaction a pleasure, at least at my local dealership. They've been super for both my MINIs.

 

One word:

WARRANTY — a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, to be specific.

Don't worry about it.

 

Thanks. She has been a "no-problems" girl, if I discount the startup stumbles last Wednesday at 0 degrees : ) Very happy with her.

 

This is great advice gkr, not just for the noobs but for the 6th gear folks as well. I submit that it also applies to transactions with aftermarket vendors too. Most of the vendors and dealers get so tired of "me-first" flamers ranting and raving and calling them out publicly at the drop of a hat the minute they feel they've been wronged.

Politeness, patience, and respect never go out of style. I'll bet many could list a few NAMmers who would likely be a lot happier and enjoy more responsive and higher quality service if they would just remember this.

 

Thanks everyone.
I have to tell you that I am the kind of guy who traditionally has bought older used cars and nudged them along caringly from 100K miles to 200K. Typically V-dubs, a couple of Mazdas, and old Chevy trucks for dump runs, etc. I have a pretty good sense of what to look for in an old used car, and I know what brands and models last as long as I expect. Needles to say I'm a do-it-yourselfer as much as I can.
This will be my first new car purchase in my life, at the ripe old age of 49, and no, its not a mid-life crisis. I have owned performance cars and motorcycles throughout my life: I currently own a pristine 87 Porsche 944 Turbo and a Ducati ST4. I would like to think that I'll own the Mini for many years to come. I get really attached to my vehicles, and always am torn when it comes time to say goodbye.
I have not experience the level of uniqueness that I felt in the Mini in many years. From the first time I drove one, it felt perfect. I've been waiting for a car that I think is worth buying new, and I'm really excited about the prospect of buying a Mini.
Anyway, as you can see, my expectations of reliability are pretty high. To me, a warantee is a moot point, because I expect that I wont have to use it. That being said, on a new car, it does feel like good insurance.
Thanks again for everones feedback. I want to hear the good stuff!!!
And FYI - I am always respectful of others in any situation, business or otherwise. Not a me-first lunatic. Thanks for the service relationship advice, sounds easy and good to me. I've found one dealership that I really like, and have heard good things about, so I know where I will go.

 

The best warranty is one that you don't have to use.

Nobody likes driving 2 hours to get to a dealership, wait for the repair and then drive home two hours only to have to repeat the process the next week or month.

That being said, I have been very happy with my 2006 MCSAc. I have only had to take it to the dealership once during my year of ownership for a loose connector at the throttle body.

 

I also read the concerns listed by many, and really found them to be no different than any other car. One advantage and/or disadvantage is that NAM does a great job of bringing owners together so your going to hear everything. This is not always true with other makes.

I'm and old streetrod builder, and I have found my 07 MCSM to be a blast to drive. Do I think that an issue at some point will come up "YES", but thats what warrenties are for. Again every car has issues (they call them recalls etc.). Also note many times the issues are of our own doing (modifications, driving habits, etc.).

Buy the MINI!

 

It's the only car I have ever owned that I always look forward to driving it - every time I go out, whether to work, the dentist, the tax man, whereever. I'm disappointed if we have to take my wife's car (non-mini).

I owned a 2003 MCS, sold it and got an 2005 Audi S4 (great car BTW), but missed my mini so much I sold the Audi and came back to a '07 MCS. I also own a '66 Austin Cooper S.

 

While I waited about 3 months for delivery of my car I followed many threads here about issues owners were having. Some things I read about really worried me for a while. One thing you have to remember, anytime you are part of a forum like NAM you are conversing with folks who are passionate about their cars. That means even the slightest issue becomes a big deal in a thread. There are lots of threads about rattles for example. My car has a few. Are they so bad I wouldn't drive it. Not at all. My other car has way more rattles than my Mini. I listen for rattles with the radio off while hitting bumps. If I never read a thread about rattles, I wouldn't be listening for them. I've driven my other car for over 212k miles. It's only because of reading how other owners are reacting to a rattle in their Mini have I even noticed them.

Take it all with a grain of salt as they say and enjoy the Mini experience. You'll enjoy the permanent driving smile.

 

Nice color minidrivr. Under serious consideration by yours truly.
Good to hear from an owner of a high mileage car, even if it wasnt a Mini. I hear what you say about the grain of salt, and I like what I'm hearing from everyone.
Thanks to all!

 

Everyone reacts different. Some people really get excited over things about their Mini. Those same things may have never even been noticed by others without reading about them here first. Especially when it comes to "faults." I wouldn't worry about it. Place that order!

Check out the mellow yellow thread here for some other owners.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ow+owners+club

 

I also gave great consideration to the MS3 before purchasing my MCS. Very happy with my decision.

3 months, over 3000 miles and no problems whatsoever! As many have said, forums are almost meant for posting problems. After all, if your MINI is running fine there's no need to write in saying only that. Also keep in mind that quite a few of the problems posted are not at all common issues.

 

Ah good to hear from someone who also considered the MS3. The kicker was this. I awaited that cars release from the time it was first announced. I currently drive a 92 MX6GT, which weighs about the same as the Mini , but has 200 HP and 280 lb/ft of torque, with the help of a chip. I finally drove an MS3 last summer and honestly I was a bit disappointed with the power, based on my MX6. About a month ago I decided to take a look at the MS3 again, and for comparative purposes drove the WRX, GTI, and the Mini. Never expected that I would like the Mini so much, I just checked it out as a matter of course. Now I'm so happy that i did! I never would have known what I was missing. Fantastic!

 

Oh I more than just considered it. For the longest time I was dead set on buying it! I'd been tracking that car literally since its release. Not sure how you plan to option your MINI, but one of the main draws of the MS3 for me was it's quite a value. About 25K with every option I wanted (as there's hardly any) compared to 33K for MINI and I actually passed up quite a few things.

I cross-shopped a similar final group of cars: MS3, GTI and MCS. I was shopping for my very first car so honestly my head was all over the place. At difference times I was 100% decided on the GLI, MS3, GTI, G35, Pathfinder, then finally the MINI.

I also never considered that I'd like the MINI so much. I was recently talking to a friend of mine and to this day still can't quite pinpoint when and how the MINI entered my radar. I'm a car enthusiast so I always knew of the MINI, as I know just about every car out there, but never considered it for myself. Like you I'm so glad I did and there's been no turning back since.