Hello!

Here is my story

I ordered/purchased a first 10,000 production SKY (#3000)...and well to date it has been in the shop 30 times! I told myself never-ever-ever would I purchase a new model vehicle OR... a vehicle where changes have been made. I also told myself that I would wait a good year...for all the 'bugs' to be worked out of the vehicle. I have read that the 2009 mini cabrio has changes made to the engine...among other things. Since, I am in the new car buying mood...what are your thoughts on ordering one now or should I wait til the 2010 is available for order ???

Thanks in advance for the free advice.
Karen

 

The 2009 Cabrio has been updated with an engine that has been in use on the S, Cooper and Clubman since 2007. It is the first cabrio of the second generation MINIs. All cabrios prior to 2009 are still first generation design vehicles. So if you're concerned that the engine hasn't been through a proper shakedown cycle... I don't think that's a worry. I'm not a cabrio driver, so I can't give you specifics on what the hold up was with the second gen cabrios, but I suspect it was because they were massively redesigning the car to improve visibility problems that were a huge drawback with the first gen cabrios. Just don't quote me on that.

That said, I will tell you that MINIs do not have a reputation for being the most trouble free cars in general. I have a 2nd gen cooper and love my car, but she has a couple of problems. The sunroof sticks when it's above 90 degrees outside and I am going to have to have my heated seats adjusted because they get too warm... and my automatic windows seem to be haunted, though a reset seems to fix this on the rare occassion when they decide to roll themselves down.

The first two issues are easily fixed and I will have them fixed when I take her in for warranty service... not so sure about the window issue, but I intend to ask them about it at the dealership.

These issues have been more than made up for because this car has made me fall in love with driving all over again. I used to hate being on the road and I didn't realize that I could love driving after I sold my first car until I got behind the wheel of my first MINI. Now... I can't imagine driving anything else.

I hope this has helped convinced you to at least go take a test drive. Once you do... I'm sure you won't be able to see yourself driving anything else either.

Welcome to NAM!

 

Thank you

I am leaning towards the mini cabrio...but I wonder when I will be able to get the best deal??? ...I can't stand a cheesy car salesman.

 

You will most likely pay MSRP for a MINI. MINIs move off of lots very quickly, so dealerships don't really need you to buy their cars, someone else will come along that is willing to pay MSRP to buy them.

Deals are usually made by asking the dealer to throw in accessories, such as floor mats, for free.

 

fwiw, I found Mini "sales advisers" to be very laid back and no where close to the cheesiness I've encountered at other dealers. That said, as previously posted, you'll probably pay MSRP, but might be able to talk them into throwing something free in on the deal.

JD Powers currently lists the Mini Cooper in a tie for 21st out of 35 cars in the affordable small car class for reliability (it is ranked 17th overall). My own experience has been excellent for the first 26k miles (one squeak fixed under warranty during my first regular service) in my 2008 S

 

Very cool

I will wait for timing on placing an order for a 2010...not for 'bugs'... but 2010 vehicle models are coming out earlier than ever.

And as far as my SKY....all warranty covered issues...just a hassel to deal with....and I do have to give a to OnStar...a truly amazing product.

 

klrism send me a pm so that I can give you information on a local dealer to work with, after the treatment that you'll receive, you will never have any second thoughts about buying a new car. At least not a MINI.