Hi everyone! I've wanted a Mini for years and now I'm finally in the market! On July 31st, I made an "Offer to Purchase" on an 09 Mini Cooper S, Laser Blue and included a deposit at my local dealership in BC. They scanned stock in Canada and found a suitable car in Montreal. It didn't match my needs exactly, but it sounded great, so they shipped it out. HURRAY! I was so excited! I took it out to test it and on the highway, it lost power and the engine light came on. I brought it back to the dealership and they looked at it and said that the fuel pump needs replacing. Why does a new car need a new part? Is this serious or does this happen often? What should I do?

 

Tell them to get another car..
you DONOT WANT THIS CAR...

 

i agree...however...it is under warranty..and if its the right color and has most of the options you want...maybe its worth your time to keep it. Just a thought..and good luck!

 

I'm with jewitcher, run from this car. Order what you want, don't settle for a car that isn't exactly what you want and is already showing problems.

 

Thanks you guys. Your advice means a lot to me.
I talked to the dealer this evening. He said they would replace the fuel pump. I asked him to make sure that they do a complete engine diagnostic with written proof of their work. And, if I take another test drive, that I would like a mechanic to accompany me in the car. He said "Done." I told him that I needed to think about this deal. I am really nervous about buying a new car that already needs a new (and important) part! On the other hand, I am worried that I will lose my deposit that I included with my offer to purchase. I am happy with all of the features of the car, however. It's a beaut and it is SO cute!

 

New cars with new parts occasionally have failures. A bad fuel pump, basically straight out of the box, is not the end of the world. While certainly a little disconcerting, it absolutely does not predict future reliability either positively or negatively. When it is repaired and you drive it and it meets your satisfaction, I would not hesitate to finish the deal. I have seen too many with an initial parts failure and then have no further problems for many miles.

 

True, "Donkey" had a tranny gasket fail in less than 1000 miles but BMW repaired it and now at almost 20k miles in lest than 7 months all is good. If it has a warranty you are good to go.

 

Thank you! With all of this advice, I feel so much better. I have much to think about. YOu guys are the best!

 

The fuel pumps on these S direct injected gasoline engines are precision pumps that run at very high pressures. Simple debris left over from manufacturing may be all that would be required to trash the pump if it was in the wrong place. I know it is disconcerting but I agree that this failure is no real predictor of overall reliability of this particular MINI.

Should you decide to pass on this one however I would not worry about losing your deposit. The dealership should understand if this experienced spooked you and apply the deposit to another car.

Good luck!!!

 

I'm sure that this happens often enough. That's why you've got the warranty. It, however, would spook you (it'd be a deal killer for my wife).
I would think the dealer would offer you something to not loose you.
I agree with the other posts, if this is the car you want... go for it!

 

Thank you, gawannamini and freez3. I am going for a test drive today with the mechanic who's worked on it, so we'll see. He'll be able to answer lots of questions. Wahooooo!

 

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and now presenting, Ta Dah......."Gidget". I decided to go for it. The fuel pump is fixed and she drives like a dream. Thank you to all who responded!

 

Hmmm....the pic didn't get attached...I'll figure out how to upload this little Lazer Blue MCS, '09 , Comfort, Style ....