WOW! Drove a clubman today and absolutely LOVED it-but...
I keep reading/hearing about the repair issues and all of the time spent in the car spends in the garage. Is it the whole mini brand with repair issues? I don't want to settle for a different subcompact (like a Fit) after driving the clubman, but our Hondas heave hardly ever been in the shop, and they have 230,000 and 140,000 miles on them. Now, after my test drive of the mini, the Fit looks ridiculous and would feel like driving a tuna can.

 

short answer?

NO, not *all* MINIs have repair issues...

don't ever forget forums are used not to post "hey everything's ok with my car, but carry on with your life" messages, but rather "omg I have this problem help".

In my case I had only one problem with my car, a trim part that was not properly fitting and since then, nothing -- note that I've had my car for very little time.

 

I bought mine 3rd hand in November. It hasn't really had any problems. I think one of the O2 sensors is out, but I guess that isn't too hard to believe. It has 63k on it. Since I had read about some of the same issues I got an extended warranty on it. I only really worry about the transmission. Almost all of the regular repairs can be done at home. I hope....

 

Well, to be honest, don't expect the kind of reliability you get with a Honda. MINIs can be glitch-prone. But the trade-off is exactly what you got in the seat-of-your-pants when you drove the Clubman -- better connection to the road, better handling, more responsive performance, etc. It all adds up to a hoot every time you get in and drive. Honda -- even the Civic si -- is a very different kind of car.

 

I didn't mean "all", perhaps just most or even many? I understand the purpose of the forum, which is why I'm here- for help and maybe a rousing chorus of, "Go for it!" from owners and an honest response. The dealers (understandably) told me there is a small number of cars with problems. Also, we have six girls and (19-5, five teenagers) and I think it's Mom's turn to have fun (and none o them can drive stick!). Not fun in a Fit, for sure.

 

Uhh yeah minis are high maintanence compared to hondas and stuff.

My car only has 40k miles, power steering is going bad, idling issues apparantly due to some "winter to summer transition" which is pretty retarded IMO, thermostat leaks, coolant tank blew up, and we'll see what happens next

 

I doubt that 140K to 230K trouble-free miles is normal for any car. You are clearly very kind to them.

If you are not light years from a dealer who is going to give you a MINI loaner to drive if yours has to stay overnight, I say go have fun.

 

Mine has been in the shop a couple times for repairs other than normal maintenance. Only had to leave it overnight one time (which turned into a week while a part was shipped from Germany). But the dealer gave me a loaner, so it was no big deal. The great fun I've had with my MCS far outweighs any inconvenience the trips to the shop have caused.

 

I've got over 9,000 miles with no issues. MINI's are not as bulletproof as Hondas but I have no regrets at all - most fun car I have ever owned in over 30 years of car ownership.

What's the expression - "don't let perfect be the enemy of good." I'll gladly put up with some glitches for the fun I am receiving - except I have not had any glitches

 

Like you I went by last year and drove a 2009 MINI Clubman S, and I loved it. I even traded in a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid for the Clubman.
For my needs the Regular MINI Cooper was too small, but the Clubman works out great for me.
The NON S version gets better gas milage, but not as fun.
Mine is a 2009 that I have had for over a year now, The only problem that I have had is a nail in the tire. MINI has a GREAT warranty. By the way I was able to get 7,100.00 off of the price because I purchased the Service Department "Loaner" , somthing to consider !!
I think that the build quality has improved over the years, and will only get better. Some of the people (that I've noticed) that are having problems have some serious mods done to their MINI's, as with any motorsports a heavy modded engine put stress on other parts (Just my opinion) thats all.
I hope you remember how much fun the Clubman was to drive, If you want TOTAL fun try to test drive the John Cooper Works version ( It comes with a complete factory warranty and has about 210 H/P )
I hope you buy the Clubman mine has been a GREAT expierence!

 

Had my 09 Clubman for 16 months now and the only time it's been to the dealer was once when I ran over Lord knows what and put a thumb sized hole in the sidewall of a tire. Plus when I went in for my free 1 year oil change. Other than that it has been trouble free and a ball to drive.

 

Thanks, everyone! Your comments were very helpful and encouraging...will be test driving again tomorrow (need to see if my 6'2" husband fits comfortably in the seats!

 

Well keep us updated and let us know, I hope he enjoys it as much as you.
I know people who are 6'3" and they fit just fine in mine, mind you there is no back seat leg room behind their seat, but that fine I have no kids.

 

MINI-Fred just passed 22K miles (Jan 09 delivery) and except for the infamous barn door problems early on, the only time it has been into the dealer is for the 15K service. Go for it!

 

BINGO!!! If you have a good meal at a restaurant, you may not tell your friends about it but if you have a really bad one you tell everyone you know right? Well the same is true about ANY car/truck. There are some problems with anything one buys sometimes. I love my MINI that I have owned for nearly two years.

 

Thanks, Everyone! We are going to get one. The question now is do we wait for the 2011 or not. I will try to find the release date and go from there. Oh, by the way, he loved it!

 

My Clubman is about 14 mos old with 15.5K miles. I have had no issues. So far, it's equal to the Hondas I have and still own. I am not expecting it to be as reliable as my Hondas but so far, it is doing better than I expected...so we shall see.