Just wondering if there is anything I need to know about Minis that "John Q Public" doesn't already know before I take the leap and buy a Mini. I like its looks and all the aftermarket parts that are available, but don't know if there are any major problems with the current model or if any problems are just the normal ones encountered with any car, no matter the maker.

Also, are there any Mini clubs in the Tacoma, WA area?

Cheers,

Stony

 

I would say that if "John Q" is Obsessive Compulsive this is the car for him. On the other hand a "Fill it and Forget It" type probably would find a new source for frustration. Speaking for myself, I love MINI...old, new, stock or track. Pick your poison...or own several! Thought I would get this topic started for you! Cheers

 

I bought my Mini a year ago used and I can say it is the best, funnest car I have ever had. I was a little apprehensive before buying it but now that I have had it, I can not see myself driving anything else. Everything else is just not the same. Still puts a smile on my face all the time!!

If you are getting one new, I remember somewhere seeing that Mini ranked low in an initial problems survey but high if not highest in customer loyalty. From what I have read if you get a brand new one, there may be several little things and problems you might have to get fixed in the first year but after that, its generally great and people keep coming back like the award said. I have never had any problems with mine and its stock configuration. I did upgrade to a JCW kit and having some issues with that but it seems to be an isolated incident.

Motoringfile is a great resource for information as well if you have not been there. Also the White Roof Radio podcast is great to find out more. I listened to it 6 months before buying mine and learned a lot about Mini's from that.

I would be glad to answer any specific questions. Even with my issue I am having now, I would not drive anything but a Mini!

Kevin
Florence, AL

 

One other thing, have you driven one yet? If not, head to the dealer, take it for a spin, and hit your first high speed curve and you will be sold!

 

I wish I had skipped the motorcycle thing and just bought a Mini to begin with. It would have been much less painful. Literally.

There's a Mini club in the Puget Sound area, not sure how large an area the members cover, but they just made a road trip to Maryhill (Stonehenge) last weekend, so they do get around.

Anything that could/has gone wrong with a Mini has surely been reported here. Read the threads and you'll know what to expect.

Good luck in your quest & hope to see pics of your new Mini soon.

 

Decide what you want on the car, take a look at the MINIusa site "build a MINI" that will give you a good idea of whats available on MINI's. After that start deciding whether you are a new or used car buyer, look at both, look around at whats available, what the prices are, drive some, that will probably lock you in as buyer, when you find one that says "Buy Me" have it checked out by knowledgeable mechanic and pull a Carfax if used or place your order if the dealer doesn't have what you want on the lot.

 

I appreciate everyone's input and will buy a "new" Mini if and when it happens. I've always had and will have the "need for speed" bug, so the "S" model will probably be the one. I also like all the mods that are available for the Mini and that makes the possibilites endless.

Having had a 2000 Pontiac GP GTP for ten years and milding modding it, it gets up and goes really well, even for a car with 205K miles on it. Since it is SC'd, I know what a difference that makes on accelleration. Even at my age (56), the thrill of performance hasn't diminished at all since I was a teen.

 

Well, I went and test drove a 2010 Mini S today. Good acceleration and handling like I expected. However, after coming home and giving the info to the wife, she says it isn't practical because she can't use it to put a couple of scuba tanks into it and take them to the local shop. Seeing as we have a 94' Jeep Cherokee and an Kia Sorento, those should take care of that problem. She likes the Mini and has picked out a color if it happens, but I'm not going to get a Mini if she's going to use it for scuba activities.

One of the downsides to being married I guess.

 

You may have looked at them, but the Clubman S has almost the identical specs and feel but with the larger back area for loading those tanks. Or get a JCW Clubman and it will have more power than what you drove!

Kevin

 

Considered the Clubman S, but the JCW is quite a bit more expensive. My theory is I want the S hardtop and probably won't compromise on anything else.

 

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