Greetings, all -

Total newb here - nice to meet you all.

Won't go into too many details, but I abruptly "stepped out" of a '08 STi earlier this week and am $12k poorer as a result (suffice it to say that loose oil filters don't play well with engines that require lubrication, who knew?). Anyway....

I've been contemplating getting a MINI for a number of years - the only thing that has kept me away has been reliability. I've owned numerous VW GTIs over the years along with two BMWs and have had to deal with numerous minor fit/finish/electrical issues and some other larger problems.

Given that I just lost $12k on my last car, I have a bit of trepidation about reliability issues on the MINI. From an emotional standpoint, the MINI's the only car I want. My left brain tells me to get an incredibly boring Toyota or Honda.

Can anyone squelch my fears? How have your 2009 and 2010 cars been in terms of problems? I'm looking at the Clubman, Clubman S, Countryman and Countryman S.

Any and all comments would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks!

2009 JCW purchased 11-08. No engine, transmission or clutch issues to date. The car has been reliable and way too much fun to drive and mod. And the NAM community is excellent.

I say go for the clubman S. It won't have the power of your STI but it will have you smiling a lot more than your subie did

Welcome to the wonderful world of MINIs... I'm pretty new here myself, but had owned a rather modified '03 WRX (with a VF34 etc.) from new until the end of last year. I've ordered my MINI (see below) and while I know it won't be nearly as fast, I believe I will be at least as happy (as I never found my Subie to be either attractive or of sufficiently high quality). Get the MINI, make sure your dealer has loaners, and if you're extra cautious, opt for the extended warranty and/or maintenance. I opted for the ALL4 because I need AWD where I live, but depending on your needs, a 2wd (powered by the same S motor) would be a bit quicker in all regards.

Cheers, and welcome...

-Tad

How long do you hold on to cars? If you're worried about long term reliability then you may be better off following your left brain. If you're just worried about short term reliability, pick up any car you like as long as your length of ownership is fully covered by warranty.

Sucks to hear about your STi. I've had numerous Subaru's including a built WRX and never had any issues with them. Did you or the dealership change replace the oil filter before it loosened?

I cant really speak on the reliability of my Mini yet cause I just got it a month ago. But so far its been by far the funnest month ive ever had in a car.

Ah - good question. I usually find myself itching to get a new car about a year before it's paid off. I'm usually on to my next car in 3, 4 years tops. Following that logic, and the fact that MINIs have 4/50 warranty and generally high residual value, you're right... I shouldn't be too worried.

In general, I'm willing to put up with minor hassles of car ownership in return for a car that's distinctive and fun to drive. I just don't want to be surprised by $3k repairs every eight months or left holding a worthless mess of metal and plastic in 5 years. I owe to my wife to be smart about this purchase - I've been less than responsible in the past.

My STi: long story short — oil filter came loose 4,000 miles after my last oil change (I know, 1,000 to long, especially on that car). Subie didn't do it. I've had a local shop that I trust do a couple oil changes for me over the years. I've talked to my lawyer, the shop, Subaru, etc... I really have no recourse, nobody to go after. It was a 405hp daily driver, and certainly the best performing car I've ever owned. Bright side is that I've sold it to someone as is for $1,000 less than what I owe on it. Not bad under the circumstances, but I'm losing about $10 or $11 grand in equity.

Thanks for the response! Appreciated.

Hey, all.

I took delivery of a Chili Red, 2011 Clubman S last night. Love it. I'll post pics as soon as I can. Looking forward to being part of the community here.

Thanks,
Michael

Grats! I'm looking forward to the pictures and welcome!

Congrats!

What, no pictures? :D

Haha, well that didn't take long to decide at all. Congrats!

I've only had my MCS for a year but the only issues I've had were cosmoline drip and a finicky Bluetooth / iPod module. Both were covered under warranty and fixed by the dealer.

OK 'nuff talk, show us some pics!

Snowed today and rained. Bad day for pics, but I did manage to go on five or six errands just to get behind the wheel. I'll try to get to it tomorrow.

Good evening.
Michael

Congrats on the new MINI. Remember to keep an eye on the oil. Enjoy your new Clubman.

Oh yes we want pictures.