Hello all...long time owner, very new poster....

I own a 2003 Cooper that has just been one major headache after another. It is now only at 69,5000 miles. I would very much value the opinions of this community whether I should keep it, as it is paid for. But look at this list:

- 4 batteries in its lifetime with no electrical fail diagnosed
- Parking brake cable snapped
- Shifter cable snapped, trapping the car in reverse
- Total clutch failure @ 39K miles
- Both window motors failed
- Both door lock electrics failed, with one still failed
- Remote locks on both keys dead
- Power steering fluid pump failed
- Power steering fluid fan failed
- Tie rod broken in first 40K
- Passenger airbag no longer working/active
- Shifter **** cracked and pulled off in my hand while driving

It is repeatedly evident that there are many inherent design flaws and cheap parts. Now, the transaxle rod on the shifter failed this week, which will cost probably $1500 all told to fix.

Do I keep it, or cut my losses and get a Fiesta?

 

Actually, from what I've read, except for the 4 batteries, that list might not be abnormally long for a 9-year span. Maybe you forgot a few things.

Your other post, however, made me wonder how you've managed to go this long feeling as you do about the car. So you've probably spent your time in hell and deserve a more reliable car; one you can take a trip in without fear of getting stranded.

New MINIs are somewhat more reliable, but a Honda Fit even more so. Just how much reliability could you put up with?

 

I would agree that most of those things are pretty run-of-the-mill MINI issues, and for a 9-year-old car, you definitely got your share of the common problems. The 05+ cars were more reliable than the 02-04s..have you considered trading in for a newer one, if you still love the MINI but not this particular one's problems?

 

Your issues are not uncommon for a near TEN (10) year old car. Not bad at all, actually. But I would suggest you find an independent mechanic and not use the dealer after warranty is expired. I would not get the Fiesta: 1) Focus had issues and 2) It is a first year car (IT WILL HAVE ISSUES) Do your self a favor and get a Honda or Toyota.

I had an 03 MCS that got 112,734 miles on it and had the passenger window motor fail, drivers door lock failed, power steering fan/relay failed and passenger airbag light on. The fan/relay was not under warranty, but Steve's Auto Clinic in North Hills, CA took care of it. Not bad considering I had it FOUR (4) years and endured a hard life full of track days, LA traffic, auto-x, long cross country trips and some canyon carving.

I then got a 06 MCS GP, currently 53,375 miles and it had clutch replaced, power steering fluid pump failed, passenger airbag light on and the 02 Sensor replaced. All under warranty. Again not bad for my aggressive driving style and FIVE (5) years of it. The same battery that got put on in England it the same battery they always had, no replacements on both my MINIs.

 

Machines are machines, and require servicing.

Sounds like you got a fair share of issues, but that is a 50/50 chance with any car you get. I can tell you that I have more than 13k more then you, and very limited issues, and nothing that has ever been unexpected.

Meh, all part of vehicle ownership and whatnot. You can't purchase any vehicle and not expect to put maintenance cost into the factor. . .especially after a decade.

Daily driving habits aren't mentioned, but that can add up too.

 

Thanks everyone. Good thoughts to consider.

I was really into Minis when we first got ours and I drove quick most of the time to start. Then as the thing started to tank, I have become more and more gentle, to the point of being an old lady.

My wife also owned an 06 with a CVT that took a dive at around 30K, and never really improved after it was replaced. Plus her trunk hinges broke and the boot door literally fell off in my hands. These kinds of experiences tend to paint your overall impression of an automaker. We bailed on that car before it went further down the spiral.

It just sucks. I left the club I was in and everything since I just have literally hated this car for the past few years. I think something with a BMW nameplate should have a) better relaibility than an average car, and b) more support from the maker when it tanks like this, especially with an average of
8.5K driving per year.

Thanks again for your input, all!