I need advice. I fell in love with a 2017 mini clubman today after test driving it. It only has 5000 miles on it. Was so much fun to drive and is a charming car. I am about to sign a contract too purchase the car. The price is right. I excitedly told a friend. He vehemently said that buying a mini would be the worst thing I could do. He said reliability is horrendous. I was completely sold on this car but this has frightened me. I have read conflicting things on this subject. Some sites seem to indicate average reliability. Other sites list the reliability from j. d. powers for example to be close to last on all cars. On some forums people say to run from minis. I want to buy and enjoy this car. I do not want to purchase the most unreliable car around though. For background, my last two cars were my 2006 Nissan 350 z I have had 11 years and my 2003 Saab convertible. Please give me your personal views on the reliability issue. Thanks so much. Jerry

 

Welcome to NAM!

The 2nd gen N14 engine did have a lot of reliability issues. The N18 has been a big improvement. The Gen3s have engines built by BMW, check out the Gen3 forums and make up your own mind!

 

If reliability is a concern, lease it for 3 years and turn it in. You'll be covered under warranty no sweat.

Our 2016 F55 has had zero issues and the 2014 F56 has had a few covered under warranty, none of which caused the car to not function reliably. The 2011 R60 with the N18 had several issue prior to our ownership and several since then.

I think the F cars with BMW engines are more solidly built.

Tell you friend to buy a Honda and you have fun in your MINI.

ps - I had a Saab Turbo, all the fuel injectors rusted out, SAAB wouldn't cover it and I sold the car right after fixing it on my own dime. As for Nissan 2003 Murano was an oil user at 50,000 miles. The CVT also started to slowly fail. So much for reliable cars.

 

You can't find a motor that is any more fun to drive. Keep in mind that these li'l guys do need paid attention to and managed. They are NOT driven 'em and forget 'em grocery getters. Keep close track of and regularly service ALL normal wear items including all fluids. Also, locate a reliable independent service shop and make good friends with him. Dealerships just throw new parts at problems and hope that fixes them.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

That's a third generation or "F" car. It is, for all intents and purposes, a BMW in a smaller package and slightly de-tuned.

If you like it, go for it!

 

Welcome to NAM.

Like anything, if you maintain it properly you should have years of trouble free ownership.

Motor On!