Hi all, Im Completely new to the whole forum world so if i get things completely wrong i apologise in advance.

Ive currently got a 2003 mini r50 automatic in the uk with around 92,500 miles on.

Little back story to myself and getting the mini....

Ive had absolutely rubbish luck when it comes to cars and also with mechanics / garages. Ive had cars ive bought that where unfit for the road and mechanics that have broken bits of my car & i believe taken advantage of my complete lack of car knowledge.

When my last car (05 ford fiesta automatic) died, both front shocks and springs snapped while driving also had pulley noise and wheel bearing gone , plus water getting into the boot!! I have had to borrow the mini from a family member until i cant get myself a new car.

Im not bothered about speed mods or anything like that i just want a reliable and safe car for myself and as i run my own business i need something that will get me to and from work !

I joined this site as i am teaching myself the basics of mechanics eg how to do a service and how to spot / prevent any issues as best as i can.

The mini has recently broken down after the mechanic assured me it seemed fine... It wont fire up, 1st i was told oil even though it was half full, then the immobiliser / keys where broken. Now the keys are fixed so the fuel filter will be replaced! the car has not had a service in 2 years and was due to have a full service next week.

Anyway ive probably rambled on too long now so im looking forward to learning about the mini and the mechanics or issues regarding the mini.

Thanks all
Gaz

 

Gaz,
My recommendation to anyone who drives cars that are likely to need regular repairs (excluding those that buy new cars and trade them in after 2 years or so) is to get to know a good local mechanic. Find out who your neighbors, friends and coworkers use and trust. If they have a good relationship with a mechanic, have one of them go in with you and introduce you. Make a point to have a conversation with them when you are there each time. I have a great relationship with my mechanic and am confident that when he tells me I need something, I can trust him. You need that level of trust as well. With a MINI, in the US, it would be much more difficult since I would add that they need to know MINIs, however in England, I suspect every mechanic knows MINIs.

Ask your neighbors if they know the mechanic where you took your MINI and if they trust him, you may want to trust him as well until the current problem is resolved. Get an estimate before committing to the work. It may not be worth repairing.

As I re-read your post, I see a few issues on your part. Are you saying the oil is half full and the car had not been services in 2 years? All cars need oil and should never go 2 years without an oil change. MINIs need more attention than Hondas and Toyotas. You should check all fluids regularly. Get an oil change every 5,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic oil. You should review the service schedule and make sure the basic service is done but the most important thing is regular oil changes.

Good luck and let us know what the mechanic says.

 

Hi, yes we have now gone with the most recommended garage in the town for our next issue which is a major service and radiator replacement. After which i will be trying to take on the maintenance myself.

Unfortunately i have only had the car for 3 weeks so was very aware it needed a good service.

The mini is now back on the road after a fuel pump replacement only now there is a blowing type noise coming from the engine bay at low speeds (between 0 - 10mph) which was not there before the breakdown :(

Fingers crossed there isnt another issue!