Hi Mini gang. I was wondering if anyone is willing to help me shed some light on the past few years? I owned a 2004 and then a 2009 S. I since then have had a Maxima and now a Chevy volt for the past 1.5 years. I do love my volt and how it works. It is a very refined drive. Then I passed a Mini dealer yesterday and remembered the new commercial so I stopped. I drove both new models and love them still! The new cabin is fantastic. So, Dare I off the VOLT (which I am sort of waiting for the next gen)......
I really like the new mini and I actually love the new orange color which I would of never picked in the past. It is amazing with the black top.

Up to speed meaning how has the reliability been the past few years. I know early on with my 2004 it was still pretty rough back then. My 2009 was fine but, I had only kept it for just under two years.

Any insight is appreciated. I may order the new model just the way I would want it.
Have a great day!

 

The F56 is completely new and people are just starting to take delivery, so it will be awhile before knowing how reliable they are.

 

I too am shopping around and had all but written Mini off based on the reliability I've read about on here with the 2013 and before... I just can't afford to have a daily driver that requires to have money thrown at it every year...

BUT, I'm very excited about the F56 platform and the new BMW engine! I'm still about a year out, so I've got some time to get a reliability feeling on the new engine... I haven't driven one yet, but I was able to check one out in the showroom in Anchorage last week and the interior is awesome!

 

I have a 2011 MCS w/60,000 miles. With routine scheduled maintenance (which is included for 3 yrs./36,000) and the factory warranty, I have had absolutely no issues.

The high pressure fuel pump was replaced, but it was all under warranty.

With any new model there will be issues, but your warranty should take care of any concerns.

 

Reliability is still an unknown as mentioned, but it is expected that reliability overall will vastly improve over the last gen R56. MINI has a good warranty, and my dealer is fantastic, so I'm not the least bit concerned.

And......I love my '14 MCS. Can't wait to head off to the office in it.

 

I've owned numerous cars over the past 40+ years that were considered unreliable, Italian mainly. While things went out of adjustment or needed frequent repair to the point of re-engineering, the fun to drive factor would win. Eventually, a replacement would present itself and become the new fun to drive car.
I agree that the past issues cause some concern, but like others have mentioned, warranty, dealer support, and my own attitude concerning routine maintenance alleviate any concerns about reliability.

Awaiting delivery in 10 to 14 days.

 

My 2006 R50 CVT was really good. I was surprised to read about unreliability.

The transmission was at 135,000 kms and maybe was starting to show signs. For $3,500 I would have had that replaced.

The only real trouble I had was with the steering, which started with the cooling fan getting blocked. Is that still in the same spot? I would cringe everytime I saw a plastic bag.

Is it just the engine in the R56?

The problem they have with the F56 diesel I find concerning, I read it is an imbalance? Wouldn't the petrol have the same flaw, just not as prominent? Why isn't it a problem for the petrol?

 

Thanks everyone!. I hear you. I guess I should of mentioned. I live 2 hours from the dealer in my area. I am so torn right now. I want to call him back and order but, I still enjoy the silence of the electric car. When I drove the mini again on Saturday it made me remember why they are so damn fun. I only use my back seat once in a while and the passengers can deal with that. I'll be driving
Then its, blue and black or orange and black? Life is good is these are my stresses.....Thanks.

 

Well, if you like the silence of your Volt, you can still experience a sliver of silence with the new MINI. When you're at a stop light or stopped in traffic, the engine shuts off. And then immediately re-starts when you depress the clutch to launch. (I'm not sure how this works with the automatic trans.)

 

But everyone will still have an opinion

 

Almost the same way, instead of the clutch starting up the the engine, it starts as soon as you let up on the brake. In the fraction of a second it takes to move your foot its ready go!

 

Thanks, SeppTB. I had a feeling that might be the case with the auto.

 

That's exactly the trouble. I have had lots of cars. Too many actually. I always loved the minis. I have really grown fond of my Volt though. It is waaaaaay better than most admit. The refined and quiet drive is what I am afraid I will miss. Driving that new mini on saturday was pretty damn cool though. Nothing drives like a mini. NOTHING!