I test drove the 2014 MINI hatchback last week. It's an awesome little car. It's just that I've been driving Honda/Acura all my life (with no problems whatsoever) so I'm not sure whether I should take the "plunge" and go for the MINI. I read so many horror stories about MINI's failures online, plus my friend's 2010 MINI hatchback's has had so many problems.... I certainly don't want to spend half of my time in a shop getting things fixed.

I already put down $500 deposit, but it's refundable (thankfully). I have a couple of more days to think this over before talking to my MA.

Comments... suggestions.... feedback?
Thanks!

 

You'll only regret the things you didn't do.

 

You know you love it!! You will quickly forget all about those boring Honda and Acuras.

Let the order stand and hang out with the cool kids!

 

What you don't read about on this site is the tens of thousands of owners like me (now on my third MINI) that has not had any problems.

Most of the problems you read about are high mileage cars purchased used and engine component issues on the N14 powered R56 MINI's built between 2007 and 2010.

 

Exactly most of the time on forums all it is the problems. I love my R56 and only thing I've had was a thermostat which was replaced. I don't think I could very be without a MINI.

 

I'm in a similar situation. I've always driven VWs and my current daily driver (Jetta TDI) is a perfectly fine car. After testing the MINI, though, my Jetta just felt sooo boring. Placed my order for the MINI 10 days ago and I'm excited, but there are days when I second guess my decision. All in all, I feel taking the risk with a new "flavor" car is worth it. Plus, the new German engineered drivetrain makes me feel a little more secure about reliability. We won't know what we're missing until we give it a shot.

 

Hey if your not living on the edge your taking up too much space. Turning in my 2006 S ragtop stick with 108,000 miles. All I needed during that time was a new thermostat. The happy people don't complain or post. Enjoy life while you can.

 

In life the highest gains come from taking risks. The Mini's gain is a great package and daily fun; the risk is less than stellar reliability ratings. If the latter is a deal breaker, consider leasing

 

I've been a Subaru driver for that past twenty years, my last car was a 2008 STi. It was a beast and I never had issues with it. I decided to take the plunge and get an F56 S because of the better fuel economy and still a blast to drive. I've been pretty impressed so far. Granted I only have 40 miles on it since I picked it up yesterday!

 

Thanks for all your feedback!!

I think you'll be seeing the photos of my new MINI real soon!!!

 

Here's a final thought for you : I found my dream car a few years ago, a sweet red MINI ragtop. I got spooked by the reliability issues, and made the supposedly smart choice and got a civic. I have regretted it every single day since. It isn't fun, and it is only marginally reliable. I've had way more problems with it than I should given that it's a Honda.

Buy the mini, what's the worst that could happen, really? It winds up being a money pit like my Honda? At least if it is, you might love your car despite its issues rather than hate it.

 

I love my '13 Justa (base model) hard top. My thinking is the very worst thing that could have happened would have been I made a mistake. That would be far from the first mistake I ever made and the fix would be easy - sell it and buy something else. 4,000 miles later and I'm enjoying every minute trouble free.

 

The 2014 models may not have the reliability issues of the previous year models and you will have the factory warranty in case they do have some problems. Does your Mini dealership have a loaner policy if you should need repairs?
I think you will be just fine with the new Mini and if you latter decide it's not for you, you can always trade it in on a new Honda/Acura.

 

You want the unbiased truth?
If reliability is what you prioritize, go Japanese. My beaters are. But no car I've owned has sustained the level of excitement from day 1 to present like the R53. I can't speak for Gens 2&3. I do my own maintenance & understand the delicate BMW genes it carries. Even that is fun. The mods & upgrades have practically addressed all its known flaws & made it a better car over all than it was off the showroom.
Just lower your expectations on reliability......expect to do & spend more w/ maintenance in general.
F56 issues/fixes/mods/upgrades, like any new car out, are yet to be discovered & developed. So, patience is key.

 

Oh, if that were only true...

 

Why do people come to forums to ask important things....like:
Should I marry this woman?
Do you think a sex change will be depressing on my family?
If the milk carton says "best if used by" and it's a month later, drink it?
Will it really hurt if I get my pe;()$& pierced?

I see a huge demand for forum bots looking for great titles to reply to by a huge crowd of peeps laughing loudly while trying to type their replies thru the tears running down their cheeks from the belly gafaws.....1 mans humorous opinion.

 

Why do Bubbas post nonsensical rants ?

 

@Mrdi
Humor my friend.
Sorry you see it as a rant.
But it is silly rabbit stuff to be asking if I should be spending 20k to 30k for something....anything.
Cause if you terll me yes, I'll gladly go into debt and splurge!

I'll conform from now on tho'

@Hotaruchan
Yes, I bought two in the past 18 months.
We couldn't be happier with our decesions on the MINI brand.
Your biggest issue will be to attempt to NOT read every post on NAM without an open mind.
Not every auto issue posted here will become yours.
So go for it......enjoy the motoring, and don't forget to post pics!

 

Here's a question to go along with taking the plunge:
What kind of pricing are you guys seeing?

The dealer wants the dealer fee on top of the MSRP.

I'm not "cheap" but I hate the thought of paying MSRP PLUS a dealer fee.

Help me understand how the MINI market goes. Will they come down in price in a couple months? - I really want to buy one for my wife.
Please? and thank you

Adrian

 

Here's a thread on that topic from last week: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ls-on-f56.html

I got $500 off MSRP, no extra fees on top of that. There is a second Mini Dealer 50 miles 70 miles away, and another 3-4 within 200, so that may play into it.

Is that one dealer your only option?

 

I REFUSE to pay a premium on any vehicle, and with as much opportunity as there is to post online about a dealership trying to make a short term gain at customers expense, I make that very clear to them in less than polite terms that I will be doing just that.

MSRP with the occasional accessory freebee here and there seems to be the norm. I was able to negotiate 3% off the MSRP, but I think that had more to do with a deal that went south on a 2 series I was working on them with and former purchases from the dealership. MSRP is not a great deal but it seems to be very typical for Mini's. Its the up sell that is offensive. To add to the above posts about the car here is my two cents.

I purchased my first Mini back when they launched and secured the very first Indy Blue in my state. The car was magic, and I doubt a Ferrari was getting more attention at the time. I put 50k miles on the car in the first year, and never had a major mechanical issue. It was unrefined, rough riding, loud on the freeway, poorly put together (rattles galore, and a less than sealed sunroof) but remains to this day the MOST enjoyable car I have ever owned and that list of cars includes: BMW M Coupe, Audi S5, Audi TT, BMW 550xi.

Now that I am 12 years older I thought if they could just refine the car, ride and interior quality that I would go back in a heartbeat. I now have a VO/B on order. NO HESITATION!!

 

I live in JAX - there is only one dealer here, but I'll be heading to the family's home town (Ft Lauderdale) for Memorial weekend and they have at least three dealers

Thanks for your replies guys.
I've been annoyed with the thought of paying MSRP as I know with other cars, deals are to be had no matter how new. Simple example : friend picked up a new Vette stingray convertible - ordered with his specific options - for $2.5k under MSRP.

You are helping me feel out the BMW / Mini Scene

Gonna check out the other thread now...

 

From what I have seen MSRP (or close to it) is fairly typical on Mini's. Dealer fees are lame but if left alone you can usually make this up in another part of the negotiation. You are correct that there is always some sort of deal to be had if even small.

I would agree with above that the auto added dealer items such as $100 nitrogen fills for the tires are unacceptable. While awaiting my F56 I would regularly just search random Mini dealer websites all over the US looking for pics (amazing how many don't post actual pics) and found some that had insane dealer add ons that I would never want, ask for, or pay for.

 

The air we breath is 80% Nitrogen.
$100 for an N fill is robbery.
Pay toilets at the dealers are next.
You may request a free token if you're ordering.
But you must ask!

 

Do it! I've owned only two cars previous to my recently bought Mini and they were Honda Civics. I long Honda reliability and if you commute and don't want to deal with expensive parts or maintenance stick to a Japanese car. If you want a fun little ride with a lot of features already included, the Mini is for you!