http://www.edmunds.com/mini/cooper/2...ice-alert.html

 

Not sure what your point is. It is not shocking that an Alert might pop up. They're there to alert the owner to a "possible" issue. In this case, some with the drivetrain. I had an alert last month with my TPMS. It was a false alarm due to the changing seasons. But I don't see an issue with an Alert on a long-term Mini. Just have the issue checked and fixed.

 

It's a little unsettling to have a potential drivetrain issue this early in the car's life though.

 

In the old days, something small would happen to the car, we wouldn't know about it and continue driving.

If we were lucky that small thing would be caught at the next service, or it would never cause any real harm.

Or this small thing would lead to some catastrophic failure, and us Americans would go looking for someone to sue.

It's probably nothing, but it could be something. At least with all of this sensor technology we find out about it when it is small. Which is a good thing, except when the sensors go bad.

Edmunds should have waited until they knew what caused the warning. The headline has gone out, but the clarification/retraction will be buried on page 17, column 3, underneath the donut ad.

 

I test drove a new 750 once and it threw a light for the restraint system. I would not say my life was in danger, stuff happens and go get it checked out; why do places do this...to get clicks.

 

A review car displayed an alert, they found it confusing and could not determine what it meant so they posted a story about it?

Take the car to a dealer, let them plug it in and I'm almost positive they will know what the alert is, how to fix it, and have the car back on the road.

What was the point for Edmunds to post this? Maybe it's an inconvenience to take the car to a dealer for further information. The car did what it was suppose to and now Edmunds needs to do what they are suppose to. Take it to a dealer, find the issue and update the story with the outcome. For all we know it's a bad sensor. Until MINI looks at it I find the posting they made about it useless/worthless.

 

I agree, clickbait or a story to meet someone's quota for submissions.

 

Perhaps....
But it will confirm MINI's sketcky reputation for relilibility for many possibly buyers....
Maybe nothing....but having to take a new car to dealer to get something looked at is a extra cost timewise even if the fix is free....time is with $$$, and a few hours at a dealer is a hassle....

 

I can't argue with those points. That makes perfect sense. I bought a MINI knowing the reputation. But after doing tons and tons of research (which I admit most people don't / won't do), I found that the reputation was a bit overblown (not completely, but by quite a bit). I was / am prepared to have the off and on headaches and inconveniences.

It is unfortunate that a review model starts to show these 1.0 growing pains so quickly.

 

Agree, but on the same token and no offense... if you want near perfect reliability by a Honda Civic. The only smile you'll have with it will be the 10 minute ride home from the dealer the day you purchase it. The next day it's just a car.

 

I owned a Civic once... for a few weeks. (changed cars for the reason you pointed out above)

 

You mean like when the shift **** came off in the driver's hand in Jamaica or wherever, while his test drive was being filmed? Oops! Hey I bought a first year R56 in 2007 and a last year R56 in 2014. I already had to have 2 things fixed on the new one. Only one on the old one (but it wouldn't start had to be towed to Phoenix). You never know.

 

Please point out one auto manufacturer, just one, where no customers have had to take a new vehicle into their dealer for warranty work to check for a possible issue. Just one. While I agree that taking your car to the dealer can be a hassle, my point is that NO car model is immune to an issue that needs to be diagnosed and/or fixed.

 

Mini is an amazing well made car....it keeps on getting better and better...continuous improvement.......they stand behind their cars....that is why I am on my third Mini in 6 years.....I wouldn't buy anything else.......my Mini BMW. .....and nobody can match this one. Mini is so good, that any part or accessory that was installed and serviced by them is warrantied for 2 whole years, no distance limit !!!!

 

Simple fact is, either a product meets the expections of the consumer or it does not....
My gen1 has been extraordinarly reliable....but I know many folks have not been so fortunate....
Going to the local shop...seeing a couple gen2 showing up on flatbeds A DAY for carbon issues or other issues resulting in an engine swap has happened a couple times....
Heck I know a couple club members(local club NOT NATIONAL) that bought 2007 launch cars and got new motor WITHIN A YEAR....crap happens, you just always hope it happens to the other guy....and in this case, he is just a writer. Go figure. They call that bad PR....
I call it life. Simple fact is look at the launch....fumbled at best...cars weeks late, lower mog...
It is possible to love your MINI and be mad at MINI for messing up...
No need to be a fan boy...if MINI BMW sees there is outrage, anger, and friction going forwards, maybe they will clean house and fix problems....
But if you all sit like an ostrich with you heads in the sand singing the praise of the "all mighty MINI" you get what you deserve....fact is no car is perfect, but rather than make a car BETTER mini has concentrated on changing the car to meet surveys....moving switches so minivan drivers could find the window switches. Etc....they lost sight of WHO THEIR BUYER IS....and folks still love them cause they are the apple of the car world...and folks think MINI can do no wrong. End rant.

 

what does anyone expect? it's the first year. there's a reason i only buy the last model year of a car

 

I've had my 2010 Miata for 2.5 years that never had to go to the dealer, not a single problem (before being sold).

My wife's 07 Scion tC spent 6 years without a single repair (before being sold).

It's more common than you think.

 

Perfect cars are like perfect girls.....boring !!

 

They stand behind their cars? You must be new here. Sounds like you aren't aware of the widespread power steering pump failures on the Gen 1 cars that Mini refused to deal with (other than to charge owners more than $1000 for a redesigned pump) until it was clear that NHTSA was coming after them...the engine problems on Gen 2 cars...the widespread Countryman clutch problems that Mini refuses to cover under warranty, and instead blames it on "driver error". It's all here on the website in great detail.

 

I don't see what you are objecting to. Are you not familiar with this style of blogging? It is an ongoing, long term blog of experiences as they happen. The writer reported on what he experienced, and his reaction to it. And his observations are valid (the messages are cryptic). He said he will be bringing it in ("We'll get it checked out"), and he'll report on that too when it happens.

 

Well, several posters have had this same warning light over the last couple of months ... so I'm thinking the long-term test drive is going to be a good thing ... they'll get to publicly discuss (and hopefully MINI will listen) what's working and what faults we're seeing ... might help make sure things get addressed. If I remember, the software update for this particular fault's not going to be here til Thanksgiving.

 

You hope....so far no cars having blown motors, trannys (anybody rember theccooper cvt class action lawsuit bmw settled/lost?!)or PS pumps...wow every generation has an issue!!.
Back in 2007...the timing chain situation was similar....a few....then more...blamed the owners...then more...more...it happens with MINI...they might " fix" it, or just surpress the warning....and hope nothing happens...but a few cars have been posted as needing new tranny's...something about the fact it slips into neutral to coast better...but most auto owners know this can destory a auto tranny...no hydraulic oil/trannt fluid getting pumped to spinning parts....destroys bearings...think this "super mpg saver" was not well tested...just my guess and opinion...hope I'm wrong, but was hoping the 5 door gen3 might have been a winner....

 

Correct, I may be new here, but my record of Mini ownership speaks for itself.
I had a 2008 Classic, zero issues...a fabulous car for 6 years of ownership. I traded it in for a F56 2015 Justa. The only thing went wrong on the 2008 was a Manifold Gasket gave out and coolant slowly leaked. Mini stood behind this one, and the issue was fixed, n/c I currently have a 2013 Coupe...love it......no issues.....my record speaks for itself. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. And no, I have not heard about what you mentioned. Sorry to all those who have those issues. My heart goes out to you. Sorry. I have heard about on the "S" models, the "death rattle", but I don't know the details cuz I never had this model.

 

The blog has been updated with the dealer visit: http://www.edmunds.com/mini/cooper/2...ion-fixed.html

It's the same error that has been posted on NAM, and the dealer has seen it several times.

The complete long term test blog: 2014 Mini Cooper Hardtop Long-Term Road Test

 

I thought the last year for the classic mini was 2000?