Having owned 3 prior MINIs (2008,2012, 2014) I am considering a 2019 Hatchback automatic with signature trim. My last MINI was a 2014 Hatchback automatic but only kept it 18 months as it had 4 recalls and 2 TSBs and I had enough of the nonsense. So...my concern is has the reliability improved enough for me to want to bite the bullet again, particularly with all the new electronic gizmos. I live 50 miles from the dealer who was exceptional in their service. The dealer is offering $2,000 off, which is tempting. Thoughts and suggestions?

 

Why was 4 recalls and 2 TSBs been so bad you got rid of it? I also live far from the dealer and never had any problem. For me, It has been a 4 years outstanding service under warranty that just ended a few months ago.

 

I have 2014 F56s, love it. I bought used and only dealt with lower control arms replacement. We have 2016 F55 with no issues beyond software update at oil change time. Both fun cars to drive.

If I didn't live close to dealership I might have a different opinion on owning a particular car as a daily driver.

 

I didn't like spending half of my day sitting in the dealership. For me the 4 recalls were a bit onerous and I was concerned about future problems. Granted, it was the first year of the 3rd generation. But, then again I have a first generation/first year 4 year old Lexus NX with zero problems. I'm just hoping that perhaps after 4 years of production the 3rd gen MINI would be bug free. My 2008 MINI was virtually trouble free.

 

I've got a 2017. No issues to speak of. A rattle I have discovered is the rear hatch shelf bouncing in it's track. I often have the shelf out anyway so no biggie. They did a software update at the last oil change. And front brakes replaced under warranty at last oil change. Pads and rotors were fine, but they said they saw rust on them. I personally think it was a way for the dealer to charge MINI for warranty work, but whatever, got all new pads and rotors on their dime.

I say go for a new one. Even CR rates them as reliable now. Just know that a recall or TSB can happen anytime, on any car. I personally like recalls and TSBs - it means the manufacture is admitting to and fixing issues instead of gaslighting customers (cough Honda cough).

 

My 2018 Mini JCW 6-speed 2 door hatchback has been just great. Bought it Dec. 27, 2017 and have put over 11K miles on it. All I've done is oil/filter services at approx. 600 miles, 2K miles, 5K miles then at 10K miles. The 10K mile service was free and included a new micro filter.

No recalls. No TSBs. No problems/issues. I'm only 10 miles or so from a good Mini dealer (Easy Bay Mini in Pleasanton, CA) which is nice.