I got rid of my R53 MCS just before the warranty expired because of the problems it was giving me. No, nothing big, but even a small issue that causes a trip to the dealer is a pain.

I know people like to complain on message boards so I am taking what I read with a grain of salt, but I am having second thoughts about ordering an 09 JCW and was just looking for a little reassurance from owners about the quality of their cars.

 

With all things, there is a bell curve. The majority under the tallest part of the curve experience no problems. The folks under the start and end of the curve do. Good luck!

 

I think it's a matter of perspective and what you can live with. Don't get me wrong, I'm not diminishing anyone's problems but some people complain about any little thing. Anything (any car) is going to have problems here and there. I've got an 07 with 18k miles on it (I know, not many) and the biggest problem I've had is that the roof sticks when I try to open it sometimes right after the first time it rains or gets wet. Aside from that, it runs great!

 

I've had my '09 JCW for about a month now. The first week I took it to the track. The second week I drove to Tampa, FL from NC. The fuel pump died. I had to drive in limp mode all the way home.

The right fog lamp had to be replaced, it had condensation in it.

The windshield had to be replaced the first week. It had a wierd crack in it. (the EXACT same crack I had on my '08 MCS)

Yesterday I kept hearing a noise from the front suspension that sounded like the calipers were loose. I checked and checked and couldn't find anything wrong.

By last night, the popping/creaking quit.

Still love the car... wouldn't hesitate buying another one.

The stuff that infuriates me is stuff like the sunroof not opening when it's hot. (the '09 works perfect, the '08 didn't like the heat) or the valve train rattling when it's cold. (again, none of these on the '09)

You won't regret it.

Mark

 

I"ve got an '09 JCW that is 10 months old with 12,000 miles on it. The only problem I've had was a clogged inlet screen in my windshield washer tank.

 

My 09 JCW is a month old, with just 1000 miles to date. No creaks, no issues. Damn I love my car!!

 

I got my JCW in January, and now have about 5500 miles on it. List is as follows...

1.) Fog light replaced due to condensation (warranty)
2.) Driver window became possessed due to improper tint job (warranty)
3.) Tire got a screw in it (oh well!)
4.) Sunroof can be a bit stodgy, but nothing a gentle shove won't fix

My previous car was an Infiniti G35 coupe, and I hated it and the dealership.

My mini runs like a top. No creaks or rattles, even in winter (Canada). It's a great car, and my dealership service is excellent. Couldn't be happier.

Good luck.

 

I'm trading in my 2007 MCS today on a 2009 MCS Clubman that I ordered. The 07 has about 34,500 miles and I haven't had one thing to complain about - the only "problem" was that I received a warning light for a burned out bulb at about 31,000 miles, and it turned out to be one of the license plate bulbs. I love my '07, but made the mistake of test driving the Clubman, and decided that I liked that just a wee bit better.

 

63,000+ on my 2006 MCC... no problems

 

2004 MCS with 82k miles...only problem has been power steering fan making noise

 

09 JCW launch car, arrived at dealer JULY 08, I'm 2nd owner and I checked history, only one window motor replaced, I've had no problems since purchase. JCW now has 9065 miles.

 

09 JCW. 11,000 miles, only problem is the cold start chatter. But there is a recall that fixes it. I think its a belt tensioner or something. Haven't been to the dealer for it yet, doesn't really bother me too much.

 

looks like I'll be ordering on Friday

 

1300 miles on a May09 built JCW. -No problems to speak of other than too much fun!! I had to get a lower engine mount stiffener to help keep drivetrain steady during harder shifts.

 

12,000 miles and I had the "cold start" rattle which has nothing to do with being cold btw.

Once the new fix came out in April I've had zero problems with the car. Well besides having to wash the rims once a week due to brake dust. But that's not really a "problem"... more of an "inconvenience".

But I wouldn't trade it in for anything

 

I have an 09 launch car as well. Well sort of. Its not a Chili red stripper but it was one of the very first JCW's to hit the US. The car was delivered to the dealer in July 08. It sat on the lot until I bought it at the end of November 08. The guy that ordered it could not get financing or so the story goes.

I have not had any major problems with the car at all. I have just over 6000 miles. There were a few minor issues at delivery like a missing JCW badge that goes on the secret compartment, a few minor rattles and the front right fender was slightly loose because a clip was broken.

Overall, I am quite satisfied with my JCW. I would buy another MINI or JCW in a heartbeat. Its the most fun I have ever had in a car.

 

unclemeat...
What is that... and where do you get one?

 

4500 miles and zero issues. I also drove it from NC to Las Vegas two weeks back and it performed like a champ. Now I'm driving it daily in triple digit temps and it seems to cope quite well.

 

03' MCS - 76K miles. Replaced Pwr Steering Fan w/upgraded version as the old one made some noise.

0 - Problems.

0 - Issues.

But then again, I am a planned maintenance sort a guy. I replace fluids when I supposed to and don't wait for wearable parts to break or cause damage before replacing them once I believe they have reached their normal life expectancy....

 

Some rattles (I have about 1500 miles on the car). No big.

 

3k miles and no problems that weren't self inflicted when I installed a boost gauge (blew a fuse).

 

I've had mine for 4 months and 13,000 miles (yes I drive a lot, CHKMINI I had 106,000 on it) and I haven't had any problems at all. Another GREAT MINI !!!

 

Got mine October '08 and have about 8300 miles with not a single problem whatsoever. I drove mine hard from day one and no 1K mile oil change.

 

4300 on an 09 JCW. No problems... unless you count those 2 speeding tickets... damn

 

I got my 09 JCW in October 2008. So far i have 5000 miles with no trouble except once i had the cold start rattle.

I did follow the break in recommendations and i even had the oil changed at 1000 miles.

Also, this year they are building a new dealership in Mt. Laurel NJ which is about 30 minutes from my house (30 minutes closer than Princeton MINI where i bought the car.)