I continue to read Thread after Thread and Post after Post about all the problems, design issues, quality concerns and disappointment with the R56. Seriously, is the car that bad? NAM used to be discussion about how much everyone loved their MINI, how to make it perform better and generally, great discussion about our passion for MINI's. Is it just me, or has the discussion turned primarily to R56 complaints?

Based upon what I'm reading, if I want to buy another MINI, I'm going to find an '06 R53 and stay away from any R56.

Don't get me wrong, concerns need to be addressed...just what happened to the light hearted and positive discussions of the past?

 

I guarantee there are plenty of people who love their R56... but it's a first year model so there are bound to be some problems that need to be addressed.

 

Trouble-free and a joy to drive from the beginning, now at 11,700 miles.

 

Did this tread start you thinking?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=117046

 

3,000 miles on mine, and I love it!

 

Just over 4,100 miles and loving every minute of her. No troubles at all and a pure joy to motor about in.

I know several R56 owners who are also very happy with thier cars.

I could have bought an 06 for a lot less money, but I really did not care for the 06.

 

Like Edge said first year new model. Time to work out all the bugs. And as long as mini stands by the warranty its not a problem for me just an inconvenience occasionally. I own an R56 and "I LOVE MY R56"!
FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAST TOO!

 

I <3 my R56.

 

I <3 my R56 (non-S) loaner car!

 

My '07 MCS is the best car I've ever owned, and I've had dozens! I get the impression that once in a while a car comes along that has all sorts of issues, but I believe they are the exception. For whatever reason, people are quicker to complain than to praise.

 

I love my R56!! It is my first MINI so I can't really compare it to the R53. I test drove both, liked the R56 better.

No problems but only 4500 miles on it so far. Have not seen the issues that others have posted.

People tend to only speak up when they have a problem, you should take that into account as well.

 

I got my car in June and I'm enjoying it very much so far.

 

I didn't see this thread until now. I just noticed that while reviewing new threads I could not find any that I felt compelled to get involved in...all appeared to be R56 problems and I own an R53. Also, I miss the chance to take a light hearted jab at some of my NAM friends...again threads that appear to be absent over the past few weeks.

 

It is rather odd, and a heck of a coincidence, but there has been a rash of negative type outpourings today. Even a one year old thread in the second gen forum got bumped today. Odd. Just odd.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) setting in already?

 

What you're reading must be horribly skewed....R56 is super on so many levels!!

 

Actually I Love both our MINI's The R53 and the R56! They are both awesome cars.

 

I love my R56 Mini. No problems so far.

Iowa Boy, I love your car. It looks almost like mine and I also live 2 hours away from a dealership.

 

Had an early bulid '02. No problems and loved the car.

Now have an '07. No problems and love it even more than the '02 I traded in.

 

I am loving my R56, I think that being a redesign first year is part of the reason. As more performance parts come out and the wrinkles get ironed out there will be less complaints and more discussion on where and when we are motoring.

 

Interesting to read through the posts. The reason that I'm not jumping in and buying R56... Want the bugs to be worked out first. Otherwise, I'd already have one or an order placed. I love my R53 MCS though.

 

freaking awesome dude. but seriously 4500 miles in 3 1/2 months and no problems

 

I guess it depends what forum your choosing to read.

If I spent all my time browsing this one: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...isplay.php?f=9 I would pretty much be convinced there weren't many happy R50/53 owners out there with all the stuff that seems to be going wrong. Then again, that woud be an incorrect opinion and not representetive of the car, correct?

I've had a few issues with my R56... but I still love the car more than anything else I've driven with 4-wheels.

 

I do.

 

Just picked up my car and love it. But see your point, looking at all the negativity keep waiting for the front struts to blow through the hood. My personal theory is that mazda/honda/vw marketeers disguise themselves as disgruntled mini owners to increase sales. But that would be wrong...