Hopefully i put this question in the currect location (newbie and all) and if i didn't, i'm really sorry!!

anyways, onward to my question:

i've loved MINIs since Italian Job and have always planned on getting one once i had the money (still don't, still MINIless, am sad ).

The Boyfriend work's at a VW dealership, and one of the guys he works with told him (via his wife) that the MINI mechanics are always busy cause MINIs need so much work!

this sadden both of us. i remember hearing that the 2006s got awards for maintenance and whatnot, so are some years better then others? what are common problems MINIs have?

any other information would be awesome!

Thank you
Harper

 

Doesn't sound like a reliable source.

I haven't had a single issue.

 

I don't think that's true at all...MINIs are great!! I have two. Perhaps it's because MINI maintenance is totally covered for several years.

 

As with any car some people might have problems and those that do usually make the most noise. I suggest you just read around on this forum and you'll basically learn everything you want to know about the Mini. Hope you finally get your Mini soon!

 

PURE PROPAGANDA!

The MINI is by far the most reliable car I've ever had. I have had 3 brand-new Volkswagens, and they were not very reliable.

Don't listen to them.

 

I suggest you browse through the "stock problems/issues" sections of the forums and decide for youself.

Now, before I purchased my 2005, I knew that the MINI weren't exactly Hondas and Toyotas in terms of reliability. So I knew what I was getting myself into.

During my 2 1/2+ years of ownership, my MINI haven't left me stranded yet *knocks on wood*. Just a few minor problems the dealer quickly took care of such has a bad O2 sensor, fast digital clock, bad engine mount and a leak around the rear wiper.

 

I think MINI techs might be busier because MINI dealerships are few & far between & generally service larger areas than the typical VW dealership

 

I plan to sell my odysses and get a mini. I will be looking for a used one. Are certain years better than others for reliability? I read here that the 05 had worked out the bugs. Should I still consider earlier models? (I am a single mom, and this will be my only car. Must be reliable and FUN)
amy

 

I guarantee your VW mechanic friend is not sitting on their butt all day.

My Mini has been very reliable.

 

aross: Definitely closely consider your space and transportation needs too. The Minis are reliable and fun, but they're not, umm, large. That said, they're by and large reliable, they're a ton of fun, and the owner community is awesome (and highly varied). The back seat is sorta small, getting kids into car seats can be challenging. At some point the "fun" may be outweighed by the "practical", you'll have to decide.

If by "odysses", you mean "Odyssey", the Mini has less than 20% of your current cargo space (we have an Ody as our "mini support vehicle"). The Ody can get 20-25mpg, a Cooper S gets 25-28 (if you're gentle) and a Cooper gets 30-35. Insurance costs will vary.

From what I've read on here, the '05-'06s are the best so far, worked out some of the issues in earlier years (not that there were that many). The '05-06 are also, well, newer. That said, they're by and large pretty good little cars.

I know, practical sucks, but it's, umm, practical and should be considered. Good luck whatever you do, hope you can find room for a Mini in your life too!

 

I have about 10,400 Miles on my 2006 Cooper (purchased 1/20/2007), and I'm just 300 miles shy of the first scheduled maintenance interval. I have had zero issues.

 

I would love to tell you that my Mini has been great. But, I can't. The build quality and electronics stink. It rattles like crazy. The electronics systems have minds of their own, and not very astute ones, either. No, I haven't been stranded anywhere yet, but I only have 4200 miles on the car. I can't see why the MINI dealer's service departments are always busy. Judging by mine, they shouldn't be. They never fix anything. Now, having said, I still think the car is a blast to drive.

 

In comparing my '02 to my wifes '04 Volvo XC90, mile for mile, I don't see much difference in "shop work".
I believe the bigggest factor is how you drive and maintain the car.
If you drive like a bat out of hell, and never check under the hood, you'll bound to see the inside of a shop more often.

T

 

Our mechanics are always busy because the nearest dealership to Littleton, Colorado is in New Mexico!!! So we get customers from the entire state of Colorado, WY, MT, Nebraska, Northern NM.....

 

I had 04 I put 110,318 miles on it before I totaled it. And rarely had to take to dealership for any issues other than maintanance except for once for a faulty passenger seat relay for pass. air bag, got it fixed at dealer free (reimbursed) while out of warranty. And a burned out o2 sensor, dealers they said I over redlined 27 times, so I just bought an o2 sensor myself and had local tuner install and clear o2 sensor codes. This car went through hell too, trackdays, near complete brake fade inducing mountains runs, autox, aggressive everyday driving, LA traffic, etc. Also, had many modifications done to car that tend to increase chances of reliability issues occuring, but yet no problems.
But I would get a 05-06 MCS some warranty left, most likely less miles, and preffered gearing and crank pulley. LSD is nice option if ya intend to track or autox, but not needed at all. I think 02-03s had some overheated coolant tank issues, but most got fixed-or should've by dealers.
I did also have a 96 Toyota Corolla with 194,045 miles on it I gave it to younger sister, poor car is probably more reliable than MINI even though maintanance is somewhat neglected. BUT MINI IS 10 TIMES MORE FUN TO DRIVE.

 

You should know that the Prince engine in the '07s (and '08s) is about 20% more efficient. That translates to 33+ mpg in my S.

I've been very happy with my '07. I've had a few minor bugs--nothing that couldn't be fixed--and the dealer gives me a loaner MINI every time. I'd definitely buy one again.

I have a week 3 build on the redesigned R56, so if anyone should have problems, it'd be me.