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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
I'm just past 2 and a half years of ownership, and driving this car still brings a smile to my face every day. This includes having to rebuild the engine after enjoying the death rattle @47K miles. Still, the one thing that really gets me sometime about my car is that the fit/finish isn't great for a car that costs what this one does. I have moderate issues with rattling from the cabin and a sunroof that has... some leaking issues during super heavy rains. Overall, though... I'm still in love.
Almost impossible to track down problems in electrical system without taking to a dealer & paying out the ying-ying. Sunroof leaked & Factory Nav screen went blank. Nav screen & computer (under pass seat) both bench test OK, but won't work in car. All fuses/relays good...Any suggestions?
This year will mark ten years of ownership, and yet the only real big bag is the rattles. I can deal with almost everything else, but the rattles get to me. Also, my exhaust tips sit high so it's touching the rear valance, and I have no way of adjusting it unless I physically alter the exhaust tips. That rattle in particularly annoys me, especially on cold days, but even cold starts its pretty annoying.
I plan to either take it somewhere to tailor the tips better or have a friend do it. We'll see.
This year will mark ten years of ownership, and yet the only real big bag is the rattles. I can deal with almost everything else, but the rattles get to me. Also, my exhaust tips sit high so it's touching the rear valance, and I have no way of adjusting it unless I physically alter the exhaust tips. That rattle in particularly annoys me, especially on cold days, but even cold starts its pretty annoying.
I plan to either take it somewhere to tailor the tips better or have a friend do it. We'll see.
I have to agree 100%. The rattles make me freakin' mental.
In particular I have a rattle/creak behind my Speedo/Nav unit in the R60. It rattles on the highway and creaks any time I'm accelerating or braking at lower speeds, drives me insane on the 5+ stop signs on my way to work....
My thoughts on cars. You can pay for cars with the latest in gadgetry but are not so much reliable or are very reliable with not much gadgetry. The closer you get to having both, the more expensive it will be.
My thoughts on cars. You can pay for cars with the latest in gadgetry but are not so much reliable or are very reliable with not much gadgetry. The closer you get to having both, the more expensive it will be.
My Loaded 2013 F150 EcoBoost had more tech, more space, more comfortable, faster ($4k in go fast bits), had s much better stock stereo, etc. new price about $41k. New price on a nice CMS, could easily approach $41k. The truck was definitely a better quality vehicle.
You pay the premium for the MINI brand name. That's why I would never buy a new one. Pre-owned is by far the only cost effective way.
My Loaded 2013 F150 EcoBoost had more tech, more space, more comfortable, faster ($4k in go fast bits), had s much better stock stereo, etc. new price about $41k. New price on a nice CMS, could easily approach $41k. The truck was definitely a better quality vehicle.
You pay the premium for the MINI brand name. That's why I would never buy a new one. Pre-owned is by far the only cost effective way.
Exactly my point - while the F150 does have all these tech gadgets - the EcoBoost is a horrible engine (specifically, the turbo's and humidity & mfr mpg ratings). They could have and should have done so much better, especially for the price. There are so many horror stories about the EcoBoost. By the way, I'm not hating on Ford. Chevy has the same issue - they're wooing people with all the new gadgetry .. what about the vehicle and its reliability??? Other MFR's have the same issue.
One of my favorite cars is the Mercedes G wagon (SUV). Gadgets - yep, gadgets galore. Performance - can go anywhere and do anything. Reliability - not so much. Price - crazy expensive.
Last edited by MiniTigger; May 18, 2016 at 05:51 AM.
On the Rear , Yes. Then swap the good rear to the front if you have a problem. On the fronts " NO for most unless you have a Gen 1 MINI with non JCW brakes.
Exactly my point - while the F150 does have all these tech gadgets - the EcoBoost is a horrible engine (specifically, the turbo's and humidity & mfr mpg ratings). They could have and should have done so much better, especially for the price. There are so many horror stories about the EcoBoost. By the way, I'm not hating on Ford. Chevy has the same issue - they're wooing people with all the new gadgetry .. what about the vehicle and its reliability??? Other MFR's have the same issue.
One of my favorite cars is the Mercedes G wagon (SUV). Gadgets - yep, gadgets galore. Performance - can go anywhere and do anything. Reliability - not so much. Price - crazy expensive.
Stock EcoBoost, not worth it. Tune, downpipes, mild exhaust, intercooler, etc. it becomes an absolute monster. I was far above 575 lbft and still got about 18-19mpg on the highway with my 35" tires, no exaggeration.
35k miles not an issue, and I beat the living hell out of that truck. It did well for me.
1.) having to crane my neck at traffic lights to see if its red or green
2.) sliding armrest
3.) crappy base stereo
4.) turn signal stalk (can't always find the detent of the 3 flash or continuous) when I'm busy changing lanes and it either doesnt blink enough or keeps blinking.
5.) trunk grip release button has a mind of its own
6.) toggle switch for central locking - locks/unlocks in either direction.
I still love my Mini after all that.
To take a page out of his book, I really love my MINI. It's the second one I've owned and the plan with this one is to hang onto it forever.
That said, the MINOR annoyances I could do without are...
Brake dust. I like the look of clean, sporty wheels. Brake dust takes away from that. But, on the upside, if you have dust, you know you've been driving.
Dripping from the rain. But I don't like rain anyhow, so this isn't a MINI thing, it's a nature thing.
Door double pull to open. Similarly, the 'squeeze' door handle is a blech design. My mother and practically everyone who's ever gotten in my MINIs have had a learning curve on opening the door from outside and from inside. It's one item that isn't as intuitive as it could be.
Seat belts laying flat, retracting completely and out of the way. These should work better. And it's just my OCD that makes me focus on these.
Run-flat tires blow. But that's a given and an easy fix.
That's about it. Overall, the car is a treat and I love it.
Stock EcoBoost, not worth it. Tune, downpipes, mild exhaust, intercooler, etc. it becomes an absolute monster. I was far above 575 lbft and still got about 18-19mpg on the highway with my 35" tires, no exaggeration.
35k miles not an issue, and I beat the living hell out of that truck. It did well for me.
Sadly, none of those mods fixes the EB from hydrolocking. :(
Right now? I hate the waiting until I get another vehicle and turn Egan into my weekend car. I have 148k miles on it, still on original suspension, clutch, and supercharger. Still screams like he's always ready for more though.
My plan for the next upcoming winter is to service the supercharger (might take it to Way), replace the clutch, and perhaps install a LSD in the process. So yeah, I hate it right now, but Egan is keeping me occupied until then.
Rattles and oil leaks on my R53. Didn't rattle at all when I bought it with 95.000km on the clock, but now at 187.000km the dashboard is driving me crazy with random rattles.
The only seal/gasket on the engine that I haven't yet replaced is the rear crank seal, so of course it's leaking like crazy. Replacing the clutch soon (release bearing is making noises) so I'll get to fix that leak too...
Rattles and oil leaks on my R53. Didn't rattle at all when I bought it with 95.000km on the clock, but now at 187.000km the dashboard is driving me crazy with random rattles.
The only seal/gasket on the engine that I haven't yet replaced is the rear crank seal, so of course it's leaking like crazy. Replacing the clutch soon (release bearing is making noises) so I'll get to fix that leak too...
Yeah, I believe I have a small leak by the rear main seal as well as I've seen just a little bit of oil accumulate between the transmission and engine, but it wasn't bad enough where I need to replace it now. I'll of course change the clutch and differential and whatever else I can do when the time comes for that particular seal.
84k miles on the r53 and rattles aren't too bad but....!!!
1) no factory auto up windows
2) paint is soft as puppy poo
3) no clear coat (paint) under hood or boot
4) holes in the roof for a factory roof rack
Last edited by madcanvis; Apr 21, 2018 at 06:16 PM.
Reason: Add roof holes
We have over two and a half year of ownership, 30k miles on the clock, and I have to agree the paint is by far the biggest disappointment of our MINI. I bought a Volvo S40T5 brand new in 2005 and well cared for the paint is for the most part in great condition and feels very strong. There are a few chips on the front bumper and hood but the car is 11 yrs old. The MINI on the other hand gets chipped so easily it's a bit frustrating. They really could do better then this for what I would call a mid to premium compact car brand.
Other than that we do love the car
Taken about 3 yrs ago (after roughly 7.5yrs of ownership) - Take notice MINI, that's paint quality.
Run Flats really suck
brutally tight engine compartment
No one touch window up
Hydraulic Engine and Lower Control Arm Mounts absolutely suck!
Having to tear the entire front end off to do just about anything to the engine,
but my #1 gripe about every MINI cooper I have ever owned.................
After 120k gave our (MY WIFE'S) 2006 to our adult son as the engine light couldn't be reset due to O2 codes. Biggest complaint; always have to go to dealer for "special" service which was a PITA, with as for most owners that is a 2 hour one way trip. (why can't BMW dealers service these cars, as there are more of those around than Mini?).
That said my wife after driving 3K miles in her new Subaru XV Crosstrek misses her Mini terribly. The new car doesn't put a smile on her face like the Mini always did and does.
The son loves the car and even with the engine light on happily motors along in 'his' Mini. At least it is still in the family and after 38K miles with check engine O2 sensor light on we aren't to worried about that as it performs great with good mileage.
If there were only more dealers around she/we would be driving a new Mini, with automatic this time around. No rattles at all after 135K and just the O2 sensor problems and a wheel bearing, used Stop Oil Leak for the crank seal and did standard brakes, tire and oil service maintenance/replacement.
