I really love my 2003 R50. I really lust after a gen.1 JCW (I really don't like the looks of the post 07 redesign cars).

But after spending north of $10k in repairs in the past 2 1/2 years just to keep my car on the road in stock condition, I'm a bit spooked about having to do it all over again with another one.
I bought it in June 2010 with 45k miles on it and now I'm up to 108k mi. That works out to sixteen cents a mile or an average of $303 a month over 33 months for repairs.

 

Three years into ownership, its been a very reliable car, besides being a blast to drive. I would definitely buy another when the time comes, but I keep cars for a long time and who knows what MINIs will look like (or COST) in the future.

 

I enjoy the car, and mine has been trouble free. But I doubt I'll own another BMW product again. The computer irks me beyond belief, becuase it's just too invasive and designed to keep your wallet and you going to the dealer. Also, I'm not sold on direct injection, and I think it causes more problems than it solves. My next car may be a low mileage used car from around 2000.

With that said though, I'll keep my Clubman for as long as it makes sense. Luckily, mine has been mostly trouble free.

 

Condor

When I traded my 06 MCS it was tragic: JUST got new socks and shoes, extended maintenance and had a hard to find body kit. I lament it regularly.

 

I currently own two. I have a 2008 and a 2012. I like my 2008 better. Its tighter and more solidly built for sure. It rides stiffer (sportier) and has a wonderful exhaust note unlike I have heard before. My 2012 has a loose feel in the rear and rides more like a luxury car. Overall my 2008 keeps me liking Mini's.

 

I also need to comment and state that life is to short to drive just one type of car. I must drive/own a bunch of different cars.

 

I went from a '03 E46 M3 to a '05 X5 as I needed an SUV at the time. After that it was a '07 MCS R56 and fell in love with it even though I had my share of issues with the car. Sold that and now currently driving MINI #2, '13 JCW Countryman and love it even more. I couldn't see myself owning a different car, once I have the extra cash, I would get something else as a second car but will keep a MINI around. It's a great daily driver.

 

I got a used ’04 BRG MCS in 2008 as an impulse buy for my wife. We were moving back to the USA from Germany and she was in love with the idea of a Mini. In the end she got a great job and stayed in Germany and I moved back (I now go back and forth a lot!) I was going to get a BMW or Audi as I was driving them on the Autobahn in Germany but I was now the owner of a Mini that my wife would not be driving.

After a month back in the states I was hooked. Started calling it ‘my car’ and joined the local club where I’ve had very fun times over the last several years. I’ve even lead some drives.

I’ve now got a new 2013 JCW on order and will keep the ’04 as the ‘winter beater car’ I’d say I’m very loyal to the brand.

 

I'm on my 3rd MIMI. I started with an 09 hardtop, then 2010 convertable, and just picked up my 2013 roadster. Love these cars.

 

I'm a fan of the classic Mini and have had two MINI Coopers ('03 and '07) but lost interest as the brand's range expanded and MINIs got more gadgety. As it is I am now enjoying an iQ with all the suspension upgrades. Kinda wishing MINI was more mini.

 

Which model is your 2008 and 2012? Which suspension? If they were both R56, most would think the newer car should definitely be more solidly built.

 

Loyalty cuts both ways. The timing chain issue is a killer for me. I have had the tensioner replaced twice. Expect to replace the chain and associated parts in the next few months. Yes, I like the car and don't intend to replace it anytime soon, but it is the first and last MINI. Currently have 64k miles on it.

 

I had a '63 Mini back in the '70's. My Clubman is the first new car I've bought. I didn't look at any other cars, I fell in love with the Clubman when I first saw one.

Dave

 

Well I must say I bought my first MCS 2003 new.. Ive had the car ever sense.. But next week im going in to trade it off for a new MCS 2013.. While im excited of getting a new one apart of me is a little sad to see this one go.. Its been a good car for me.. Even though I would say they do cost a bit more if something goes wrong.. Theres just something about a MINI that makes it fun.. Till this day I still have fun driving it..It makes you smile.. I don't know how to explain it but there is something about those MINIs..lol..

 

Theres the one im trading in..lol..