My boss has a Z4 which I have had the privlage of driving when my Mini is in the shop...this car NEVER breaks down & is driven alot. So WTF?

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A sample size of one is not statistically significant. There are also MINIs that have never broken down. Visit some BMW forums for a more general perspective.

 

You really should get a grip on the difference between reliable and trouble free...

My 1971 MG Midget was unreliable. You had to carry a bunch of spare parts in the trunk just because you were never sure if you would make it to where you are going.

My 1995 BMW M3 has never left me on the side of the road. (yes, I've owned that car 18 years.)

My MINI S is looking to be the same.

That is not to say either car is without issues. The BMW required a heater fan part, (final stage resistor), and a brake light switch. (Yep, those are the only 2 parts that failed in 18 years other than light bulbs, brake parts, and tires...) I have to say it's the most reliable and trouble free car I've ever seen.

The MINI has had the timing chain stuff done under warranty while it was in for a regular free service. Other than that, the car is flawless..

That's not saying I haven't dumped a lot of money into both cars. (which I have...lol) But all of that is on upgrading stuff that was perfectly functioning when I removed it...

 

My car has been great...
Bought it new...
Treat it well...
Matain it appropriately....
Car has never spent the night at a shop....never been towed...only had minor fixes (under $100, except for a crank damper I pre-emptivly changed)....
Is every mini this good...no...
Luck plays a part, as does a good preventive mantiance plan, and some basic automotive know how....something many owners seem to lack (not a slam, but more and more mini buyers are tech savvy folks that know little about cars...see multiple threads on many minor issues becoming big due this).....simply put the mini is NOT a gas it and go car...you need to monitor basic fluid levels..listen for noises, and get crap looked at if a sudden change happens....

 

I can't speak for longevity of my MINI, but I've got 20,600 miles on my 2013 and it's had nothing but 3 oil changes so far. My BMW Z3 (2000) has also been as trouble free. radiator and water pump replaced at 80,000 miles and 2 belt tensioner pullies replaced around 115,000 miles. It now sits at 124,000 miles.

My MINI:



My Z3:

 

I have a 07 MCS and have only had to replace the thermostate housing and timing chain tensioner. neither of which were expensive. considering it is going on 7 years old i'm okay with it.

 

Easy everyone - not the norm. I just stated my experience. It "kills" me when my Mini breaks down cuz its sooo fun to drive (when it runs). I am fortunate to have a "back up" car. Remember when "Harley Davidson" had a bad rep that their bikes were unreliable? They recovered & are stronger than ever. So this might be a hick up for Mini...but Harley riders stuck with it cuz they loved the ride...same with Mini owners - you deal and if needed u eat Ramen noodles so u can pay for repairs

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It was actually easy for Hardly Ableson. They've had 75 years to perfect the 1940's technology of a pushrod, 2 valve, V twin...lol I can't personally stand the things, I think it's like riding a lazyboy, but, different strokes... That's why they make Aprilia's.. lol

Today I turn 57, and I still like sport bikes...