So I'm having a bit of a internal crisis/conflict. I have a 2003 MCS that I love, but it seems like the past two years have been nothing but repair after repair. Once I feel like things are finally fixed, something else goes. Is this just a string of BFL, or is my MINI falling apart?

I've replaced: clutch\flywheel, clutch slave cylinder, serpentine belt, one wheel, forward strut mounts, water pump, gas cap, and radiator. I still need the rear drivers exhaust rehung, A/C isn't working, and the power steering fan is being very noisy. I'm now debating a trade in for a Countryman, but am afraid of ending up in the shop or in my garage all the time.

Is there any consensus on there being more or less problems with the newer MINIs?

Thanks in advance for any comments/advice!

 

It's impossible to know what, if anything, will go wrong next. I have not had a trouble free new MINI experience but everything has been under warranty and I've gotten loaner cars when needed. I pay more per month but haven't had unexpected expenses. If you trade for a new car, any problems will be under warranty... I guess it depends on how inconvenienced you are now vs. how much a car payment will hurt.

 

Sometimes it's just worth getting a new car. Depends if you think it's worth pumping more money when you can use that cash towards a new Mini.

 

Your car has entered the refurbishment cycle. So expect more of the same from it. Newer MINIs are not particularly reliable machines, but it greatly depends on your usage and previous owner maintenance. Some issues with the turbo prince motor are just part of the package. Carbon deposits, thermostats, timing chains, oil lines, gaskets, bushings. If that turns you off, even if it is under warranty, I think you should look at other brands.

 

Let's see - you have a car that is 11 years old. How many miles? Much of this looks like expected maintenance to me.

- clutch\flywheel: this is a consumable. It is not going to last the life of the car.
- clutch slave cylinder: this should have a long life, but after 11 years, the seals probably wore out.
- serpentine belt: these wear out and need to be replaced periodically.
- one wheel: hit a pothole?
- forward strut mounts: long life expected, but the rubber will eventually wear out. Reasonable to expect to have to replace them after 10 years.
- water pump: long life expected, but eventually the bearings and seals will go.
- gas cap: should last the life of the car
- radiator: should last the life of the car

You're probably going to need new struts and suspension bushings at some point - they wear out. Bearings and seals will wear out so fans will get noisy and stuff will leak and need to be replaced.

As a comparison, I have a 2002 Acura MDX with 230K miles on it. It has been an incredibly reliable car and is still running great. In it's life it has had a new transmission at 200K miles, new serpentine belts every 115K, water pumps replaced at the same time as the belt because it makes sense as long as you're in there, main crankshaft seal replaced, new front struts, new front suspension bushings, valve adjustment, all the scheduled maintenance, and a bunch of other minor stuff. After 12 years, hundreds of trips to the mountains, hauling kids and stuff all those miles, I can't complain.

By contrast, the 96 Volvo 850 Turbo ate tires and nearly bankrupted me with repairs in the 6 years I owned it. My wife's 2008 Subaru Outback is an automotive turd, at 100K it leaks and burns oil, needed a new catalytic converter, new wheel bearing, new front struts, etc. I still can't understand why people are so loyal to those things.

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, just pointing out what you already have experienced - some things need regular replacement, and after 10 years many things are at the end of their service life. So look at what payments and insurance on a new car would be and compare that to your expected future repair costs, then decide how much you love your car.