I'm not only new to MINIs, I'm new to car-buying in general, so please bear with me.

I'm interesting in purchasing the new 2015 base Cooper Hardtop 4 Door within the next month. From what I can see, it looks like the IIHS has not completed crash testing on it yet. Does anyone know when all of the safety data on its crashworthiness will be available? Also, does anyone know when info on its predicted reliability will be available?

Thank you in advance!

 

The NHTSA ratings and EPA ratings have not yet been released for the 4 door, expect them to be comparable to the current 2 door mini, the mini clubman (same frame.)

For some reason the U.S. is dragging their feet to get the new minis rated.

 

You might try searching for how it did in the European NCAP tests.

 

Thanks guys, do you know if anything's been done in an effort to get the roof and side ratings up from Acceptable to Good this year, or do they not disclose what changes they've been working on for the new model?

Also, do you know if there's anything I should watch out for as far as reliability is concerned? I'm planning to get the automatic. I read that there have been some issues with the clutch in the manual, but I'm hoping there's nothing in particular that I'll need to be wary of.

 

Make sure you sit in the back seat. I found the sitting position to be very uncomfortable.

 

Nothing wrong with the automatic MINI uses. If you want it to live for the life of the car have the fluid changed every 30,000 miles or so. MINI says the transmission has lifetime fluid. That is false it does need to be changed.

 

That's the funny thing, there a lot more members on here with problems with their clutch than with their auto's(of course their are a more manual cars than auto and when the auto goes it hits the wallet harder)

And 100% agree on changing the fluid!

 

Thanks so much, guys. I really want this car (I love the style) I just need confidence in its safety and reliability.

Are there any other tips you have as far as maintenance goes that MINI may not mention?

 

The oil change interval that MINI specifies is IMO way to long. I change mine every 5,000-6,000 miles. It is peace of mind for me. There are others that go 10,000 miles, but that is asking for problems. Oil is cheap engines are not.

As far as safety goes I'd guess it is going to be good. In the past MINIs have done really well in crash testing & folks in the real world who have crashed their MINIs have fared well. Not really applicable to the new 4 door, just a guess by me.