I tired to search for an old thread addressing this question, but couldn't find one...so here it is:

After reading all the problems people have with the R56 on this site, I'm nervous. I understand this is a skewed sample of cars and things are probably not as bad as they seem, but I'm still nervous. I'm going from a Honda Civic with ZERO issues for 4 years to the Cooper...and I anticipate some problems.

My question--is there an extended warranty option for the Cooper? Do people recommend I purchase such a thing? Obviously, I can address the first question to my dealer, but the second...if there is one, I know I'll be urged to buy it when I pick up my new car next week, and I'd appreciate some input.

 

Yes, there are and no I don't. Buying an extended warranty essentially means you are paying up front for repairs you may never need. In order for the seller to make money on these --- and they do --- people have to spend more on the price than the provider spends on repairs. The car have an extensive warranty. If you have numerous issues during that period it would make sense to get rid of it before the warranty runs out. If you don't have problems then, you likely won't benefit from an extended warranty after that time.

 

If you do end up getting an extended warranty I suggest getting one through a company other than BMW. From what I've read (I'm still considering whether to do this)

http://www.warrantydirect.com/

is the best available.

 

The other way of getting an extended warranty is buying CPO (MiniNEXT) or used...
I got a 1yr-old 8200mi example that has its original warranty of 4yr / 60k mi and an additional factory warranty of 2 more years and 40K mi more. (total 6yr 100K)

HTH

 

Extended warranties are the single biggest waste of money in the automotive industry. Seriously DO NOT waste your money on one. The MINI has a 4 year bumper to bumper warranty. That is PLENTY!

 

Well, except for maybe undercoating, fabric protection and body sealants.

 

It's not necessary to buy an extended warranty when you purchase your car. It can be added later and you can haggle over price. Do you plan on keeping your car for four plus years? How many miles do you drive per year? Yes answers are reasons to consider one. A BMW warranty will allow you to use the entire MINI dealership network to repair your car. Read the fine print in the contract and ask lots of questions before you jump in to purchase an extended warranty. I'm not sure what problems you are worried about, but my R56 purchased in April has been trouble free.

 

Mine has 1,300 miles and problem free as well.

 

Hmmmmm, my dealer threw all those in for only $1500! Was that not a good deal? LOL!

 

Well, let's see...in the past few days, I've read posts concerning the following problems:
Mudflaps coming off.
Radiator fan stuck on.
Navigation a little off.
Difficulty opening the door.
Whistling supercharger (ok, won’t be a problem on the ’07 unless they meant turbo.)
Weeping windshield wipers.

Excessive brake dust.
Sputtering and check engine light coming on.
Engine malfunction with check engine lights and hazard light coming on.
Seat moves when I brake.
Electrical mishaps—doors not locking, lights going off.
Sun roof not working correctly.
Water leak
Oil-like substance leaking onto front bumper
Won’t start
Drove 20 miles from dealer and could have blown up.
Creaking dash.
Squealing window.
Coolant all leaked out.
Chrome fell off.
Brake sticking.

Never read a Honda forum while I owned it, so maybe it's no different. I just come from a car-troubled childhood and early adulthood and I'm wary of further issues.

I appreciate all the input. I suppose I can just play it by ear and if I start having problems during the standard warranty, consider selling the car (this would be soooo sad ) or buying another warranty.

She just arrived at the VDC today. I can't wait to meet her.

 

And what do you suggest for those owners planning to keep their Mini longer than the warranty? It's kinda like auto insurance--I'm paying in advance for the unknown. It's all about risk.

 

[quote=wondermini;1675335]Well, let's see...in the past few days, I've read posts concerning the following problems:
Mudflaps coming off.
Radiator fan stuck on.
Navigation a little off.
Difficulty opening the door.
Whistling supercharger (ok, won’t be a problem on the ’07 unless they meant turbo.)
Weeping windshield wipers.

Excessive brake dust.
Sputtering and check engine light coming on.
Engine malfunction with check engine lights and hazard light coming on.
Seat moves when I brake.
Electrical mishaps—doors not locking, lights going off.
Sun roof not working correctly.
Water leak
Oil-like substance leaking onto front bumper
Won’t start
Drove 20 miles from dealer and could have blown up.
Creaking dash.
Squealing window.
Coolant all leaked out.
Chrome fell off.
Brake sticking.

Never read a Honda forum while I owned it, so maybe it's no different. I just come from a car-troubled childhood and early adulthood and I'm wary of further issues.

I appreciate all the input. I suppose I can just play it by ear and if I start having problems during the standard warranty, consider selling the car (this would be soooo sad ) or buying another warranty.

She just arrived at the VDC today. I can't wait to meet her.[/quote
8000 miles and have had none of those problems.

 

[quote
8000 miles and have had none of those problems.[/quote]

So good to hear!