Hey everyone! This is my first post as a potential mini purchaser, I really really like the mini but they seem to have many problems and issues. I don't want to make the same mistake twice. I bought a new convertible pt cruiser GT in july of 07 and it's in the shop at least twice a month. Mostly trim issues, faulty plastic pieces falling off or not working properly but never anything mechanical. I want to find a used 06 mini S convertible but this site is making me nervous. In the stock issues there is over 5,000 threads posted. And most problems seem to be the same or close. I'm 19 and I'm purchasing this car on my own (With a co-signer) and I can't have a car in the shop all the time. My dad (AKA co-signer haha) loves the PT Cruiser but agrees that something else would be better and he LOVES Mini coopers! I have been shying away from a mini because of this site and he has started to notice. Should I be worried or are these problems usually fixed in one dealer visit? I realise that BMW will hopefully have much better customer service than Chrysler, but on here I have seen some "Stealership" problems.

 

They are not Hondas, but they are not PT Cruisers either. I have 20k on my 2006, and have only had two issues. The dealer replaced the top at 10k due to excessive wear on the canvas, and the wiper motor died about 5k ago, and was replaced promptly.

One of the leading consumer magazines does not go as far as to recommend MINIs, but they list them as one of the top ten gas misers and better than average for repair problems (if I remember correctly).

If you want ultra reliable, and boring, stick with hondas or toyotas. If you want to enjoy what you drive, go for it! Don't forget that reading only the problems associated with a particular product will look like an avalanche of negativity. Read the rest of the posts, and good luck with your decision!

 

Homerwest beat me to it: keep in mind people only post when they have a problem to discuss. You don't get to read thousands of posts like the one I would post "No problems and loving my car!"

Convertibles benefited from years of hardtop production to iron out most of the problems. the only exception are cabrio-specific parts like the top -- which has had some problems and needs replacement under warranty if it develops (usually a one-day fix. . . your car shouldn't be in the shop for days awaiting a diagnostic)

That having been said -- it isn't a Honda. If you really want a car that is unlikely to develop any problems look at Civics. If you're deadset on a convertible again . . . I can't think of one more reliable in the sub-$30k range (Edit - except potentially the MX-5 -- but only 2 seats)

 

I love my MINI and highly recommend it- just a blast to drive and I enjoy every minute I'm in it. That said, you're 19? The MINI is considered a luxury compact car. It, especially a convertible, is not the most practical or cheapest to own. I was in your shoes- perhaps I'm showing my age (I'm 40. . . ), but I would encourage you to think practical at such a young age- maybe a standard Cooper. Sorry if I sound condescending, I don't mean to, but I hate to see young people get in over their heads financially. Get something that's fun yet practical, get your life started on firm financial ground, and keep the S Convertible as something to look forward to in a few years.

My $.02.

P.S. I hope you can read this without your dad seeing it!

 

What makes you think MINIs have a lot of issues ? Reading this board ?

Keep in mind that there are thousand and thousands of member here and the silent majority have had no major issues with their MINIs and some of us lucky ones have not even had a minor issue.

Besides, it comes with a pretty good warranty so there's not too much to be concerned about, IMO.

 

Ha yah I am only 19! But I want a fun car not a boring one! The PT Cruiser is fun but I feel old in it, no offense. As for the "Standard cooper" I'm not sure if you mean not an "S" or not a convertible. I want a "S" for the obvious performance reasons and a convertible because they make you look cool . Also I want an automatic and the I'm not feelin' the CVT. My uncle had a Mini in '05 but only for a little while and the dealer bought it back after he had to get a lawyer and what not because on his way home from the dealership the power steering pump went out and they replaced it a "Re-manufactured" one after he asked and was told that a new one would be installed. It was a brand new car so it should've got the brand new power steering pump but he checked the part numbers and sure enough they had lied to him. This was at the same dealer I would have to bring my car to have it serviced at, but I hear great things about them all the time.

As for the PT Cruiser convertible, the main reason I am getting rid of that is for the HORRIBLE customer service from the numerous dealerships I have had to take it to. One of them I am in the process of suing becuase the curbed my rims and are not going to pay for it. It's more practical than a mini convertible because its bigger, but the thing eats through gas (18mpgs if I'm lucky)

Unfortunately I put myself in a position where I have to rid myself of the Pt, and may have to have a boring car like a civic for a while..... a long while. I want a cool car now and pay it off before I go to med school. This is soooo overwhelming rite now haha.

 

Just go for it. These cars are great, and from all I've heard and experienced, you should have no issues with dealer service if need be.
I was 20 when I bought my 06 MCSa, and I have not regretted it for a second. Don't compromise, get what you want, because you will regret it if you don't. Just be smart about it and make sure you can afford it. It took me 2 1/2 years to save up for mine, but it was totally worth it.

As for the convertible making you look cool...I'd say that is subjective, but what matters is that you get what you like.

 

I figure I will throw in my 2 pence since I am one of those "silent majority" who don't post that it was another issue free day with the MINI. For some background info my wife and I ordered our MCSc from Century MINI in Greenville, SC in Sept. 06 and took delivery almost exactly 6 weeks later. During the buying process everyone at the dealership was exceptional and both of us felt like we must have been the only customer they had. After taking delivery (the next night), the only issue we had was that one of the headlights was not leveling and appeared to be aimed straight down. I contacted the dealer and after numerous apologies they arranged to have a loaner (a maxed out MCS) and addressed the issue (the VDC overtighted the actuator - what they said).

While this worked for 9 months and about 15k miles, the headlight appeared to be doing the same thing the following June and I took it in to MINI of South Atlanta (we moved during that time). After a few hours they installed a new headlight and said that the actuator had failed (no charge). Thus ended my only major "quality" issue with the car. On the minor end, my top may be starting to show some wear, but as of now it is still pretty good looking. I have a slight rattle in the dash when I hit 3200 rpm when the temps are below around 50 deg F. While that may seem like I have "issues" they are very minor and I normally don't even notice them. My previous car was a 1994 Infiniti J30 that had numerous electrical gremlins (like random locking of itself or my favorite "NO headlights for you!")

I have had service with 3 dealers Century and South Atlanta have been mentioned and I would like to add that South Atlanta gave my a great deal on a takeoff X-lite with tire after an unfortunate encounter with a chunk of asphalt (a story for another day). The third dealer I've dealt with was MINI of Nashville. My overall experience with them was less personal than the other two, but after seeing the # of cars that went through that service center I understood the reason. After all, it was just routine service and I had no issues at the time.

All that being said (apologies for the post length), go for the MINI if it is what you really want (and can afford). Remember that it is still a "performance" vehicle, which mean the engineers made relative tradeoffs to improve the handling and not the life of the vehicle. As for dealer experiences, be sure to research the dealers in your area to see if others have had any issues with them or if one is consistently rated as better. Also, be sure to carefully inspect a used vehicle because sometimes the seller (especially a dealer) may not know the full history of the car.

Right now it is used as my commuter vehicle and is sitting pretty at 26k and I expect many more years of enjoyable motoring to come.

 

I write for a Mini mag, and have been around the cars for quite a while... If you're going used, get a manual S, not a 5 speed cooper, and not a CVT. All the cars have some potential for expensive problems, but the two highest failure points are the very early five speed tranny (called the Midlands tranny) used in the Cooper (they went to a Getrag 5 speed in later years) and the CVT is problematic. More fail than should, and it's an expensive repair if out of warranty.

If you're going new, get whatever you want as the warranty is good!

Really, while overall problem rates are higher than say a Honda Civic, they are still lower than most cars used to be, and middle of the pack for cars now. If I remember correctly, they come out a bit better than average in the JD powers new car defect listings, and average or a bit above average if you look at Consumer Reports reliability. Take this with a grain of salt as I'm going from memory here.

Don't sweat it, next to the PT, this will be a breath of fresh air, and much, much more fun to drive.

Matt

 

Wow . . . not sure I could've paid off a MINI while an undergrad

 

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their days to help me out! I never thought I would recieve so many posts in such a little time. It is a lot of money but I have been saving since I was 16 to buy a car so I have enough saved to put down and have my payments reasonable and still have plenty leftover in case any problems arise. I have to give a HUGE thanx to my parents who help me out tremendously cuz working and going to school full time means I have no time! haha I should'nt even be on here! Any one else have some stories or advice? all is welcome!

 

Just coming up on my 1 year anniversary with my 'vert and not a single problem to report.... other than not being able to put the top down when its too cold, of course :-)

 

I've had one problem. For some reason the battery dies frequently. Thing is it’s a onetime problem they just have to recreate it so they can fix it. Even with the problem every time I've brought it in I get a great loaner. The dealer really cares and treats me well. And the Mini is the greatest car I've ever owned. Even if they never fix it I’d rather just keep a jump box in the garage than go back to my boring accord. One more thing to think about, How many people post about their car? I think more Mini drivers love their Mini than other cars which are just transportation. Mini's are something special.

 

^ good point on loaners. As discussed in another thread, loaner policy varies by dealer -- so if you're worried about being without a car even if the work is covered by warranty, contact your local MINI dealer and find out if they provide loaners to customers who bought their cars elsewhere.

 

The 2006 Cooper S convertible does not have a CVT transmission, it utilizes a 6 speed Aisin Transmission. The same one found in an Audi TT.

 

I know the cooper s doesn't have a CVT I was using the CVT for a reason not to get a base cooper. But I did test drive a convertible 5 speed today and it was soooo fun like everyone said. but it had its faults.... a lot of them. First it was like rattle city in this car. RATTLE RATTLE RATTLE! Everything was rattling it was VERY annoying. Also the rubber strip that goes along the trunk.... umm boot haha was all cracked and broken. The top was being awful fussy, for example at first the red light would flash so I did exactly what I read on here and lifted the top from the boot and closed it tightly. It worked and the top went down without a hitch. Then we tried to put the top down with the key and it would get as far as unlatching the hooks from the A- Pillar and then it was done. I knew more about the car than the salesmen and he had a great time learnig all the quirky features about the car.

I realise that this was my first mini and I haven't given up hope yet. I definately want a second opinion. So I will go to another dealership this week that has a Black S 6 speed Convertible. I hate black and definately wouldn't buy it but just to drive and get a feel for it.... and see if it won't RATTLE