Well, Jeep is worst but Mini just above it.



Strange... Here is link from Autoblog...

 

Nice blue bar. How much of that number is actual car problems, and how many are bad service departments?

You always hear the bad news, never the good news. I know I've never been contacted by these people in my whole driving life, so what's their methodology?

 

Here is what they say:

The 2008 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 81,500 purchasers and lessees of new 2008 model-year cars and trucks surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate problem determination and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and April 2008.

 

Seems at step back from R53!

2006 Nameplate rankings
Consumers reported the following number of quality problems -- including manufacturing defects and design flaws -- per 100 vehicles in J.D. Power and Associates' annual quality survey: Brands PP100
1 Porsche 91
2 Lexus 93
3 Hyundai 102
4 Toyota 106
5 Jaguar 109
6 Honda 110
7 Cadillac 117
8 Infiniti 117
9 GMC 119
10 Acura 120
11 Chrysler 120
12 Lincoln 121
13 Nissan 121
14 Chevrolet 124
15 Industry Average 124
16 Ford 127
17 Mercury 129
18 Saturn 129
19 Audi 130
20 Dodge 132
21 Pontiac 133
22 Volvo 133
23 Buick 134
24 Mitsubishi 135
25 Kia 136
26 Mercedes 139
27 Scion 140
28 BMW 142
29 Subaru 146
30 Mazda 150
31 Mini 150
32 Jeep 153
33 Saab 163
34 Suzuki 169
35 Hummer 171
36 VW 171
37 Isuzu 191
38 Land Rover 204

 

i will not take it seriously cos i love my car

 

I subscribe to Consumer Reports online (its around $6 a month), and their information is entirely opposite.

You also have to factor in which model tested, what was tested, etc...

On CR the R53/R56 lines tested much higher in predicted reliability than the convertibles or the non S models. The convertibles scored lower, but most convertibles will tend to be considered more unreliable; there are many more moving parts, the chassis isn't as stiff, etc.

 

I've never had much regard for JD Powers or their methodology. This is almost laughable. Maybe MINI didn't improve because it's been pretty good all along, but we'll never know from this.

 

JD Power just released their latest Initial Quality Survey, and MINI is ranked poorly across the board: http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings...tings-by-brand
Power doesn't rank manufacturers below a certain level, to spare potentially embarassing and annoying the manufacturers, who are often also customers, but the MINI showing is pretty awful in every category.

 

Wow!
MINI used to score quite better on this ... does it confirm that the R56 is disappointing , or perhaps it's simply that MINI is selling to less fanatical owners now, that are more upset by the little things that we "crazies" are prepared to overlook!

 

I don't find the results that surprising. It is what it is, and I hope mini will take it seriously and do somehing about it.

Though mostly used, I've owned toyotas, bmw's, acuras, and lexus's, and the mini still wins the fun+price/problems ratio, or at least that's what I tell myself. Cognitive dissonance, whatever.

 

I didn't get a survey from JDPower for the MINI, is it a random sampling or do they mail it out to all new owners? I remember getting one for the last 2 subarus i bought new with follow up surveys after a couple of months to see if my opinions had changed since taking delivery.

 

I think there is a lot to truth to that. Lets face it, these cars are hardly tops in quality. I have had a couple of Hondas that never needed so much as lightbulb over a 150,000 miles, basically bullit proof. I still get people coming up to me at gas stations or wherever, asking about the car & the quality, and I am hesitant to recommend it, you have to be passionate about the car to accept it, if you're just looking for something reliable or efficient I suggest you look elsewhere. And I'm guessing that the cold start chatter issue is probably not helping it any on this list.

 

Great we own an R56 and a Jeep.
Strangely, we have been quite satisfied with the quality of both vehicles.
But, what do we know ...

Peace !
Spearsy

 

Notice that MotoringFile hasn't quickly posted this news like they do when its something positive... Just saying...

While the JD Power survey is not a foolproof indicator of car quality, its not totally worthless either. However, remember that it is a survey of initial quality so it does not necessarily predict what kind of quality a car will be in the long term. My family has owned a lot of Volvos in the past and Volvo is never near the top of the quality ratings. And while we have had a lot of small problems over the years, they have all been very durable and lasted for many years.

My experience with Volvos and now with my MINI is that European cars generally drive more tight and solid but they seem to have a lot of little problems, especially with trim and electrical issues. For me its worth the trouble though. Generally speaking IMHO American cars feel like tin cans and few Japanese cars have much personality. I'll readily admit that MINIs probably aren't the highest quality cars on the market but I'm willing to sacrifice a little quality for the smile my MINI puts on my face.

 

Well yeah, and I think most anyone who is on this site is an enthusiast to some level & willing to deal with some minor issues, but it would be nice if BMW could get their **** together. It's not just MINI, it's their whole line up. My friend's M6 has had a lot of little electrical glitches, my sister's 325i the same thing. It seems to be a lot more common in European cars, lots of soul, but lots of little headaches. Don't get me wrong, I would rather have a fun to drive car that gives me some static than be stuck only driving my Honda. My MINI has never let me down, never had anything serious go wrong, just little stuff. For instance this past winter I noticed my license plate lights were staying on after the car was turned off. I took the whole assembly apart, looking for any damaged wires, could find nothing and put it back together, lights were still staying on, so I removed the bulbs. Took it to the dealer and they told me my BCM was bad, although the lights seemed to be the only issue, and it would be around $700 to replace it. $700 just to have my license plate lights work properly. I said no thanks, what's the worst that could happen, I get pulled over & get a ticket? Still cheaper than $700. Have yet to get pulled over by the way. Such a non issue really, but still annoying. I guess I could rewire it to the tail lights, but it's hardly worth the time & effort.

 

Sad to say, the MINI has been my most 'unreliable' car. Most of the problems cropped up during the warranty period and were swiftly taken care of by the dealer, so that kinda 'nulled out' the bad experience. If I compare my car to some people's here in NAM, I am doing quite well. Being that forums such as these is where the worst of problems are distilled and bubble to the surface, we get to see some real doozies when it comes to issues. Blown trannies, engines, electrical haywire, you name it. So far, mine has been very good with respect to that. Honestly, the fun factor, the safety, performance, the camaraderie among owners and efficiency all combine to offset the negatives. Were this simply an 'appliance car', I'd be much more concerned.

Face it, in general, Euro brands as a group tend to fall below Japanese and American manufacturers in overall quality. Strange, but this has been a trend building for years. My concern has been the cost and availability of parts, which has not been too bad for common parts, but is outrageous for things like ECUs and major assemblies.

 

Having just placed an order for a MCS last week, I must say that this initial quality rating issue kind of freaks me out. That, and the fact that the covertible I rented earler in the week (non-s) did not impress me too much.

Remembering my S 6 sp test drive, I however remain hopeful.

 

It is what it is and I hope mini takes this seriously instead of bombarding us with more "propaganda", albeit effective, to make us overlook these issues. I guess it's cheaper to invest in advertising than to improve quality?

 

It was sad to see an R56 this morning with one headlight inop already

 

I must say that this is freaking me out a little. I am now considering canceling my order. It is one week into the cycle, and already into production nfrom what i understand.

I particularly don't like what I am reading about the cold start death rattle issue.

 

I am waiting patiently for my MCS to get off the boat and then getting to drive her. I have two friends with Mini's, one "s" one not. Neither one of them have had any problems what so ever. One thing you have to remember, and it has been mentioned before, forums are places people come to, among other things, vent about their problems. They also rave about how great their cars are, how good the gas mileage is and what fun they are to drive.
Also mentioned, individuality, every car I have owned before, I can recall pulling up to the exact car at a stop light. Not a huge chance of that with a Mini. Reliable, maybe not the best, fast, maybe not the fastes, but certainly not the most expensive for what you get. Hyundai ranked really well and you can get one for under 10k, but do you want to drive a Hyundai? I didn't.

 

Now I remember why I placed the order. Thanks for reminding me.

BTW: I am an ASE certified mechanic (prior life) and have been working on my own Range Rovers for years (currently have a Rhino Edition P38 as my wife's regular driver). I really don't worry so much about the "nits" (but will expect them to be resolved immediately). However, if this engine is bad (see cold start issues) I guarantee that there will be a lemon law buy back that will happen very soon thereafter. I won't tolerate that BS. Not on a new car. There are too many other choices to have to deal with dry start issues.

Note: death rattle at start up (dry start/lubrication issues) cause undue wear. Hard to imagine a car doing this and then becoming a high-miler. Esp[ecially with a turbo/ Think about it, and be vigilant. I know i will.

 

These death rattle starts are on the regular cooper 2008 models?? I'm JUST ABOUT to order a MINI...and this has scared the bejezus out of me.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=130308

As stated before, I won't tolerate this on a brand new car.They better get it worked out.

I am still "optimistic" that I'll get a good one though.

 

Weird. That is usually reserved for 4 month old GMC/Chev trucks.