Another newb looking to purchase a 2010 MCS

Hi everyone!

Sorry, I know you must get like a gazillion of these threads, but I did use the search feature before creating this thread so please excuse me if this information is already available and I just didn't find it.

I'm looking to trade in my 2006 Scion xB for a completely stock 2010 Chili Red MCS and I just had a few quick questions if you don't mind.

1) I've read that the clutch life for the MCS OEM clutch was horrible for a fair share of people. I was just curious if the replacement was known to last longer for those individuals.

2) I know most people are not fond of the runflats, but they seemed fine during the test drive. Do they get louder or more uncomfortable with wear and tear? If so, how much of a pain do they become? Do they often get flat from minor potholes?

3) The hood scoop melting issue has been bothering me. Is it just a mild warp, or is it very noticeable, and does it mean that the hood itself warps? Does it mess up the paint job at all?

4) It seems like some people have mentioned that the Cold Start Chatter may have been solved. Is the Cold Start Chatter just a little bit of noise, or is it indicative of larger problems?

Thanks so much for your help and I look forward to joining your community!

 

1. I think it's hit or miss, I don't think I'll have any serious problems. I'm sure by the time it dies there will be many more aftermarket options than there are now.

2. I think all tires get louder and harsher with age. I ditched my runflats after 3k miles, so I'm not sure.

3. Mine has not warped, I don't think it's a big deal since they're vented now. You could also remove the grill or add a turbo heatshield, but it's covered under warranty anyways, so don't worry about it.

4. A lot of people have had a retrofit done to correct this. I have the problem and can't reproduce for the dealer (yet) but maybe now that it's colder and happening more. I wouldn't let this distract you from buying the car though.

 

Tires can get louder with wear, especially if you don't rotate them frequently. Different model tires have different noise levels. High performance tires are often louder than touring tires. There are lots of trade-offs with tires. Runflats aren't necessarily louder than non-runflats.

The main disadvantages with runflats are the harsh ride, and high cost of replacement. There is some debate as to whether a flat runflat should be repaired or replaced. If you run it far or fast, heat in the sidewalls can weaken the tire. So, some shops wont repair them. Others will patch them.

Once you wear the OEM runflats out, you can decide whether to go with another set of runflats.

This problem doesn't happen for all. My 2007 MCS hasn't had this problem.

It is hard to know whether it has been solved, or not. Mine had it, and was fixed. I've not had the problem recur. Others report that the problem has recurred after a dealer fix.

The problem occurs when the valve timing chain tensioner does not get sufficient oil pressure to keep the chain taught. Usually happens after the MINI was parked, started, moved a short distance, and then parked overnight. Backing it out of the garage to wash it, then back in and leaving it overnight is a frequent cause. Parking nose-down on a slope can also cause it.

If not treated, the timing chain will wear significantly and cause serious engine damage if the valve timing gets too far off. MINI has been fixing the problem under warranty. It is unknown how they will deal with it after the 4 year/50K mile warrnty is over.

 

 

I am a current 2006 xB owner as well. After ordering my first MINI on Oct. 10, it should arrive next week (fast!). However, for various reasons, I am keeping my Scion. Three years, and 115,000 miles of problem free driving, is hard to just trade in, or sell out right. I'll try to run both off/on. Had you thought of same?

1) heard/read of the clutch problem being dependant upon your driving habits. Be an easy shifter (dare I say, an Easy Rider?.... ....old movie).

2) Like the test drive showed you and myself - RF's are fine. Maybe because we both are used to driving around in a "economy" car.

3) N/A

4) I like Robin Casady's response. Have you also visited MotoringFile? Good info there, as well.

 

I will just put in my 2 cents here. Buy the MINI, you will not be disappointed. We have had 3 and plan on buying a new one every 4-5 years until we die (only 26 now so we should have purchased a ton of them before we croak!) All of these issues you are asking about are very rare. For instance, my neck of the woods is always cold so I will never have to worry about the air intake melting and plus I drive all highway so there is always cold air on it. Secondly, as for the chatter, etc. it is under warranty and MINI has 24 hour roadside assistance for free so who cares really! Lastly, is it much faster and more fun to drive that a Scion any day. BUY A MINI YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Plus, we all want you to become part of our MINI cult, so buy one already!

 

Gosh, I reeeeeeeally wanna join the club, but I'm still a little worried about the whole cold start chatter issue and the fact that people are still having it even after the latest fix has been installed.

Also, just wondering how much of a tight squeeze you find the rear seats to be. I've sat in the back of course and it seemed fine for short trips, but just wondering...Has anyone had a three hour roadtrip with friends in the backseat? The xB has been extremely practical for me and I'm having a hard time giving it up, even though I've fallen hard for the mini. =/


Thanks so much for all your help!

 

My girlfriend did 4 hours in the back of the mini (NJ to DC). She was the only person back there and it was a 1st gen car, but similar space issues. While she didn't love sitting back there for 4 hours it was ok in a pinch. Have had 4 people in my mini (09 MCS) and for short trips you are alright. I look at the back seats as storage with the ability to become emergency seating.

 

I had my Mom and Dad in the back for 4 hours. They did fine no complaints. Only problem was Mom could see the speedometer and insisted that I slow down

 

Get a Clubman S

 

Geaux for the no run flats and have a great ride ! I have a 09' automatic and getting 35 mpg in the city and 37 on the hwy . If you need room just get a clubman extra space ! Good Luck .

 

The clubman feels massive in back compared to the cooper. If you are even thinking of use the back seat a lot consider the clubman. Both cars handle and drive in a similar fashion.

 

1) I've had no clutch problems (the MINI is actually better than my ex-WRX or our Mazda 6)

2) They're ok. I don't drive like I'm on a racetrack. Noise is ok, and I have sport suspension.

3) Some warping, doesn't bother the paint.

4) I don't have the cold start problem (it's real but IIRC there is a known fix)

Enjoy your MINI, they're great.

 

I'd heard that said, but didn't find it to be true when I got a Clubman for a loaner. My impression was that extra length in the wheelbase makes a big difference. The Clubman has less of the go-cart feel, and more of a normal car feel. The Coupe is more fun, IMO.

 

Good point, my experience was only from a test drive of a clubman S. I probably just don't have the experience/vocabulary to be able to tell the subtle differences. If i remember correctly the car felt pretty close and I was surprised how mini like it still felt.

 

I've got you both beat: 6 hours (Baltimore to Cooperstown, NY) with myself, two passengers (one in front, other in rear), all of us about 5'10", AND camping equipment! and the pictures to prove it!

It was like Tetris trying to get everything to fit, and it wasn't the most comfortable, but it got the job done! Plus, and this is the crazy thing, we got something like 37 mpg on the way back with it all loaded down and going over mountains too!

 

On a side note, i just got a Cooper Clubman Loaner from the dealer. Back seat is much more usable than the normal hatchback. Plus the pairing of the standard motor w/ the 6 speed makes it a fun drive. I have only driven auto coopers before and 6speed MCS.

 

Hey Batmo-

Like I say every time I see a thread like this pop up, just remember that forums like these end up with what looks like a crazy amount of problems/issues that they have with their cars. Why? It's like the news; you see almost only bad news because the good news a lot of times isn't really "news." So for every post you see from someone with a complaint or concern, there are untold numbers of people who have nothing to say because they are not having any problems. Most people aren't going to get on to let you know they had another trouble-free day, but almost anyone that has anything go wrong will post about it on here.

Obviously, the MINI will have some issues, just like any other car. Just don't let the negative comments you see here make you forget that there are many many positive comments that you don't see. If you want a MINI, get one (and order anything and everything you want, so you have no regrets later).

 

I have a JCW and just turned 9,000 + trouble free miles. I have NO clutch problem, NO cold start chatter, NO problems at all.

The Dunlap Runflats on my JCW are not nearly as noisy or hard riding as the Michelin Run flats I had on my 1998 Corvette. I would not own a car without runflat tires in this day & age. It just is not worth sitting along side of the road waiting for AAA or somebody to tow you to a place to get a tire repaired. My dunlaps only make a lot of tire noise on certain surfaces such as concrete. The fix for that is just to turn the radio up a notch.

I have run "HOT LAPS at Daytona and guess what? (My hood scoop never melted at all) I live in Daytona Beach ,Florida and the heat during the summer is terrible hot. I just went out and looked to be sure and found My hood scoop still has NO signs of melting.

I have never talked to a Mini owner that did not love his/her Mini Cooper.
Ronnie948

 

Can't agree more. Obviously no one is going to start a thread and scream "My washing machine has zero problem."

 

I have all three MINIs: Clubman, Hatch, and Vert. Each is different in its own way but everybody is correct; Everybody loves their MINI.

You must love the MINI, too.

 

Thanks for the advice guys! Well I did it! I went Otto's Mini in West Chester, PA, and the saleswoman, Holly, helped me with the smoothest car sale I've ever had. They gave me exact KBB value for my trade in. My MCSm should be available first week in Feb 2010! See you soon!

 

Yay! Congratulations! Tell us all about it.