I've been researching all week and finally at 12AM on a Friday, I think this will be the place that makes my decision for me.

I want to trade in my 2004 corolla for either a 2007 or 2008MCS (manual). From the research I've done, it looks like I will have to drop about an additional $10k for the 2007 MCS with about 60K miles.

I really didn't want to spend so much for another used car, but the more research i've done and after test driving it, I just can't stop thinking about it.

I thought it would be best to post my question here. Are the horror stories really true, regarding the MCS's reliability issues? particularly the clutch. How many of you have major issues with your 2nd generatoin MCS. This is the only thing holding me back right now - i don't want to drop 10K for a car only to have to spend another 3K replacing a clutch or fixing an engine every so often.

Thanks in advance for any feedback and advice. Your responses here can greatly affect my life

 

Just want to say Welcome to NAM. I had a Gen1 MINI until recently and will be picking up my '11 MCS tomorrow so, sorry can't help with your specific questions.
You may want to post this question in the 2nd Gen area or just General Talk, you may get more responses.
Good luck in whatever you decide,
Annette

 

Thanks i'll try posting there and hope for some responses

 

I've been researching all week and finally at 12AM on a Friday, I think this will be the place that makes my decision for me.

I want to trade in my 2004 corolla for either a 2007 or 2008MCS (manual). From the research I've done, it looks like I will have to drop about an additional $10k for the 2007 MCS with about 60K miles.

I really didn't want to spend so much for another used car, but the more research i've done and after test driving it, I just can't stop thinking about it.

I thought it would be best to post my question here. Are the horror stories really true, regarding the MCS's reliability issues? particularly the clutch. How many of you have major issues with your 2nd generatoin MCS. This is the only thing holding me back right now - i don't want to drop 10K for a car only to have to spend another 3K replacing a clutch or fixing an engine every so often.

Thanks in advance for any feedback and advice. Your responses here can greatly affect my life

 

Hi all - this is my first post and just trying to do some research to help me decide if a 07/08 MCS (manual) is really for me. I have a 2004 Corolla which I bought 2.5 years ago. Its been great to me and served its purpose well, but unfortunately its blandess is starting to get to me. However it has never had any reliability or mainteance issues which is the main reason I love it still.

The one reason I wouldn't trade in my car for a MCS is because of all the horror stories i've heard regarding the MCS's clutch.

So if you can please post any positive or negative experiences with your 2007 or later MCS. I'm a little biased because all I read are the clutch and transmission issues the car has and there's nobody to defend MINI by saying it's user-caused or it's just a small percentage. Thank you all in advance for sharing.

 

What is wrong with the clutches? The only thing is the timing chain on some cars. just get it replaced under warranty before anything bad happens.

 

My brother and I learned manual on my MCS. Currently at 47,007 miles.

 

I'm planning on buying a MCS 2007 or 2008. With my budget it most likely include the free warrant/maintenance. I've heard many stories with the clutch/flywheel wearing out or even frying and I don't plan on going to the dealership since they charge an arm and a leg to repair.

Can local mechanics make these repairs? And how much would it cost to purchase a non-OEM clutch?

 

Well, it sounds like you're hooked. These cars are noted for doing that, and especially for someone driving a Corolla!! I was in the same position last summer and finally decided to buy new. I got the MC rather than the MCS, since I found that it had adequate power for me and the handling is phenomenal.

All cars demonstrate problems at times and the MINI may have more than its share, but most of us accept that as the cost of having a car that's exciting to drive. Many will come forward and describe their MINI as perfect, as mine has been.

JD Power surveys however show the MINI as below average regarding reliability. So read the threads in this forum and consider whether you can accept the cars shortcomings. But keep in mind that many owners who have experienced no problems with their cars never set foot here.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Almost 1.5 years with my 2010 MCS, no issues at all. Except for the stupid amount of money I've put into modding the thing...lol Intercooler, tune, koni's, TSW springs, HSport sway bar, Sirius radio, Scangauge2,...

 

My Clubman S is 3 years old and I've never had any problems and the clutch still has the best feel I've ever experienced in any manual trans vehicle.

 

I would buy one under warranty.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ndability.html

 

Where are you getting your info?
Clutches? Not anything I have heard or read about. Admittedly the Corollas have a rep for extreme reliability ( 2 in my family). But I don't understand the clutch issue. Are you reading something I'm not?
If you want to trade up to a MINI, yes, you will be paying to upgrade. 04 Corolla to 07/08 MCS..... $10k difference is a small price to pay. Toyota has their rep, but it only goes so far.
If you are really interested, please continue. If you are just a troll, go away.

 

I had to drive a Corolla for 34 LONG days while I waited for my replacement MINI to arrive. While I was glad I had the rental for that long, it was a fairly painful driving experience. Given the difference in driving enjoyment, I'd take a MINI with a boatload of issues before I'd ever voluntarily drive the "Nilla Wafer" again(what we named the corolla).
The MINI is not the car for everyone, if you are willing to risk the possibility that you may have to deal with a repair here and there and not really mind then it's a good car for you. If you just want to get from A to B without really enjoying the journey, then you really should just stick with something that will go forever like a Singer Sewing machine.
It's kind of hard to explain but either you are a MINI enthusiast or you're not. My husband has complained about his previous cars, while I chugged along happily for years with El Kabong. I did have to get a few under warranty things done on El Kabong, which did take time out of my week but I didn't really care, just as long as El Kabong was running and back home. My husband got his first MINI last week and I was initially worried that he's going to have a fit at the first sign of any issue or imperfection, but I could tell today when he referred to his Countryman by name that it's more than just transportation for him.
My new MINI feels much more solidly built than El Kabong, so I'm excited about that. Not that I wouldn't take El Kabong back in a heartbeat if I could.

Annette

 

I have an 08 MCS automatic. The only problems I've had were a bad front strut and broken vanity mirror door. BTW, I just went to new car show this weekend and saw lots of cool cars, other Minis, the new Fiat 500, 1 Series BMW, the usual stuff, but as soon as I got in my Mini and drove off I forgot all about those other cars. I love my Mini.

 

Please don't be so aggro, he's not trolling. I'm not sure how you missed them, but there are a great many posts on this forum and the british one about people having their clutches and flywheels go in less than 50k miles, and being charged $3000 in some cases to have them fixed (by dealers who suggested that this was somehow a normal lifespan for these clutches, in a lot of cases). It's the primary reason I was hesitant about buying a MINI, having had similar problems on a VW in the past.

In the end I did decide to purchase my MINI, but I'm still going to be nervous about the potential costs of the clutch and the tensioner the whole time I own it, unless it proves it's reliability otherwise.

I already have to deal with an electrical issue (a british car with electrical issues? Perish the thought!) and some loose heat shield, not even a month after buying, but these are both minor issues that I have confidence the dealer will fix quickly and easily.

If I was going to buy a USED MINI, you can be sure I'd make sure it still has warranty left, unless I was buying it solely to be a project (ie- track) car.

j86miu,

Your concerns are valid, statistically there are a notable amount of clutches and flywheels that have gone bad in what I would consider much too short a timeframe. The only time I had a clutch replaced in the Subaru I traded for my MINI was when the throwout bearing died at something like 140,000 miles and I told them to replace the clutch while they were in there - just so I wouldn't have to pay to have it all opened up sometime later. 30-50k miles and then the clutch is dead isn't by any means something to scoff at (no matter what many MINI maniacs might try to say about it). MINI has changed the clutch on the 2011 models, but only time will tell whether that truly fixes the problem. In my case, I decided I had enough confidence in either the new parts, or the fact that I can get whatever aftermarket clutch and flywheel I choose put in with only a short drive over to Detroit Tuned, that I was comfortable buying the car. If you're NOT comfortable, and you don't have the budget to be replacing big ticket items like that, there ARE other cars out there that are fun to drive. The MINi is...RATHER good, though

 

It is difficult to predict the future of a used car. Acccording to Cosumer Reports the only red mark was on a 1st gen Midland 5speed.

These MINI cars are sweet, we are waiting to see how our financial situation is going before we get into one. Right now we are driving my Corolla w 257K. We will get a MINI, it's worth the chance, we figure it's only money. When we get one we will try not to beat it at all but still drive it like it was intended.

Let us know what you decide!

Dave

 

Thanks for all the great input! if i can get a get a decent used one for less than $10K (after trading in my corolla), I figure it will be worth the cost. I'll take my chances, and if the clutches/flywheel do go, i'm planning on putting in an aftermarket clutch and flywheels. Hopefully this would be a one time repair.

I drive 2 hours (1 hour each way) to work everday. I just want to drive a MINI so bad

Does anybody know how much a decent set plus installation at a (mini specilized) local mechanic would go for?

 

j86miu, it might be a good idea for you to update your profile and include your location. This way when you are asking for info and recommendations people can try to offer advice that will hopefully pertain to your situation a bit more.
We want you to drive a MINI so bad, too . The world would just be a happier place if everyone was grinning when they were driving.
Annette

 

I believe its all about taking care of your car and changing the vital fluids more frequently than Minis scheduled maintenance..Check under the bonnet at fill ups and keep and eye and ear out for any strange noises.Check your oil dip stick frequently and monitor the level and how clean it looks.I have changed all my fluids ,transmission,brake,and coolant at 50,000.I also change my oil about 5000 mi or so (I do alot of city travel,you know the stop and go)My MCS '07 has not given me an ounce of trouble I believe because I take great measures to insure its running in top shape...and it has.Take care of it and it will give you more pleasure than you could ever imagine in a car like this

 

got ya! done and did . thanks