Apologies if this has already been covered, and many thanks if you post the thread.

I really want a 2011 Mini Hardtop. I would probably do a 3-year lease. But, I'm reading so many negative reviews about things falling apart soon after purchase, bad service, and warranty issues.

I'm generally skeptical of these kinds of reviews as it tends to be angry people who over-yell the happy ones. So...

I'd like to hear from the average Mini owner on their average experience.

 

My 2010 MCS cabrio had one minor problem solved by dealer. Other than that it has been great. I look forward to driving it every time. It truly is a street legal go-kart. Especially with the top down.

 

amaizing experience, im lucky as i have an amaizing dealer. Im on my second mini actually! You are correct in the fact that angyry people outspeak the happy ones.

You have to realize though, your not buying a BMW. It is not refined by any means (well kind of) it is somewhat rattly, there are quirks to it but the joy of driving/owning a mini heavily outweigh the negatives. 95% of the people you hear that are angry with them bought a mini thinking it was a cheaper alternative to a BMW and expected perfection. They also bought the car as a appliance and not as a driving experience.

If you are in the market for a new car, to get from point A to B and to grab groceries then a Mini is NOT for you go buy a toyota

If you are in the market for a new car, tired of a boring a boring comute. Want a fun driving experience, Want to be proud of your car every time you walk out to it, And lastly if you want a car that will put a smile on your face every time you take a turn then a mini is for you. You also have to be willing to put up with the quirkiness of the car and be willing to go into the shop with a shrug saying it happens.

I am 8k miles into my new mini and aside from the rattles/quirks shes been rock solid. I would say the 2011 minis are the versions of the 2006 minis. Where most of the major bucks/quirks have been worked out. They are a wonderful experience and awfully fun to drive, But you have to be willing to "Drive"

Good luck, its an awesome experience

 

Actually I'm surprised how solid mine drives. It has virtually no rattles.

 

Frankly I think making a decision whether or not to buy a car, any car, based on a forum feedback is pretty sketchy at best. Go drive the car and ask for references from the Mini dealer in your area. Talk to the people in the service department getting there cars serviced.

Nothing wrong with surfing the boards, but I really think the only practical way is to drive the car, several times and several models. You will either get the itch and urge to buy one or you will pass. It's really a personal thing. It depends on what your after.

I don't think the average Mini owner comes to boards like this. I think the average Mini owner never makes it here. They just drive there car and enjoy the fun. Here for the most part your going to have car guys, car enthusiasts and people with a problem looking for a solution. My point is that this should not be your final decision point. Your gut and fun meter should make that choice.

Regards,

Pat

 

My 2011 MCSm has been excellent -- no problems, no rattles, performance beyond expectations, averaging 34 mpg combined city/highway. (If I have to complain: the H-K stereo is too bassy.) I am constantly looking for reasons to drive her

We also have a 2009 MCCm. Also great. Zero problems. (And the MINI HiFi is fine.)

My (former) 2007 MCSm had some problems: ice in the intake in below-zero weather, the startup rattle, and leather seat veneer that wore through. MINI eventually bought-back the car. I was very pleased with their responses to my issues.

 

Your only leasing for 3 years so whatever happens you will be under warranty...in any event I'm at 115k on my '05 and nothing major since outta warranty.

 

I would get one man. I had a few problem at first (all known problems) but I haven't had nothing but positive things to say about my car. Some of my previous cars are a 93 5.0 mustang, 01 BMW, multiple jacked up Jeeps, 07 4runner, and an 02 Pathfinder. The MINI is one of my favorite.

 

I'm gonna tell you flat out, if this is a car you want, if you've done your research on it, find this to be a vehicle that's unique, stands out from the crowd, fun to drive etc, you won't regret getting it. TRUST ME, I'm 20 years old, have worked my butt off to be able to afford this car, have had it for almost a year, and the novelty of it still hasn't worn off yet, and I don't foresee that happening for as long as the car is in my possession. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and definitely one of the most fun. I did a 3 year lease on mine for a few reasons, one being like you said because, I did read things about reliability issues/longevity issues, however I can honestly say I'm not disappointed in any aspect of the car whatsoever. If these are aspects you're concerned with, I'd recommend leasing again because if the car does develop any problems, they're also the dealers problems too, and knowing they'll be getting the car back after the lease term, they'll want to rectify the problem a.s.a.p and have it done right. I've only experienced one problem, a check engine light related to a thermostat malfunction, which I'll chalk up to it being a brand new car with a bug that had to be worked out (apparently it's a pretty common bug too), however the dealer dealt with it swiftly and in a timely manor. After having had this car for 9 months now, I can't see myself driving anything else, and once my lease is up, I'll definitely be getting another MINI.

 

I've owned a couple dozen cars the past 30 years and my '11 MCSa is the most enjoyable car to drive I've ever had. It's not the fastest, the most luxurious or the most refined, but it's the most FUN! I'd say just get it and don't look back. If you have a problem, get it fixed under warranty and keep motoring. Nothing else on the market compares to the MINI, it's singularly unique in the driving experience, the go-kart of cars!

 

Bought mine in November 2010. HAd a slight vibration at approx 60 mph cured by dealer by replaceing two defective runflats. Other than that its been perfect. No other trips back to dealer, no rattles, no warning lights.....nothing. Most trouble free new car I've ever bought. Quirks ???? sure. Checking the oil level is a royal pain in the arss, Controls are weird, the dreading cosmoline peeing problem which is still going on. All very minor more than offset by the pure joy of driving this car. Yea, I'm starting to get a bit worried by problems I'm reading about but what the heck I've got a 4 year warrenty. and if at the end of that time its still trouble free and I read no cases of engine failure on the 11s+ I'll keep the thing forever.

 

I think that's a good point, although forums are informative and entertaining at best. I have always driven a Honda, reliability at it's highest. I decided it was time for a change, so along comes MINI. I have to say when I first started reading this forum I thought OMG, what have I done? These cars are nothing but trouble, but my justa has been great so far (knock on wood) Granted I've only had it 3 months but I haven't had any of the problems alot of people are talking about with their 2011's. I haven't regretted it from day 1 even a little bit! I love my car and it makes me smile every time I get in it, I wasn't smiling when I picked up a bolt and had to hand over $200 for a new tire. But, that's a whole different story. With all that said, take a chance and have fun and love it..... You only live once.

 

I've heard some people say their MINI rattles, but it's clearly not all. In fact, I test drove an 08 not too long ago, it had 60k miles and it drove like a brand new car. Very impressed with it.

We were seriously considering buying it, but the dealer just wanted too much money for it (nevertheless, it sold the very next day).

 

I have only had mine about 3 weeks, its a 2009 MCS. Someone must have taken pretty good care of it, it looks new everywhere, interior immaculate. I cannot speak to reliability, I haven't had it long enough, but so far no squeaks or rattles. Lots of road noise, but I haven't replaced the run flats yet. Its on of the funnest vehicles I have driven.

 

When the gas prices went sky high in 2008 I was driving a 2000 Tahoe, gas guzzler killing me in the pockets. So I decided on getting a smaller car, I always loved the look of the MINI. So I stopped every Mini owner I saw for about three months and recevied positive reactions from all. So I took the plunge and purchased a R56, I never looked back. My family started to grow shortly after that so, that meant I had to get rid of my MINI. But wait they just started taking orders on the BIG MINI . Problem solved traded my 08 R56 in and place a order for a car I never saw in person or drove the....... COUNTRYMAN.
I say all that to say I've never been a car nut, I thought of it as a means to get from point A to point B and to be as comfortable as possible. When I purchased that first MINI I fell in love with it and Im still having a blast. Do your research and go get your self a MINI. Hope that helped a little.

 

"PatM" nailed it. These are not Hondas. Thank Goodness. They are the most pleasurable cars to drive period. I do not see how you could go wrong on a lease.

I have had "Flash" for two years now and I am so attached to him that it is scary. Flash is a 2006 MCS. He has 123,000 miles and runs like a top.

On the weekends I find my self, subconsciously, picking out places an hour away to go visit, just so I can drive my car. Every body loves him. Kids and Adults. He seems to just make people smile. Especially Me!!!

UFOMINI

 

Riding Wind ... I am 40 plus years of age. I generally get a new vehicle every 18-24 months as I get bored pretty easily with my vehicles. I purchased a 2011 JCW that I ordered. I really like the car so far as I have only owned for just over 2 months. Dealer networks and the people who sell/service any vehicle truly make the difference in ownership. Case in point...the dealer experience I have had to this point, truly leaves hesitation for me in going forward. I would tell you to talk to your dealer and their customers. This might help you with your decision. This way if something goes south with your vehicle you might know how you will be treated ahead of time....I am sure you can read between the lines ... Good luck & keep us updated ...

 

It's just a 3 year lease. If you have issues it's under warranty. If you hate it, send it back in 3 years. And much of the regular maintenance is included for free.

If you have several dealers nearby go for it. If you have only one, maybe research dealership feedback before buying because that can make a big difference.

Like others have said... if you need solid reliability, cheap repairs long term, generic looks, skip the MINI. But seriously, lease the MINI already.. or better yet buy it

 

I've had mine for a year and a half now and its been trouble free. I too was a bit afraid of all the problems I read about on this forum, but as I looked at other cars, I kept coming back to the Mini. I bought mine and can only say that this is the most fun car I have ever owned. I still catch myself looking back at my car after I park it.
There really isnt any other car quite like it. It is quirky in terms of controls, but that is what sets it apart from the rest of the pack.

 

Just hit 19,500. No rattles, no issues. (2010 MCS Manual)

 

I just wanted to put this in perspective. Mini has sold 25,098 cars through July. I don't think you see a fraction of those car owners on this forum. Last year they sold 45,644 different Mini's. That is a truckload of cars and a very very small portion of those owners ever get to this forum. As you can see the ratio of cars sold to people on this forum is miniscule. Think of how many they have sold over the past 5 years and it really puts it in perspective. Even if you add all the mini forum users together you still won't get close.

So I would again caution everyone to use their own good judgement and clearly understand what you want in your next car. Me I like cachet, fun, the go cart like ride and the cult of MINI.

Yea!!