As I say every year, these posts are meant to provide information regarding ownership experience. Posts on car forums tend to be overwhelmingly about problems and mods, which are great sources of knowledge and inspiration. However, I'm sure people are also wondering how it's like to live with a Mini.



I drove my brand new 2011 MCS home in 12/2010. Since then I've logged 50k miles on it and tomorrow it will be paid off. It is a daily driver. But oh what a fun and beautiful daily driver! Every morning, when I get in it, I still say to myself, "Wow! I'm driving my dream car!"



People often ask me just how "reliable" a Mini really is. I say if by reliable they mean, it has never broken down on the road, then yes my Mini has been very reliable. But, if one's definition of reliability extends beyond that to include frequency of recalls, warranty repairs, trips to the repair shop, trouble codes, and premature wear and tear, then it's a different story.

This year, I experienced some stutters and power loss due to a faulty coil. The squeaks that occur when the temperature drops (I've been complaining about this since the first year!) are still there. So far, it has not required any major repairs, but I know they're coming. I'm getting closer to the 60k mark when several parts would need to be replaced by a professional. I already got a code that might be HPFP related. And at 80k I'm sure the intake would have to be media blasted, despite my efforts to prevent carbon build up. When this machine becomes a money sink, I know my love and devotion for it (and this brand) will be tested.

I haven't made any engine mods. The only mods I've made are cosmetic or suspension and handling related. I've had the same H&R Street coilovers for five years now, but I've gone through 3 different sets of wheels and tires. Apart from service bulletins, recalls and warranty repairs, I do most of the maintenance myself.

I feel that to keep a Mini reliable, the owner must be involved in its upkeep. I feel that I need to be on top of scheduled maintenance and pay attention to the sounds it makes and how it feels to drive. When I find something odd, I consult NAM right away to see what it is and hope that's it's nothing serious. It's difficult not to make comparisons to Japanese brands when discussing reliability. I have family and friends who are hoping that their Japanese car would breakdown so that they can justify buying a new one. They wonder why I put with the growing pains of owning a European car.

You see, owning a Mini is a lot like dating a hot, petite, exotic, European, high-maintenance chick. Yes, you'll feel great pride when other guys check her out, and she's a dynamo in the sack, but she comes at a price. She only wears designer clothes and only drinks the finest wines. Stop showing her the good life and she'll withhold the pleasure you so desire.



TL;DR: After 5 years, still fun, still love it, but I worry about long-term reliability.

 

after all the year's its still looking good, love that black

 

Thanks for the update.

That last sentence. lol

 

What BigBoost said, it's looking great. Very tasteful mods and loving the 3SDM wheels.

 

My experience with my 2011 MCS mirrors yours exactly. 54k on the odometer and it's had its share of service visits with most of the major repairs done under warranty or as a recall. Non regular maintenance items off the top of my head: HPFP, water pump, rear hatch release mechanism, aluminum door sills (twice), oil pump solenoid.

I will say that aside from some minor interior panel rattling, it drives, feels and sounds like the day I drove her off the showroom floor 5 years ago.

 

+1 on the last sentences. My '09 MCS just turned 60K, and I did a carbon blast myself and changed the plugs. PM me if you want details, but I didn't think it was hard, and even my wife noticed the difference in performance/driveability.