Sorry for the longer post but....having gone threw an extended period of unemployment this past year. I was forced to sell my Integra Type R, which I loved and autox'd religiously. So now that things are looking up on the employment front, I'm again looking for a fun, competative car for daily driver and autox duty. The 350z was interesting but hard to justify a 2seater being a family man. The next choice was the MCS. However, having combed through the various mini forums, I am getting real concerned at the reliability of the Mini. Coming from several rock solid Honda products, I am having serious doubts about getting a Mini. With all the issues I've read about and the fact that dealers are spread thin, imagining having to put up with repeated roads trip for fixes isn't that appealing. The more I read, the more I get discouraged and think about finding me a low mileage Type R which I am very comfortable with. I really like the Mini style and haven't even driven one yet, plan to do so soon, but am getting quite concerned. Can anyone accustomed to the rock solid reliability of the Honda lines, who has since joined the Mini ranks offer up some comments that might sway my decision? Thanks!

 

Just got my MCS in december, The reasons are as follows.

1. Cool
2. Affordable/Good Value
3. Good on gas.
4. Quality craftmanship.
5. Great ride.
6. different

Plus when have you ever had people come out of stores to take pictures with your car? True story, I was at a Barnes And Noble parking lot checking out a mini cooper (before I bought one ) when two other guys pulled up and started taking pictures with someone elses car! Everywhere I go strangers pull down their window or walk up to me and comment on what a cool car I have.

 

Just before getting transfered to Germany I put a $400.00 alternator in a rock solid Honda CIVIC. :evil: Another 52 of those and I'd have my '03 EB/EB MCS paid off. I'd rather have the MCS and let my Mother in Law keep the Honda while I'm over here.

 

No worries mate. I had a "rock solid" Miata for 10 years. I subscribed to the Miata Club magazine and it was full of letters to the editor and Mr. Fix It tells you how type articles. Anyone who read the magazine might get the idea that the Miata had a lot of problems. What it really was was a bunch of enthusiasts that really loved their cars and noticed every little niggle and wanted to know how to make it perfect. Also, just like the Mini, the owners were ready and willing to put some time and effort into taking care of their cars. The Mini is an excellent car with real value. There have been a couple of relatively minor issues, but all in all, they're well built cars. As to Dealers and Service departments, unless you buy a Porsche, Lexus or Mercedes, I think it's a crap shoot. I had the same problem with a Mazda.

Bottom line, drive one and make your decision based on fun, value and styling...forums like this one tend to harp on the problems, because everybody already knows that The Mini is a blast! :smile:

 

Hi pgrmstr, Welcome! I would not get discouraged from buying the car. I have had only very minor issues with mine, and many other people have reported they have not had any issues either. In fact there is a thread somewhere in hear with that as the subject. I have a BMW 740IL and an X5 and I can say my MINI's quality is comparable. Keep in mind you should expect some querks with any new model for the first year or two. There is no doubt there may be lemons too, but I don't think that's a fear. Also, the people I've noticed with major issues seemed to be outside the USA. I don't know if it's a different production line or just coincidence.

But let me put it this way: The fun and enjoyment of the car should greatly outweighs any potential concerns. You'll be missing out if you decide against it!

 

pgrmstr

I owned 6 Hondas prior to getting my MCS, my last being an S2000. Hondas are great cars but they too have probs........my S2000 had a few issues before i sold it.........used to burn oil, clutch was weak,rear end was twitchy.
Drive the Mini and u will c, it is a great car. I have not had any major issues with the car appart from the surging in second gear and a few rattles.......no big deal as far as im concerned.
The Mini is a great car, looks great, handles great and goes like the clappers.
I also owned 2 Type R"s, the DC2 and DC5. Great cars but not as daily drivers...at least u can use the Mini as a daily driver and drive over a bumps without loosing your fillings.......... :smile:

 

2000 miles...no problems whatso ever, just buy it!

 

I think the MCS issues are getting fewer and fewer. Obviously, it would be great if we all could wait for the first two years buildout and then buy the car after teething pains and engineering updates have solved most of the issues. This site, if you look at many of the different areas, is a good indicator that the huge majority of owners have very minor or no problems. I have 4 other vehicles, and my MINI is the most fun to drive, and the quality is on a par with my 01 330i. It rattles at times, so does my MINI. So what? It's the best experience of my driving life (35 years). By the way, my other vehicles are 02 530i, (my wife stole this as soon as I got it), 01 330i, 02 Pontiac GP company car, and my 95 318is.

 

MINIs are the best, just do it!

No problems with my S........it
s a joy forever.

 

There is a thread about 'are you happy with your Mini?' that has had more responses than, it seems to me, than the problem areas. If you read closely, you will find many threads of problems (20, 40, 100, total, here?) most only detail one issue, and are filled with mostly support by other owners (without problems) or suggestions. Several have been from accidents, not mechanical problems. There are 4,000+ (probably over half are ownders) members plus, most of whom have not reported problems.

But, as more significant issue, as a 'family man' why is it you would pass on a two seater, but not think of the MINI as one? I am 6'2", and when the driver's seat is in a comfortable position there is effectively no leg room behind me.

And if you have kids, and are worried about safety, I would say get a Volvo (an S60 is damn sporty). SUVs? Safe? Hogwash. If yer concered about the young uns, go Volvo. I recently saw photos of a friend who walked away from being broad (driver) sided by an F150 going 40mph. The car photos were horrible. And they walked away.

 

6700 miles, 3 months and no problems.

I HAVE had a few motoring close-calls though. So far I've driven into TWO large potholls and apparently (and I'm not sure how) survived without any damage.

Earlier this week on a highway a HUGE chunk of ice few off of an 18-wheeler and crashed on my windshield. It sounded like a grenade went off in my MINI. Expecting to find my "wind screen" in my lap, I was shocked when there once again seemed to be no damage. I mean, that was one heck of a bang!


Anyway - drive it. If you like it, get it...but understand you may be waiting quite a bit for an MCS...

 

If you test drive it....you will buy.

 

>>If you test drive it....you will buy.
BUY IT, Let's Motor, and have FUN!!!!

 

You never hear stories of Minis that don't break down because whats the point? Out of the 1000's of Minis sold world wide, I have only heard of a minute amount of problems. BMW must have expected a few teething problems with a new car but now its been around for a bit, I wouldn't worry about any mechanical issues. BMW are just as reliable as anything else out there. Go for a test spin and see how many smiles per hour you get.
BTW Kohu'ula MINI, whats it like in Hawaii at the moment? I am always interested to know as its minus 3 here.

 

Have had 8 hondas from a 800S to Oydesse now have a 2003 S ..My major concern is the thin dealer network which is a BMW call.. and their policy or dealer policy of not providing a coutersy car,,(does not have to be a mini, just "wheels because I am 40 miles from the nearest dealer and I pass 2 BMW dealers to get to them.).and their "appearance" of treating Mini owners as "second class" compared to BMW owners service level. Also the high price of "routine service items,, $129 for an oil change!!!)..but the short term, great resale..and presence,,,

 

:smile: :smile: :smile:

_________________
Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose (Francais)

 

>>Have had 8 hondas from a 800S to Oydesse now have a 2003 S ..My major concern is the thin dealer network which is a BMW call.. and their policy or dealer policy of not providing a coutersy car,,(does not have to be a mini, just "wheels because I am 40 miles from the nearest dealer and I pass 2 BMW dealers to get to them.).and their "appearance" of treating Mini owners as "second class" compared to BMW owners service level. Also the high price of "routine service items,, $129 for an oil change!!!)..but the short term, great resale..and presence,,,

$129...for an oil change? We must know where? They really suck.

 

just take a chance and buy it...My MCS has been in the shop a dozen times, but it was one of the first built when I got it back in spring of 2002, now over 10K miles....Never buy the first year of a model year, laugh.....from I can tell, quality is getting better, but it definitely is not BMW build quality, so don't let anyone convince you of that...but for 20K better than the Focus build IMO.....

 

Thanks to all those who offered their positive words. I was hoping things weren't as bad as they may have appeared and plan to proceed with locating a suitable MSC for my enjoyment. As far as "the family man" mention. While I'm not interested in roomy comforable back seats, I do on occasion need to pack up a couple kids and transport them to their numerous and never ending practices and activities. With three involved in school, band, athletics, etc....I can often be called upon to substitute for the normal "MINI"van duties....pun intended. Thanks again folks!! :smile:

 

>>
>>BTW Kohu'ula MINI, whats it like in Hawaii at the moment? I am always interested to know as its minus 3 here.

 

Dude, don't get discouraged, I'm a Jeep guy, and look at me, I already have my SECOND Mini on order.

 

You have some valid concerns. Being a family man (how many kidos?), this might not be the car for you. My nearest dealer is 4 hrs. away, but I knew this going in.
I am 56 yrs. young, like the rest of you, have owned many vehicles, presently have
a Mercedes 420 SEL & Linc Nav. With no hesitation, my little MINI is the most fun car I have ever owned & the most beautiful. For years when I would leave a store
& glance in the parking lot, I would always say "god, my 420 SEL is the most beautiful car around". Not so now! My all Chili Red MC rules. Just went over the 3000 mi. mark, only one problem. The moulding around the top part of windshield
came loose. Took it to a local glass repair shop & repaired for free in 5 min. Now that car is broke in, I swear it is faster & more fun to drive.
"Worry free motoring to everyone!" A little pain is worth the gain.