I've enjoyed life with my pre-spec 2002 MCS immensely, acquiring over 32,000 miles of smiles. I was the first to take delivery of an MCS in New York City, I believe, back when it was first released. With one-year left on the warranty, and having since replaced one too many run-flat and S-Lite rims, not to mention a suspension rebuild, the time may have come to part ways with MINI.

I'm still undecided: order a 2006 MCS or defect to the Audi A3? Living in Brooklyn, New York City, the rough roads, incessant potholes and constant construction, it's just not practical to "be cautious" like so many say on these forums, in terms of how you're expected to cope with the MINI's tight suspension, runflats and big heavy wheels and road hazards. It's a hidden cost of ownership that causes so much inconvenience and expense, not to mention the rattles, rattles and rattles. Yes, I've heard the more recent model years are much tighter in interior construction, but 3 years of constant rough city driving is bound to shake out even the most precisely built interiors. On the contrary, getting a Cooper without the Plus Sports suspension and little 15" wheels doesn't really feel like an option either. My MCS is gorgeous with the driving lights, Aero Kit, painted wheel arches and just looks so good with big 17" wheels. But those killer good looks have cost so much in terms of replacing $250 runflats and $250 rims, over and over. Did I mention the $2500 suspension rebuild I had to endure! Once you've experienced the MCS as a sports car, it's too difficult to imagine downgrading to a Cooper with whimpy shopping cart wheels to protect against the lunar terrain that is NYC roads. If you think I'm being ridiculous, you obviously have not driven on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, "paved once, named twice" as VW Toureg billboard ad once read.

So what's so attractive about the Audi A3 as a logical next step for a city-dwelling MINI owner?

• Comparable mileage (26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway)
• 6 speed manual
• Panoramic sunroof
• Small parking space footprint
• Small car with premium features
• Head turning good looks with some degree of customization
• A more Brooklyn-friendly tire, wheel and suspension situation (NO RUNFLATS!)
• Real Bluetooth phone integration, not MINI's lame-*** excuse for still not getting it right
• Four-doors and way more cargo space for when my wife and I are ready for procreation
• Having a unique car (yeah, every other car in Brooklyn is a MINI now)
• Price-point: A MCS with all the trimmings is a $30K car. It just is. For the same bucks, the A3 looks like a very good value.
• Take the money I would spend replacing runflats, rims and suspension parts and put that into A3 options instead. I've easily spent $1000 a year in Road Hazard maintenance over 3 years!

Rather than pump out the rather hokey special aesthetic packages like the Checkmate and Seven crap, I wish MINI would really address the everyday life reliablity of the MCS. I'd like to see a special Urban Edition, with suspension, tire and wheel modifications that absorb more road abuse than the standard edition. Or, maybe MINI should offer a Road Hazard insurance program? These are the kinds of things they'll need to consider to keep long-term urban owners like me around for the long-haul. As you can tell from this post, I'm feeling the emerging resentment of long-term ownership starting to eclipse the fanatical loyalty I've had to the MINI product, brand and community. I've started to mention the Road Hazard issue to friends and family who are considering buying the MINI. It's always met with surpise and dissapointment, because it does come across as a nasty hidden cost of ownership and unreasonable inconvenience. I'm sure BMW reaps copious profits selling rim and tire time and time again through its service dealerships. They'll be loath to admit the issue, let alone offer a solution.

Here you can see why the allure of the Audi A3 is beckoning me. I have to admit that I'm a closet Audi fan too. My very first car, was my father's 1988 Audi 4000S, when I first got my license back in high school. The MCS was my true first car, and again, I love it and don't regret any moment of ownership. But all good things must come to an end.

So what do you think? Another MCS or have y'all already written me off as a traitor, and it'll be good riddance, to make room for a loyal MINIac to take my place in the roster.

 

aahhh off-topic auto's chooo! dang, these allergies.

 

I dont know the roads or anything in NYC but you should do what you think is right for you, Screw what all the people on a mini thread say; they arent gonna be the ones living with the decision. That being said, Mini does now have a road hazard insurance/warranty thing. From my understaning If your wheel gets bent to where the tire won't hold air, they will replace it.

 

I was an Audi lover too...until I owned one. Yes, they are one of the best looking cars and their interiors are gorgeous. However, as my brother says, "best looking car on the side of the road".

Personally, if reliability is what you are after, I would stay away from any Audi product based on my experience with my 1999.5 Audi A4 (which was actually supposed to be one of the best years/models for reliability). Perhaps you should talk with my mechanic at the Audi dealership and he could give you the lowdown on the fact that mine isn't the only car that has had many, MANY problems (and major ones at that). Also, I can give you the names of 3 of my friends (their cars...an '04 A4 convertable, '02 Allroad, and '03 TT) and 2 co-workers (an '03 TT and and '02 A4) that would say the same thing.

Oh and if you think the VAG care more about its customers and is more responsive to its customers than MINIUSA, I have two words for you: ignition coils. If you haven't heard about that fiasco, it goes something like this. Basically when they introduced the 1.8 turbo version of the B6 A4 (2002), they had faulty coils. When an ignition coil fails, the car will not run, on a 4 cylinder car there are 4 coils. On the B6 when 1 coil would fail, Audi would replace only that one coil under warranty instead of all 4 at once. Some owners ended up being stranded 4 times. Eventually, Audi issued a recall (wasn't called that...) but it took many months before that happened.

Now, maybe the VAG has started working on their reliability so MAYBE the A3 will be fine...and MAYBE your particular car will be fine. Granted you'll get service and a warranty. However, if you run out of warranty, my advice is to get an extended warranty because if you think the MINI is expensive to fix, you haven't seen anything until you own an Audi.

Oh and my Audi needed a new suspension too which I paid out of pocket...over $2,500 (can't remember the exact amount). However, about 6 months later they issued a recall and I was able to get the money back.

It goes without saying...my vote would be the '06 MCS.

 

Do what makes YOU happy...

Donna

 

Drive one configured as you want for as long and as many times are you can and hopefully you'll know then if its really the car for you. I'd also check on your local service depts and Audi forums, etc to get a real world view of what ownership might be like and if the dealers near you are okay.

I've heard good stuff about the car, and also comments from various sources of the low quality of materials of the interior, but only you can decide if it would make you as happy as the Mini did. Perhaps smaller wheels and more sidewall would help the ride quality on the MCS and you could drop the 'killer looks' this time around

 

Audi has an awful quality reputation, and the best way to research it is to take a look at their resale values/residuals. I've always lusted after an RS4, but their quality rep killed the potential affair for me.

I'd look at a Mazda 3 rather than the A3. Not the same upmarket appeal, but IMO a better looking car with much better quality, and tremedous modding potential (if you like the sort of thing ).

 

I agree with those that urge caution on the Audi. They do make great looking cars, and they perform well -- when they work.

RenaultF1 took the words out of my mouth regarding the coilpack issue. I think something like 500,000 VW's/Audi's/Skoda's/etc were affected by the problem (anything with the 1.8T engine). What a fiasco. VW North America/VAG couldn't care less. I got rid of my VW soon after that in disgust.

I commend you for having a nice car in the NYC area. Those streets must be brutal. While it may be considered boring, I'd advise getting a car that you really don't care much about... but that's just me. I guess since you've survived this long with a nice car, you know what you're doing.

Enjoy your car -- whatever you get! :smile:

 

I am also a former Audi owner.. Their reliability and value SUCKS. I owned a 98 A4 2.8 Quattro from brand new. 4 yrs after the ownership, less than 40k miles, engine start to leaks (I never red line the engine, and put in Mobil 1 every time). It leaks from cam shaft seal, and the upper oil pan seal... Since the engine is pack tightly, it takes lots of labor for fixing a simple issue from the engine. (all of the recent Audi engine are packed tightly, i.e the V8 S4) A friend of mine having the same problem on his 98 A4 2.8 also, his is even wrose.. plus leak from the main seal. Since Audi have a very bad reputation about reliability, they doesn't worth much after 4 or 5 yrs. I trade it 5 yrs after with 40k miles, with excellent condition, it only worth 11k. Think about 35k when it is brand new.
But Audi's interior design is the best of the industry, their interior is goregous. However their new 'Shield' design keep lots of people away..

 

Put me on the long list of ex Audi owners who had reliability problems with the car. Air Con, CV Joints, starting problems (Wouldn't at times. No relay click, no nothing and this was on a fresh battery and tight cables!) The final straw was when it actually tried to start itself while I was OUTSIDE the car with the ignition key in my pocket!!!!! Drove it 3 blocks home with the starter motor running all the while. Popped the hood and disconnected the battery. Reconnected the battery and all was normal. Into the shop once again. They kept the car a week and couldn't find anything wrong with it It found a new home shortly after that. Remember ABA (Anything but Audi)

 

It is interesting, because my uncle had a 2002 Allroad, 2003 S6, and finally a 2005 A8, never had a problem. But he has not kept them long enough to experience any big issues. I had several VWs before, they have all been good to me. Again, it is my experience. Audis had bad reputation in 80s and early 90s, but with the A series, they went through a big transition. Now Audis are bullet proof, very dynamic, and exciting. They are great alternatives to BMws and Mercs. As far as I am concerned, I would love to have a new RS4, but could not reach there yet.

I would get an Audi A3 this time, at least you know what it is like owning an MCS, and if you go with another one Audi will always stay in your system.

Good Luck

 

Hello ... I am from NYC also, Queens, close to the Brooklyn border and have looked at the A3 as well as an option down the line. But being 6'7" and trying to sit in the drivers seat, that quickly was something I abandoned as there is actually less room in it.

I know about all the bad roads you are talking about, I drive my MC daily all over Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Mine really had no problems as far as suspension yet. I did bend a cheap set of aftermarket wheels (but that I blame on the quality of those wheels and any car would have done the same damage).

Have dumped the runflats a long time ago and the ride has been so much more forgiving. I would recommend doing the same as well for a better ride.

I don't know, the A3 is a pretty cool car and fully loaded for $30K and surprisingly even though they have been out for months already I have only seen 2-3 so far ... but to me it lacks the soul of the MINI and it certainly does not have that much more storage space either.

You should test drive the new 06 MCS' ... they feel and drive totally different than an 02 ... much tighter and more forgiving.

BTW ... does Audi have a Free Scheduled Maintenance program as well?

 

My current car is an 01.5 A4 (1.8T, Quattro, Sport etc). I haven't had that many problems with it, however, dealer service in this area (Northern Va) is terrrible. I do love the car, however, service is pricey, and as my extended warrenty is nearly done, I've got my order in for an 06 MCS.

I took a serious look at the A3 over the last year. Nearly convinced myself that it was my next car. However, everytime I configured it, and started adding options it would put me in the mid $30Ks. It drives really nice, the DSG is fantastic, and no-body does interiors like Audi.

Like someone up above said. Buy what you like/want. I've had the Audi experience, and wanted something more raw, and fun. Audis are fun, but in a refined sort of way. Since you've had a few years with your MINI, it's might honestly be time for a change to something different.

-Mike

 

Owned 3 Audis, Coupe Quattro, A4Quattro, A4 avant, never had a problem with any of them. Tracked the last two repeatedly and they performed flawlessly. I highly recommend them. I love my Mini too but once it is paid off I'll be shopping for something with that sweet DSG to join it.

 

I guess my question would be if your major problem with the MCS is wheels and tires getting damaged on NYC roads, what would make the Audi less likely to have the same problem?

 

I had a bad experience with a '00 S4 ... 1 month in the shop for the 4 months I owned it.... But that won't stop me from always wanting an Audi. Our first Audi was a '98 A4 2.8 Avant. Great car. Had some minor issues here and there. o2 sensor (covered under 8yr emissions warranty), airbag light. We sold it after a bad rainstorm the battery compartment flooded over with water into the driver and passenger footwell!! The drian plug which became clogged; was underneath the battery...

We test drove some subarus and looked at a few other cars.. ended up ordering a 2004 A4 1.8T.. knock on wood no problems.. And its like a snowcat in the winter.

Bottom line though.. (and back to MINI).... The 04+ suspensions are not as tight as an 02.. I drive in the northeast so I know what its like.. you can't avoid EVERY pothole all the time! My MINI came on 17" S-lites... I had to get rid of them; I was just too nervous on the backroads of my commute... picked up some take off 16" X-lites.. MUCH better.. You should look closely at the '06 with 16" rims/tires... Perhaps even dump the runflats and go with conventional tires...

 

My brother in law who is a fanatic about german cars from way back and who until recently owned and operated a NAPA store, made the statement that he would NEVER own an audi out of warrentee, fwiw

 

You should keep the MCS and move out of NYC You will save money and be able to keep your MINI or get an 06.

 

Everyone I know says sell it (an Audi) when the warranty runs out......so much for mods. I do like the A3 but have not driven one....I would be selling my IS300 Sport Cross and keeping the Mini ....I'm in too deep

 

FWIW, my bud (and fellow NAMer, Mark "Twister" Vogler) just went with aftermarket rims (17") and non-runflats and noticed a HUGE difference in his MCS. He also has quite a few suspension tweaks (to stiffen it) as well. He states that the ride is much improved - feel free to contact him for his personal remarks.

One approach may be, in fact, to run 16" rims with non-runflat tires and a more supple suspension (non-sport).

I've never owned an Audi personally - I do NOT care for the new grille, but that's about all I can say on that matter.

 

I think they're overpriced for what you get. However some say that about the Mini, so whatever. If I got a VAG product, it'd probably be a new GTI with the DSG transmission, though.

Or an RS4 .

Though I do say when I am done with the Mini I doubt I'd buy another, not to knock it, I love the car but I'd rather mix things up.

 

I was weighing the exact same choices... the A3 is a nice car, but it's not awd either so the benefit of most audis is shot too. My boss has had most of the various audis including an S8... what he told me was that basically every time he takes one in it costs $600 approx. I've heard other horror stories about them, but I really don't think talking you out of it will do anyone any benefit. My suggestion if you want to keep with a mini is to get some 16's and put a little bigger sidewall tire on... non-runflat and get an extra 15" steel wheel with another tire mounted in the back if you're worried about flats with regular tires. I understand you'll lose storage space, but it may be a decent tradeoff if you really have that many problems. In philly we don't have quite as bad of potholes but if you get your tires from tirerack.com you can get an insurance policy of sorts on your tires... I've replaced 3 that way and on expensive tires that's a good way to go.

 

I have 2 audis, a 2000 A4 1.8T tiptronic (fwy commute) and a 2002 TT 225 6sp coupe. Both have been among the best and most reliable cars I've owned. The A4 was modded w/ Supersprint exhaust & GIAC software, Bilstein/Eibach Susp, & SSR wheels, and has had 106,000 trouble free miles with still not a single rattle or squeak. The TT is about to go off of warranty at 50K mi., and with the exception of a minor hatch rattle (fixed by diligent dealer after 3 tries), also no problems. I have a Cooper (nonS) on order 'cause I love the handling, want a high mpg 30+ car, and just think the Mach1 mini is a car I want to have. However, I would probably rethink the Cooper for my needs if it was going to be my only car - I'll be keeping the A4 and maybe the TT too if finances allow. The a3 is very cool, particularly with the DSG gearbox. I also concur with the post above about the Mazda 3 - love that car & will look seriously at it if and when the A4 goes (particularly since the '06 has a 5sp. auto option).

 

yes, at least for my 02 Audi allroad. 4 yr/50k free maintenance. My dealership treats me well too. Not many problems (touchwood) during my 41k ownership. Am thinking about an extended warranty though.

Also not sure about keeping it after 5 years. I may get the A3 to replace the car. Need awd ability as I ski and go to the mountains a lot in winter. Not confident doing that with the MINI. The Audi has performed perfectly in every winter.

 

the quattro version is coming next year, not? I am after the European S3 too.