I should not post this until I get my newer car, I have traded in my 06 MCS nightmare car for a honda. Sorry but the crap this car has put me through has me desperate for a car that does not make every noise in the book (this is after 2 very recent 2 day stays at the dealer to cure squeaks and rattles, they cured them but others have arrived) and the numerous problems that car has had, I have no faith whatsoever in the car, the clutch was just replaced and it still stinks like hell if you get on the throttle a bit. They must have made my car during an illegal rave in the factory.

I did want to thank a great bunch of folks on here who were always ready to answer a stupid newbie question or offer advice for a problem .

You guys keep trucking, I still love the look of the car but the quality is so below par I won't touch another MINI or BMW again.

cheers and thanks. peter

 

I can understand your frustration, had a similar experience with my lotus (although the sounds were not what got to me as it was expected, it was the other problems.. gauge cluster failing, stalling at stops, not starting.. and it goes on).

What Honda vehicle did you end up buying?

 

What's the build date of your MCS?

 

Build date april 06, UK spec car as I live in the UK, wanted one since the pre intro photos showed up in the states where I was living, Finally bought a low mile 16k mile example for my 40th birthday, Took a bath on the trade in, but glad (will be) to see the back of it, honestly the noises it makes at 25k seem like the car has 125k, My 65 mini traveller makes less squeaks and definitely less rattles. No sunroof to blame either.

Peter (not going to temp fate by naming the Honda) its an SUV so nothing like an S2000.

 

First, your experience though a PITA as it sounds, it is not an usual one for MINI Cooper. And that needs to be pointed out.

Secondly, if you indeed as you said, liked the MINI, you would be working out your issues with the SA, or MINIUSA, instead of lamenting on from what I can see as only ONE possible issue, the clutch plate.......( not the tranny ). And that is coming from a former Jaguar owner. You want to talk about a car with issues ? I could write entire volume for ya on them.

Hope your are happy with your new car. ( I say "car" because there are no Japanese cars out there with any personality....except for maybe a Miata)

But, I for one cannot drive Japanese made cars. They have mediocre handling, generic looks, tinny sounding engines and exhaust, and their service departments have their hands in your wallet and pocket book for every single required service interval, and oil changes during warranty. ( Unlike MINI and BMW )

Motor Safe, The door's always open when you decide to come home

 

I did contact mini about the numerous problems that I had, wrote a letter, I stated that for such a large $$ money purchase I would not have expected to have the varied and repeated problems that I was experiencing and I was worried that future problems were a concern (and the most certainly were) they stated that they had pride in the quality of their cars and were sorry for my experience but could not extend the warrantee, I am sure my car has cost them well in excess of 5000 pounds in warrantee work so far. I can't blame them for not extending the warrantee.

I'm not looking for personality, just less rattles, squeaks and the constant worry of a 1000 pound repair. Plus MINI is known for some of the highest non supercar labor rates in the UK.

cheers. Peter

 

Sorry to read you had such an awful experience. Sometimes an individual car is just a lemon. Hence the lemon laws that are out there. Thankfully, I think your experience is in the minority. I know that my experience has been a good one. (US car, build date 14 Feb 2003) I've had the window adjusted to stop a hi-speed whistle, and a door panel squeak silenced, and that is it for noises. I now have just over 70,000 miles on mine and it does not have any squeaks, rattles or other untoward symphony of sounds. And that is after motoring on the streets in and around Washington DC.

 

Sorry to hear of your troubles...

No offense, but I have to observe that MINIs are about much more than just the aesthetic! If I loved my car only because it was fun to look at, I would have sold it last fall, believe me!

 

Was your Mini a salvage or something? Its hard to believe that a 2006 Mini would have issues like this...

 

Unfortunately, your MINI was one of them...

 

No a salvage, bought from mini cherished, spoke with the previous owner and confirmed at another dealer that the car had never had one drop of warrantee work before me,

I will say that I don't have the best of luck with cars, My other car is now at the shop getting some sort of huge bang in the rear looked at, but that car has 75k miles and lives a hard life, I am sure it is just rear susp bushings.

I know folks say they have never had a bit of problems with their MINI and more problems crop up on message boards as they are the way you get them solved but all of my problems have been threads by other folks time and time again. So my problems appear common but to have them all is just lucky.

Peter

 

Better luck then with your next car, Peter.

 

Hey Peter, didn't you used to live in Florida also? Anyway, sorry to hear about the car. These Coopers aren't for everybody, and if I didn't have so much $$$ wrapped up into mine, she'd be gone too. I didn't have as many problems with my '73 Mini!!!!!!

 

Well, I just bought a 21 year old Toyota and putting my '05 MINI to rest for awhile. As for the comment about no Japanese cars having personality??? My MK1 MR2 has as much personality as my MINI, as well as the same fun and performance..cept it's a two seater with a spare tire, and rear wheel drive, lol.

I'm sure you will be happy with your choice!

 

Yep, lived in Orlando florida, Lancaster PA, Chicago Il as well. Orlando for 7 years and imported classic minis for a few years.

cheers. Peter