Hello!

I recently got on the Consumer Reports website, and was shocked to see they gave the 2004 Mini a poor rating for reliability (the lowest rating they give, in fact). This really made me unhappy, as we are looking to buy a new car soon and I REALLY want a Mini! Has anyone experienced any major problems with the Mini?

Thanks so much!

Jessica

 

The 2003 and 2004 MINIs are extremely reliable. There was some glitches in the '02 model, as should be expected with a brand new performance car model. The biggest complaint at Consumer Reports was that the cupholders cannot hold a Big Gulp.

Go get yourself a MINI. You'll love it! (I'm 7 months into my second one already!)

 

That's a shocker because one of the Euro-mags....maybe Automobile or Evo names MINI Best In Class. My Cooper has been very solid and reliable and you'll find a lot of cars here which have similar reliability. There have been some problems though...windshields, rattles, stumbles, yo-yo...which may account for some kind of lower rating, but those aren't necessarily reliability issues, IMO.

_________________
'03 IB/W Cooper

 

The door freezing shut, then freezing open, the door handles inside and outside not working, and then the inside door handle cable snapping for no reason are examples of reliability problems.

If you want reliability, buy a Toyota.

 

I have found my 02 MCS extremely reliable and maintenance free, other than what I do for my own benefit. I’ve had my MINI well over a year and have no squeaks, rattles or maintenance problems what so ever. People have had valid problems, but I’m not one of them. My MINI is an awesome machine.

 

I just bought an '04 S after being worried about Yo-Yo's, Stumble, Windshield, etc. So far 1100 trouble free miles. I can not express how happy I am with the car so far. Before I bought the car, I looked at as much info as I could, and it seemed that the few issues there are are minor. The possible exception to this is the "Stumble" issue, which is not present on my car, and the people who had the problem are reporting it is fixed by the latest version of software.

Along with reading online forums, I ran down about 5 Cooper and Cooper S owners around town and asked if they had any problems. All responded that they had none, including one guy who was on a road trip from Texas (I'm in CA). Not scientific, but it made me feel better. I did see one car missing the piece of trim above the windshield, but I wouldn't consider a minor issue such as that enough of a reason to not buy the car.

One thing that helped put things in perspective is I have a Mother-in-law who has a '98 Honda Accord that shifts gears in an unpredictable manner (automatic) to the point that I would consider it dangerous. Also I have an uncle who just had to Lemon-Law a Audi A4 Convertible due to some electronic throttle control issues.

My position is if it's the right car for you in terms of other issues (size, price, etc) buy it. The reported issues are relatively minor.

Good Luck.
-Andy

 

The engine, transmission, brakes, got "excellent" reliability ratings. The more "cosmetic" problems of the '02, '03 models appear to have been addressed in the '04 builds. I have an '04 MCS (~3,000 miles; 2.5 months) and haven't had any problems (knock on wood!)

 

Bummer about the doors freezing. That happened to me once this year. I didn't realize it was such a widespread problem until I took a look at your thread just now.

I would still have to give a massive amount of credit to MINI USA. Although things like stumbling and locks freezing are extremely annoying to those of us to whom they happen, I still would call it a very reliable car. We don't hear about people having problems with ANYTHING drivetrain related, and again, rampant electrical problems/software problems/etc. seem to have been more or less solved in the last 6-12 months.

Finally, it always seems that MINI fixes the things that go wrong, whether they be performance related (stumble) or totally frivolous (putting jumbo cupholders in new cars). It may take longer than we want, but typically, when they finally take care of things, they take care of them WELL.

I love my car. 99% of those on this site do as well. Enjoy.

 

>>Hello!
>>
>>I recently got on the Consumer Reports website, and was shocked to see they gave the 2004 Mini a poor rating for reliability (the lowest rating they give, in fact). This really made me unhappy, as we are looking to buy a new car soon and I REALLY want a Mini! Has anyone experienced any major problems with the Mini?
>>
>>Thanks so much!
>>
>>Jessica

If you're looking at the rating for Mini Cooper for model year 2004. check out the ratings under "Reliability history." They rate the '02 and '03 engine with their top rating! In fact, for the '03, they rate *everything* above average. For the '02 they rate body integrity and body hardware below averabe, but I suspect that's just because of the rattle and windshield complaints.

I don't know how they get a bottom rating for the car as a whole, when all the pieces rate pretty highly. Its a mystery to me.

Just because Consumers Union has the intent to help consumers, doesn't mean that they always know what they're talking about.

 

One should also consider the methodology behind the Consumer Reports statistics. They mail surveys to their subscribers, which are voluntarily completed and returned. The statistics you're seeing only reflect the experiences of those that are both MINI owners and Consumer Reports subscribers. This is a fairly small sample.

I'll also add that I haven't had any issues with my October build '04 MCS. I tend to be a somewhat wary and frugal consumer, but I decided to follow my passion with this purchase, and I recommend you do the same. :smile:

 

>>
>>If you're looking at the rating for Mini Cooper for model year 2004. check out the ratings under "Reliability history." They rate the '02 and '03 engine with their top rating! In fact, for the '03, they rate *everything* above average. For the '02 they rate body integrity and body hardware below averabe, but I suspect that's just because of the rattle and windshield complaints.
>>
>>

This is a normal pattern: cars get less reliable as they get older. Most cars in the CR surveys are pretty good after one year, only the most reliable cars (Honda, Toyota...) keep reliable at the five year mark.

The Mini is a fun car, exciting to drive and look at, but I absolutely don't expect mine to be as tight and trouble free as my old Integra that it replaced.

Eric

 

You just need to be sure that the looks, driving experience and fun of the MINI mean enough to you to offset any reliability problems. If you're in doubt, get a Honda or a Toyota......otherwise get a MINI and enjoy. :smile:


R.E.

 

To add to the list of happy MINI owners, I have an Aug. '03 build MCS that I purchased late Sept. 4,100 miles so far, and no issues yet! :smile: I have one rattle near the passenger airbag, but all it takes is a little tinkering around with a hex wrench to take care of most squeaks/rattles.

Go for it. You won't regret it!

 

15000 miles and only been at the dealer for normal maintenance, the JCW kit installation, and twenty trips for keychains and shirts and hats. I have every confidence in this car on long trips or everyday driving. I bought it in NY in October '03 and drove it home. How the minor glitches and cupholder complaints get magnified in CR, I don't know. Mine's as solid as it can be. Go for it....Bruce

 

Got mine (MCS that is) Dec '03. Has 25,000 KM (~16,000 Miles) with no real problems.

I love driving and being in the car - it has become a lifestyle.

One rather serious problem only -- my wife is jealous!!

Cheers,

David

 

'02 Cooper CVT = 19.5K troublefree miles

'04 Cooper S (Sept '03 build) = 3,500 troublefree miles and not once back to the dealership for anything since taking delivery Oct 3rd, 2003.


Honda and Toyota? Been there done that. Those cars also brake and have issues like any other man made machine. otherwise if they were soooo perfect, how come Honda and Toyota dealer service depts are always packed with cars in for repair work?

 

I got my MCS on 4-19-03 and have 19,168 miles on it with no problems that bother me. Maybe a little stumble and maybe a little yo-yo but maybe some driver But I love, as my wife puts it, "That little car of your's".

She wants a 7 series BMW but I like mine. Besides I could buy a 6 pack of MCS for one 745il.

Earl

 

>>'02 Cooper CVT = 19.5K troublefree miles
>>
>>'04 Cooper S (Sept '03 build) = 3,500 troublefree miles and not once back to the dealership for anything since taking delivery Oct 3rd, 2003.
>>
>>
>>Honda and Toyota? Been there done that. Those cars also brake and have issues like any other man made machine. otherwise if they were soooo perfect, how come Honda and Toyota dealer service depts are always packed with cars in for repair work? :smile:


R.E.

 

>>I got my MCS on 4-19-03 and have 19,168 miles on it with no problems that bother me. Maybe a little stumble and maybe a little yo-yo but maybe some driver But I love, as my wife puts it, "That little car of your's".
>>
>>She wants a 7 series BMW but I like mine. Besides I could buy a 6 pack of MCS for one 745il.
>>
>>Earl


Stay away from the BMW 7-series. That car is too complicated and problematic for $70K.


You'll be safer on a 3 series or even 5 series.

 

Picked up my car last April, and 21,000 miles later I still get stares all day long. The only problem it has had is 1 windshield being replaced - and I don't blame that on the car. Rock chips can happen to any car. A BMP intake cured the engine stumble, otherwise the car has been absolutely flawless. Its love at first sight that has matured into a truly special relationship. The seats, the voluptous hood, the heavenly sound of the supercharger, that dirty little butt, oh, I think I need a cold shower. Excuse me.

Phil

 

>>>>'04 Cooper S (Sept '03 build) = 3,500 troublefree miles and not once back to the dealership for anything since taking delivery Oct 3rd, 2003.

I have a 10/02 build '03 MCS with 9500 miles and no problems except for one replaced coolant bottle and one recall for suspension bolts to be replaced. It's an excellent and reliable commuting car for me.

>>>>Honda and Toyota? Been there done that. Those cars also brake and have issues like any other man made machine. otherwise if they were soooo perfect, how come Honda and Toyota dealer service depts are always packed with cars in for repair work?

My 2001 Honda has had tons of various problems including some that happen over and over and over. Tomorrow it is going in again (2nd time now) for power door locks that automatically close and stop you from getting out of the car. Essentially you are locked in the car. It acts up then becomes intermittent. I've had many electrical problems. Reliability =average or below average depending on category.

Was I ever surveyed by Consumer Reports for any car I have owned? (and I did subscribe for a number of years), yes only once for my 91 Dodge Caravan.

 

>>
>>>>>>'04 Cooper S (Sept '03 build) = 3,500 troublefree miles and not once back to the dealership for anything since taking delivery Oct 3rd, 2003.
>>
>>I have a 10/02 build '03 MCS with 9500 miles and no problems except for one replaced coolant bottle and one recall for suspension bolts to be replaced. It's an excellent and reliable commuting car for me.
>>
>>>>>>Honda and Toyota? Been there done that. Those cars also brake and have issues like any other man made machine. otherwise if they were soooo perfect, how come Honda and Toyota dealer service depts are always packed with cars in for repair work?
>>
>>My 2001 Honda has had tons of various problems including some that happen over and over and over. Tomorrow it is going in again (2nd time now) for power door locks that automatically close and stop you from getting out of the car. Essentially you are locked in the car. It acts up then becomes intermittent. I've had many electrical problems. Reliability =average or below average depending on category.
>>
>>Was I ever surveyed by Consumer Reports for any car I have owned? (and I did subscribe for a number of years), yes only once for my 91 Dodge Caravan.

My friends bmw e46 does that. The central locking system fails and only the driver side door opens. The other doors cannot be open inside or outside. Scary thing. Your honda sounds like a possible lemon because I know about a dozen people, including myself, that have had hondas and had virturally zero problems with it.

 

I think the problem BMW/MINI have at their Oxford plant is quality control. Or rather the consistency of it. They're capable of producing reliable and well built MINIs, but there are still far too many cars leaving the factory in an unsatisfactory state. But it does seem as though some of the more serious issues have been ironed out.

I'd like to see BMW get a hold of the build quality issues. They've still done very little about some of the common rattles and squeaks: dashboard, seatbelt anchors, doors, tailgate latch, rear seat latches. The interior needs tightening up. I had a look inside a Honda Jazz the other day. Firstly, let me say I wouldn't swap my MINI for one! But I was struck by the amazing build quality, everything was rock solid and fitted together beautifully. I think they cost £9k new. Not sure what that is in dollars $15k? Amazing what they can do for the money.

The MINI is a fantastic machine. There's nothing else on the road that is as much fun and handles better. Well there is, but it probably costs twice as much.

 

There are an awful lot of generalizations and automotive stereotypes being employed here, so let me apply a few more

Good luck with the decision.

_________________

Bring Out the Scoops!

 

jsun, I like your thoughts... The MINI is a great car, but it's not for
everybody. In fact, I wish fewer people were buying them... Let's
keep this car just for ourselves.

God speed.