Can’t answer that question, but my impression is that 87.62% of the people on NAM who have experienced problems are immature whiners, and 12.38% are dealing with normal high performance, low cost, new car problems as adults!

When you buy any new car there is the chance that there will be a premature failure. With all their money and expertise even NASA has had unexpected failures (some catastrophic), so don’t expect a $20k car or its dealers to be perfect. If you are one of those unlucky few (with any car, not just the MINI) don’t go to your service advisor with an attitude that is angry or challenging as you will be asking for poor service.

I put 98,000+ miles on a GMC Suburban with zero problems other than the need for tire, brake pad, and wiper blade replacement. My wife put 55,000+ miles on a Mercedes and had constant problems. Does that mean that GMC is perfect and Mercedes is terrible? No way! As they say, “That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.”

A footnote to the whiners: You have my sympathy for your problems, but get over it and deal with your misfortunes as adults and enjoy the pleasures of your MINI, or sell it and buy something else! Life is to short to spend it being pissed off!

 

>>>>Can’t answer that question, but my impression is that 87.62% of the people on NAM who have experienced problems are immature whiners, and 12.38% are dealing with normal high performance, low cost, new car problems as adults!
>>
>>When you buy any new car there is the chance that there will be a premature failure. With all their money and expertise even NASA has had unexpected failures (some catastrophic), so don’t expect a $20k car or its dealers to be perfect. If you are one of those unlucky few (with any car, not just the MINI) don’t go to your service advisor with an attitude that is angry or challenging as you will be asking for poor service.
>>
>>I put 98,000+ miles on a GMC Suburban with zero problems other than the need for tire, brake pad, and wiper blade replacement. My wife put 55,000+ miles on a Mercedes and had constant problems. Does that mean that GMC is perfect and Mercedes is terrible? No way! As they say, “That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.”
>>
>>A footnote to the whiners: You have my sympathy for your problems, but get over it and deal with your misfortunes as adults and enjoy the pleasures of your MINI, or sell it and buy something else! Life is to short to spend it being pissed off!


AMEN!!!! AMEN!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!

 

I can name at least three dealers right now, off the top of my head, that are unforgiveably terrible - Hawaii, Tate, and Herb Chambers. I'm sure there are at least twice that many that suck. There are only 70 dealerships in the country. I don't like those odds, do you?

 

I highly recommend Lauderdale MINI in Ft Lauderdale, FL.

 

>>>>Can’t answer that question, but my impression is that 87.62% of the people on NAM who have experienced problems are immature whiners, and 12.38% are dealing with normal high performance, low cost, new car problems as adults!
>>
>>When you buy any new car there is the chance that there will be a premature failure. With all their money and expertise even NASA has had unexpected failures (some catastrophic), so don’t expect a $20k car or its dealers to be perfect. If you are one of those unlucky few (with any car, not just the MINI) don’t go to your service advisor with an attitude that is angry or challenging as you will be asking for poor service.
>>
>>I put 98,000+ miles on a GMC Suburban with zero problems other than the need for tire, brake pad, and wiper blade replacement. My wife put 55,000+ miles on a Mercedes and had constant problems. Does that mean that GMC is perfect and Mercedes is terrible? No way! As they say, “That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.”
>>
>>A footnote to the whiners: You have my sympathy for your problems, but get over it and deal with your misfortunes as adults and enjoy the pleasures of your MINI, or sell it and buy something else! Life is to short to spend it being pissed off!
>> redo your numbers I get 87.63 to 13.37,but I,m a happy MINI owner not a bean counter

 

>>>>I've got ADHD. I do not handle the frustration of a poor product with poor service very well at all and I just don't think I could handle the ordeal that this car will most likely bring to my life.<<
>>
>>I'd strongly recommend that you DO NOT buy the car. The frequency of people being screwed over by BMW/MINI appears to be increasing, not decreasing, and MINI is doing nothing to deal with quality problems like the crappy windshields and fragile 5-speed transmissions.
>>
>>I don't see any reason to expect them to change their tune, ever. I will never again recommend this car to anyone, unless they're very wealthy and can afford to play BMW's game (i.e., bend over on a regular basis).
>>
>>And I LOVED this car six months ago!

what made you change you mind...?

 

See, that's the thing. The people here who are whining are people who at first loved this car - they WANT to love this car...and they're getting screwed by MINI/BMW and the dealers. I don't want to be next!

Yeah, I love the character of the car, but now I'm thinking that I'll just get a Mazda 3 or a Honda Element or, considering that a MCS done right (JCW package) will run me ~$30K, maybe I'll go all out and get an Impreza WRX. It's the same reason I would never buy a Windows Media PC or any computer other than a Mac - the builders won't stand behind their products. There's nothing I hate more than a dealer or a manufacturer who refuses to stand behind their products!

Yeah, Classic MINI sounds first rate, and I'd prolly buy from them if I got the car, but I live in the UP. I couldn't get my car serviced at Classic MINI because the drive is too far away...so I'm left to the wolves, that is the unscrupulous local dealers who will not be motivated to service a car I bought from a *gasp!* reputable dealer like Classic MINI that refuses to play games and charge a mark-up.

Why can't BMW/MINI and their dealers just do the right thing and fix these problems?

I'm still afraid of this car!

Chet.

 

Your profile says you're in Iron Mountain, Michigan. My recommendation is to buy from Classic MINI in Mentor, OH. Call Julie Saxa, 440 266-6700 or email her at julie@driveclassic.com Here's why:

Excellent Service to Buyers. Period
No excessive charges over MSRP; accessories are 20% off, and they're just top notch.

A JCW will cost you $4,500 for the kit and $1,275 to get it installed at Classic. It's not $6,500.!

You can PM Mokeefe on NAM. He lived in Detroit and bought a MCS from Julie at Classic last November. Had the JCW installed as well, and he loves it! He rented a car from Enterprise and drove down to Mentor as there is a Enterprise office on site. Or fly down, and Julie will pick you up at the airport in Cleveland.

Any way, you can't go wrong. I bought 3 MINIs from her so far; and there are 12 MINIs going to California next week---all purchased from Julie and Classic.

Charlie

 

>>See, that's the thing. The people here who are whining are people who at first loved this car - they WANT to love this car...and they're getting screwed by MINI/BMW and the dealers. I don't want to be next!
>>
>>Yeah, I love the character of the car, but now I'm thinking that I'll just get a Mazda 3 or a Honda Element or, considering that a MCS done right (JCW package) will run me ~$30K, maybe I'll go all out and get an Impreza WRX. It's the same reason I would never buy a Windows Media PC or any computer other than a Mac - the builders won't stand behind their products. There's nothing I hate more than a dealer or a manufacturer who refuses to stand behind their products!
>>
>>Yeah, Classic MINI sounds first rate, and I'd prolly buy from them if I got the car, but I live in the UP. I couldn't get my car serviced at Classic MINI because the drive is too far away...so I'm left to the wolves, that is the unscrupulous local dealers who will not be motivated to service a car I bought from a *gasp!* reputable dealer like Classic MINI that refuses to play games and charge a mark-up.
>>
>>Why can't BMW/MINI and their dealers just do the right thing and fix these problems?
>>
>>I'm still afraid of this car!
>>
>>Chet.


Well if you are SO EAGER to play it safe, then so be it. Go ahead and submerge yourself in the world of mundane and mediocre cars. The MINI IS A QUALITY PRODUCT and as an owner of 2 of them, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.

But hey, since you like to play it safe, then buy a play it safe car and enjoy your play it safe driving experience. BOOOO!

 

Man, the dealers must love you. I have ADHD....I get very angry when products fail to perform as promised, and I consider my anger justified. If a dealer thinks he can screw me because I'm angry - if that's the attitude that BMW/MINI expects from me, then I'll never buy this car. I always get angry when people screw me, go figure.

Chet.

 

>>>>
>>Man, the dealers must love you. I have ADHD....I get very angry when products fail to perform as promised, and I consider my anger justified. If a dealer thinks he can screw me because I'm angry - if that's the attitude that BMW/MINI expects from me, then I'll never buy this car. I always get angry when people screw me, go figure.
>>
>>Chet.
>>
>>
Well Chet, see you so long!

_________________
'02 Cooper CVT PW/B, MFSW, CD Boost, 15" 8-Spoke silver wheels.
'04 MCS CR/W, UJ Roof Flag, Aux Input, HK, Sport MFSW, Rain sensing, Auto dim mirror, 16" silver V-spoke wheels, Chrome grille, Chrome mirrors, OBC, front fogs.

 

My worst fears only seem confirmed.

The Element, for instance, is not a 'safe, boring' vehicle. Neither is the WRX STi.

Chet.

 

>>>>>>>>
>>>>Man, the dealers must love you. I have ADHD....I get very angry when products fail to perform as promised, and I consider my anger justified. If a dealer thinks he can screw me because I'm angry - if that's the attitude that BMW/MINI expects from me, then I'll never buy this car. I always get angry when people screw me, go figure.
>>>>
>>>>Chet.
>>>>
>>>>
>>Well Chet, see you so long! I,m going for a drive in my MINI

 

>>My worst fears only seem confirmed.
>>
>>The Element, for instance, is not a 'safe, boring' vehicle. Neither is the WRX STi.
>>
>>Chet.


Well last I heard Elements are just appliances. But hey be my guest...your loss, not mine!

 

Chet,
I used to think the same thing about buying from the local dealer...but warranty work is warranty work; and if you buy the JCW, the kit has a warranty. You can take it to the local dealer for warranty stuff. I've had no problems with dealer service and I bought mine at Classic which is 2,500 miles away.
Charlie

 

>>>>My worst fears only seem confirmed.
>>>>
>>>>The Element, for instance, is not a 'safe, boring' vehicle. Neither is the WRX STi.
>>>>
>>>>Chet.
>>
>>
>>Well last I heard Elements are just appliances. But hey be my guest...your loss, not mine!

 

>>>>Want to be treated like this from MINIUSA and dealership? see page two for latest updates. any doubts? I sure have some now!!

>>Well that's not my experience. There are bad dealers for sure but there are also good apples from the bunch.

Dude, it's not the bad dealership(s) I'm having to toss my biscuts because of. It's the response directly from MINIUSA! Yes, MINIUSA, not an independant dealer. This is from the MINI big wigs running the show here in the USA! Do I have doubts now? Yes, I sure do have some now!! This is a big scary statement for MINIUSA themselves to deny clutch warranty work because the guy has an aftermarket air filter!!!!

 

>>>>>>Want to be treated like this from MINIUSA and dealership? see page two for latest updates. any doubts? I sure have some now!!
>>
>>>>Well that's not my experience. There are bad dealers for sure but there are also good apples from the bunch.
>>
>>Dude, it's not the bad dealership(s) I'm having to toss my biscuts because of. It's the response directly from MINIUSA! Yes, MINIUSA, not an independant dealer. This is from the MINI big wigs running the show here in the USA! Do I have doubts now? Yes, I sure do have some now!! This is a big scary statement for MINIUSA themselves to deny clutch warranty work because the guy has an aftermarket air filter!!!!

I would love to read the opinion of an impartial and experienced individual in warranty matters. To me this whole thing of warranty repairs denied becuase of the presence of aftermarket parts in a car, has been totally thrown out of context IMO.

 

You cannot blame the below problem on "bad dealers." Specifically, Mini USA responded to the poster's email requesting assistance and was refused any help whatsoever. This is SOP for MINI USA. This is the reason I sold my MCS and will never buy another BMW product!
Jim

>>Want to be treated like this from MINIUSA and dealership? see page two for latest updates. any doubts? I sure have some now!!
>>
>>_________________
>>Happy Motorin'

 

>>I would love to read the opinion of an impartial and experienced individual in warranty matters.

Good luck on finding impartial MINI enthusiasts.

 

>>>>It is just the nature of the internet for this kind of thing to happen. Find a dealer you are comfortable with, pay the price you are comfortable with, and understand that cars have a warranty for a reason.
>>


That's what I thought when I bought my first new car I ever - and I thought hey it's BMW they can get it right whatever it is.

How wrong I was. When I asked them to fix the software the car came with (hiccup, stumble, yoyo, bog) they told be they would have software soon. A year later they had a half assed fix that didn't.

Without a fix there might as well be no warranty. BMW are a great dissapointment - not just at the dealership level but also the corporate attitude towards us as enthusiastic customers. IMHO

I see some write that it's a new car and you have to expect some failure - not really but ok - my first year build FX35 is excellent - you sell me something that costs $27,000 - the law says that it has to be fit for purpose - the Mini almost killed me several times pulling out into traffic - that is not fit for purpose. And if you think I have no right to be pissed when the dealer showed no interest - your on the wrong planet - and when I learned that not all minis have this problem and BMW HQ had no real interest, I was even more pissed - I live on planet earth and for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

I have sucessfully LEMONED the car and waiting for the check.

I might also add that since being Lemoned the car has this amazing ability to do redline burnouts

_________________
'03 S DS

 

>>You cannot blame the below problem on "bad dealers." Specifically, Mini USA responded to the poster's email requesting assistance and was refused any help whatsoever. This is SOP for MINI USA. This is the reason I sold my MCS and will never buy another BMW product!
>>Jim
>>

Jim, the problem is directly caused by a bad dealer. This statement from Karen's email will reveal it to you. "For this reason, we back the MINI dealer's professional and expert diagnosis in this matter"

Now follow that statement back up that thread, and see where the problem originated. I'll give you a clue...By the dealer trying to charge the MINI owner for the repair saying it's not a warranty issue.

 

How exactly do you believe that the dealer arrived at the conclusion to deny warranty coverage - from MINI USA's policy. The dealer is concerned that MINI USA will not reimburse them for warranty repairs. Of course MINI USA states that it will defer to the dealer's decision since the dealer's decision is based upon MINI USA's policy.
Jim
>>>>You cannot blame the below problem on "bad dealers." Specifically, Mini USA responded to the poster's email requesting assistance and was refused any help whatsoever. This is SOP for MINI USA. This is the reason I sold my MCS and will never buy another BMW product!
>>>>Jim
>>>>
>>
>>Jim, the problem is directly caused by a bad dealer. This statement from Karen's email will reveal it to you. "For this reason, we back the MINI dealer's professional and expert diagnosis in this matter"
>>
>>Now follow that statement back up that thread, and see where the problem originated. I'll give you a clue...By the dealer trying to charge the MINI owner for the repair saying it's not a warranty issue.
>>
>>

 

Jim, interesting and thought provoking. Thanks for bringing this up.

>>How exactly do you believe that the dealer arrived at the conclusion to deny warranty coverage - from MINI USA's policy. The dealer is concerned that MINI USA will not reimburse them for warranty repairs. Of course MINI USA states that it will defer to the dealer's decision since the dealer's decision is based upon MINI USA's policy.

 

>>
>>>>I would love to read the opinion of an impartial and experienced individual in warranty matters.
>>
>>Good luck on finding impartial MINI enthusiasts. :smile:

If a manufacturer cries no warranty because you have installed an aftermarket part - It is up to the manufacturer to prove that whatever aftermarket part you installed has actually caused the problem. Prove

Having said that you will have to spend a bunch of $$$ and take them to court because manufacturers (speciallly BMW) are a bunch of plicks in this scenario.