I've realized by this point that I really have no choice but to buy a MINI. After a while it grabs hold of you and you know that even if you have to pay sticker (at best) and the maintenance may be a bit more than you're used to (at least it's covered) you need to buy it.

But, I want to know what I'm getting myself into. So I'm curious, how often have you ended up needing to take your MINI's back from whence they came for work? Anyone care to list the model you have, how long you've had it, and how many times you had to take it in?

 

MCS. Took delivery August 30, 2002. Now have 12,400 or so miles.
First trip to the service dept. was at 10,600 miles for 10K service. Only problem was a small coolant leak at the notorious o-ring that was torqued too tight. Service manager noticed that drivers side window rattled a bit when door was opened and they replaced the entire assembly. Oh yeah, it also had a bit of condension in the two rear light assemblies so they replaced them. It's total time in the shop was that one day. I hung around the dealership and service bays and took it back home the same day.
Three days ago the windshield got the dreaded stress crack :???: It has gone from 3" to about 24" now.
Also just recently started an intermittant whine or whistle. Very loud, very annoying. Seems it might be the gear box.
Frankly, none of this really fazes me because I love the car so much.

 

>>I've realized by this point that I really have no choice but to buy a MINI. After a while it grabs hold of you and you know that even if you have to pay sticker (at best) and the maintenance may be a bit more than you're used to (at least it's covered) you need to buy it.
>>
>>But, I want to know what I'm getting myself into. So I'm curious, how often have you ended up needing to take your MINI's back from whence they came for work? Anyone care to list the model you have, how long you've had it, and how many times you had to take it in?
>>
>>
My wife and I test drove the Cooper 5-speed and CVT, then the S.....came back to Louisville and...the next day...put down a deposit on the S because (I'm the one that will mainly drive it) I had a smile on my face the entire test drive. I've been following and participating in the dialogues here on MCO since Fall last year....I have every confidence in this vehicle and, if a problem develops, have seen most (all) dealers very adept at fixing problems. The vehicle is obviously an attention-getter (feeds into my personality), a fun-getter, and with some/all of us...an obsession. I'll be giving up my Jeep Wrangler for the MINI and as you probably know, "...it's a Jeep thing...you wouldn't understand"! The MINI is the same kind of dimension...!!!! Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

>>"...it's a Jeep thing...you wouldn't understand"! The MINI is the same kind of dimension...!!!!

Or should that read: "The MINI is the same kind of dementia...!!!!" ?

 

Cooper "S" August delivered....4000 miles (weekend driver) Coolant tank leaking and have muddy coolant now. Waiting for a appointment. No other complaints except the cost of fuel going up !!!!

 

Took delivery of MC Oct 29, 2002.

Been back to dealer three times for total of about fifty (50) days in the shop.

 

Ouch. Bigbud, sorry to hear that.

 

I have an mc. I took delivery about mid august. It's been back to dealer once to have oil changed at 1500 miles at my request, and at same time they updated the computer for the engine 'fix'. It returned once at 10K for the oil change and tire rotation. Each service took about 75 minutes. The service has been outstanding. The service manager and the technician (the same one works on my car each time) are beyond outstanding.

I haven't had a problem in over 10K.

 

took delivery november 2002. Been in 6 times 5 for stalling, one for a rattle and messed up transmission.

 

BigBud,

What kind of problems had you in so much? And is it a CVT or a manual?

I think I'm headed towards a MC 5-speed with sports package and sport+ suspension as the right combination of looks, handling and fuel economy. (55 mile commute in SoCal is nothing to laugh at in the fuel consumption arena)

 

Unfortunately, I've encountered the windshield cracking problem, so I've visited the dealer more times than I'd like. Mechanically, though, my MINI's been a dream.

 

I go to the MINI dealership almost weekly!

I buy Tshirts, drink coffee, chat with other MINI owners ...

Never needed to go in for a problem (just one service oil change at 5K, my cost).


Wonderful reliable cars :smile: