I obviously really know I would like a MINI I actually have one ordered with a deposit already made, my question was specifically about reliability. I have read many reviews and almost all were positive, but I have also read some about mechanical problems/dealer problems. I can deal with a few minor glitches, but right now I am on a tight budget and would not have much extra cash for repairs. Have most of you who actually drive a MINI had mechanical problems? If so, what kind? I appreciate your response as for me this is a major purchase.

 

mitchx,
welcome to the site.....
For your question....
Currently there is really no way to tell how well it will hold up. (It's only been available since March.)
Based on the issues that have been discussed It seems to be doing fairly well. There are some problems but most of which are being fixed by MINI.
IMO, If you can wait. It will give you time to save your money and put yourself in a little better position when you are ready to buy. If you cannot wait (Must have a car now) then it's really a gut decision.

A few things to consider.....
MINI is built by BMW/MINI.... a good name behind it.
MINI is backed by BMW........ notorious for high repair costs.
MINIs have more weld points than that of a 3 series BMW. Very ridged (strong) structure.
The MINI is in it's first model year...... cars always seem to have problems in the first year of production.

This list can go on...... for more info do a search in the forums area. You should be able to find quite a bit of info there.

Hope this helps.
SW

 

Thank you for your quick response. I am fairly confident about purchasing a mini, and I am financially ready. My concerns came about by reading a couple of bad reviews on the msn webpage.

 

Actually, as from what I heard, is that the new MINI's have been out in Europe for almost a year and a half now. So if that's right, then this isn't really the first year being produced, if they're still coming from the same factory in the UK. Has the Cooper'S' been out as long as the Cooper? Can anyone from the UK eloborate on this a bit? I still have a bit of nervous tension in the back of my mind, being that I'm 4hrs away from my nearest dealer, if anything were to go wrong.

 

The MINI has only been out for a year in Europe. They just had a 1st b-day for it in Britain. The "S" model actually came out here before Europe, May I believe.

As for paying for repairs, why? Unles you plan on outdriving the warranty very soon you won't pay a dime.

 

Oh lord! Don't base your opinions off of the MINI MSN Carpoint rating board!!!!!!!

It is the same 2 people posting negative reviews on the MINI over and over and over again. My college roommate works for MSN. They have removed several postings from that board by pro SUV people slamming the MINI. They keep tracing the negative reviews there to the same 2 people's IP addresses. Some people have too much time on their hands I guess.

 

>>Oh lord! Don't base your opinions off of the MINI MSN Carpoint rating board!!!!!!!

I agree with that! Well, at least read the ratings to find out who actually owns a car and who doesn't. They should allow something like epinions.com which lets you block users from your view and overall ratings. :smile: