q

 

If you even have a MINI? or if you think it not for you, or you are just a worry wart, just sell your mini and all your headaches will go away

 

I think the "problems" for a new car (new project) like this have been fairly limited. The most serious problem seems to have been with the shift linkage, which affected my car. It's an easy repair the hassle has been that the dealers and MiNI/BMW have not handled it too well. Very early cars had some seat and windshield problems and that appears to have been resolved. If there is a problem of significance here, I don't think it's with the car, I think it lies with the MFG/distributor/dealer network. Those are the "bugs". Many dealers don't seem to want to service cars that they did not sell. The pricing on the cars from dealer to dealer is very inconsistent which probably stems more from their relative start up costs. Some had to build new facilities and others converted old portions of their existing BMW store. There has to be a very small profit margin on these cars (absent dealer addons and other BS) and little to be made, presently, on service and so they direct their attention to the BMW side of their operations. It seems most dealers just weren't prepared to open yet (staffs are not well informed about the car, etc.). Plus you have long wait lists to order the car etc. I find it to be an excellent car. the "people" side of the project has been lacking, but is improving.

 

q

 

I also tend to agree with RJSquirrel's views on the overall reliability picture of the MINI. Nothing so far suggests that this car is an outflat quality control/reliability failure and quite on the contrary, this car boasts a high level of quality, materials, engineering and craftmanship that very few, if any, subcompacts and compact cars in the market can match. This includes the Japanese "Me too" toaster appliances made by Toyota and Honda.

It all comes down to the risks you want to assume. The MINI is a first year model car (As second year production is set to start next month) so glitches and bugs can be expected. Right now in the market if you want a more interesting fun car, you need to take some reliability risks with a relatively unkown product. If you hate cars and dealer with dealer's service departments, then a Toyota Echo is the car for yer...

 

Not to mention, it seems to me like the problem with the shifter linkage was a supplier problem, not a process/mfg problem.

Rocketboy_X

 

>>Not to mention, it seems to me like the problem with the shifter linkage was a supplier problem, not a process/mfg problem.
>>
>>>>Having gone through the shift linkage problem on my car, it was a mfg design problem. They originally used a plactic "clip" to attach the linkage cable. The cables were apparently either slipping out and/or the clip was breaking. The replacement is an alloy/metal clip.

 

I have a '98 New Beetle and yes, its had its share of first year production problems, some of which are very common among VW's. Yes, its a headache and pain when a problem arises, but I still love my car and think its worth it to have something unique that brings a smile to my face every time I see it and drive it. :smile:

Rob D.

 

Hey, we are all in for the adventure, if not, sell and get out. This is nothing compared to my 1976 TR6. I always had spare parts in the boot. And to think of it wasn't 1976 like the 7th or 8th year that car was being produced. Oh well I love my MINI and the small issues don't keep me from MOTORING!

 

I haven't had any real problems with Nikki (knock on wood)!

 

>>>>>>Having gone through the shift linkage problem on my car, it was a mfg design problem. They originally used a plactic "clip" to attach the linkage cable. The cables were apparently either slipping out and/or the clip was breaking. The replacement is an alloy/metal clip.
>>

Ah ha...either way, i'd rather have a badly designed clip, then a chronically leaking head gasket... I've delt with thoes before... ugh...

Rocketboy_X