My 2005 Sa had a seriese of O2 sensors going out causing SES to light up, it took about six months and many trips to service bay to sort it, incvienent but not a real proble. It has been smooth sailing since then.

Off topic to Audi owners, are they reliable, really? My wife finally left the VW fold a few years ago (the only cars she ever had owned) due to electrical problems on two differnt Euro-Vans. I'd hate to paint Audi with the same brush but, they are the same parent company.

 

buy a honda and leave the worry behind...of course you will be invisible on the road.

I had a '02. No major issues. Now and '04. Every car brand has lemons. Perhaps you have one, but overall, these cars are pretty good for the price. Also, warranty is better than most anything in their range....

 

3 MINI's. 04 MCS 40, 05 MCS traded for 06 MCS/JCW. All....Noooo problems! None. Still have 04 and 06.....forever(well, I'm 57)

 

I have an '04 and have only had a few minor problems so far. I have almost 49000 miles on it.

As far as "quality" mine really has had no issues at all when it comes to "poor workmanship" or any evidence that the factory wasn't proud of what rolled out the door when they shipped my car. Most of my problems have been things that could have happened on any car. I really can't remember any significant item. The car has never been towed, never not started up on command, and never fallen apart. The chrome work is phenomenal. I know that because I bought a rear MINI badge (the "wings" one) with he intention of takig the chrome off and then painting it chili red, but the chrome was so difficult to remove that I gave up.

I want to get an '08 or '09 "JCW" equivalent (assuming they have such an animal). Or maybe I'll fo modding again. It's been a lot of fun.

 

Get a 2007. The R56 is a huge leap in fit and finish, styling cues aside. Much more on par with other BMW products. IMHO of course. And no I am not selling my 05 to get one. It is too much of a money pit to let it go now. Figure it will become the track only car some time soon.

 

Mine is a March '04 build, and it has been rubbish. There is no way I will buy another one. If it wasn't for the fact that I don't pay the running costs (and that ends with my current lease) I would have gotten rid of it ages ago.

 

My 1/02 build date MCS has had a few minor issues (expansion tank, drivers side window motor, battery died at 3 years, crankshaft seal failed) all fixed under warranty. That being said, I've enjoyed 5 years of ownership. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one if I ever get tired of this one. At 62k miles, it still looks and runs like new.

MB

 

It's not just being invisble; it's being devoid of life --- like a drone.

 

Personally, I don't share that opinion. Having spent equal time with an R56 and an R53, I bought an R53 (November '06 build). Not only did I not notice a "huge" leap in fit and finish ...I noticed no improvement whatsoever (styling cues aside).

But, that's just my opinion ...as valid/invalid as anyone elses.

dean.

 

MCS '06 with 17" "s" lites and all season RF, cold, sport, cloth seats, tach and spedo on multi function wheel. Build date 10/20/06, P/U 11/20/06
I have 4300 miles on the car with NO problems of any kind. Some have an issue with mileage but I get 28.5 MPG driving to work +/- .5 MPG. The worst I ever got was 23 MPG on the first tank full. The on board computer calculates average MPG @ 28.6. The best I have gotten so far was 31.2 MPG while flogging the car through the Ozark mountains between Harrison and Fayetteville AR. This piece of road is similar too the dragon. Could there be improvements, yes but picking a car to pieces about things like the cup holder is pointless. ( Not your issue )
My first Mini, which I purchased new in 1965, was a 1275 S with every option which consisted of 2 extra instruments, 1 extra fuel tank, larger brakes and tires and that was it.
Both of my cars have provided what I wanted, FUN. Motor on.

 

My wife's 2006 Cooper seems to have a bit better build quality than my 2003 MCS. However, neither of our MINI's has had any major problems. I've had a brake problem that was eventually fixed under warranty and a cracked coolant expansion tank. That's it after 70000 miles and a lot of hard driving.

 

hi guys,
thanks for all the replies!
even though there are prob quality pre 2005minis out there im just paranoid about having to go through all those probs again!
think i may still stick with mini, and i think i'll wait till a good 2ndhand 2005/6 mcs pops up in the ads.

 

2005 MCS Feb. build 16k,right motpr mount failed,fixed under warranty,other then that no problems at all.Q

 

Over 80k on mine with nothing un expected breakage wise. The car has been wel taken care of but driven hard . I am very happy with its realibility.

 

I just turned over 20,000 miles. My 2006 R53 has been rock solid. I am happy.

 

8/2006 build MC w/15000 miles currently - so far *knock on wood* not a single issue.