So, how's the reliability of these cars? Motor, electrical, cosmetics, interior??
My understanding is that after 3 years/36k I will have to pay BMW 100 bucks per hour for work on the car. Plus, I am sure parts are not cheap. I do plan on using this car for driving to work 100 miles round trip per day. I like the gas mileage, and fun factor, but am uncertain about how these cars hold up over time.

 

There isn't much long-term data on the R56 yet, since it is a new model. So far, it seems pretty good. I had more trouble with a 1990 Acura when it was new.

 

wow minpin, still debating? you could have special ordered and been motoring for awhile now!

if high mileage reliability concerns just get an extended warranty with the shortest years and highest mileage you can. Keep in mind while reading forums people who have problems will talk about it alot while those who don't generally don't say much.

If you don't belive that then go read some honda or toyota forums. The two "most reliable" brands in the world have thier share of problems too.

 

I can only speak for my gen 1 MINI (2005 MCSC)... I have never had a major mechanical problem that rendered my MINI undrivable but I have had oh so many minor quirks go wrong that had to be fixed. Also you get 3 years of free maintenance (which is deceptive cause all you really get out of it is 2 free oil changes) but your actual "warranty" is 4 years.

Not 100% sure but I think MINI techs charged more like $150/hr for labor

 

You will have a 4year/50k warranty. The 3/36 is for free scheduled maintenance.

At your rate, you'll be done with the warranty in 2 years or so.

Since these new models have been around for only a year, there is no long term real-world data, but initial indications suggest that they are as good or maybe better than the previous generation cars.

Parts aren't cheap for anything these days, nor is labor. But once your warranty expires, you should track down the best local INDEPENDENT mechanic and leave the dealer mechanics for warranty only stuff.

There certainly aren't any huge red flags suggesting that these cars are going to have a terrible reliability record.

 

My 2007 MC, no problems to speak of. One dash rattle secret compartment, an unrepeatable idle problem, now gone.

From first generation data the MC was a consumer reported 'recommended with all categories 'much better than average'. MCS was average. I'd expect 2nd gen to be similar in trend. In general the cars are rock solid IMHO. If never taking your car in is what you are after stay away from electronic wizardry options and keep the car close to base.

 

I don't know where you are, but around here, all of the dealers are charging 100+ per hour for customer pay work. Parts are more, yes, but if you treat the car well, it will treat you well. Do your maintenance!

I just moved out of my 2001 Civic to the MINI. I drive close to 100 miles a day and have clocked almost 16,000 with this car. No issues, and it just keeps getting better and better. This is truly the first car I have owned that I can say that I love! I will now forever own a MINI. When the time comes for a new vehicle, I will be getting another one to park right next to this one.

 

Yes, the reason I have not purchased one yet was two fold, one I wanted to give it a year to see how reliable the new MINI's were, and two the dealer in my area, the salesmen are excactly that, "salesman" and sort of turned me off. But I do want one, but yes reliability is a must, I can't see spending 100+ dollars per hour for anything.

 

what would you have to pay the dealer a dime when you can do the work yourself or take else where.

 

many quality manufacturers are having you pay over $100 for labor rates. if you cannot afford the maintenance of a mini, i suggest you buy something that is more in your price range; honda civic/toyota corolla.

 

I would agree that the R56 is still too new to have proper reliability data in order to make assumptions. I will tell you that I bought one from a dealer 7 hours from my residence and my closest dealer is nearly 4 hours away. I had some confidence that the car would be reliable because I cannot be taking this thing to the dealer everyday. Certainly if major problems occurred I would be at the dealer but for routine maintenance, i.e., oil changes, brakes, etc. I will be doing myself.

I purchased for the fun factor and was banking on reliability. I have not been disappointed so far. There have been some nuisance issues such as weeping windshield washer jets but overall very satisfied. On the plus side if I started having problems and it became a problem I would just sell it and as these things hold their value probably better than any car on the road I would probably recoup most of my investment .

Just my thoughts when purchasing.

 

Both the Consumer Reports and Consumers Digest new car guides rate the Mini Cooper S as recommended as far as reliability is concerned. They also rate them very high for maneuverability and fuel mileage. I’d recommend looking at the Consumer Reports car guide for a pretty good, and accurate, write up. They seem to agree with me that it is an outstanding sports car disguised as a coupe.

 

Minpin, I love my 07 MCS. However, I suggest you go the utilitarian route and at least give a hard look and a test of a Toyota Yaris HATCHBACK. They are CHEAP. Ours went out the door, very stripped, for about $12.8k. A friend got one with a convenience package and a couple items, out the door for under $14k. Ours has 31k on it now and it's been ultra reliable, gets terrific gas mileage, and I expect it will run up way over 200k miles without a hiccup. You won't find Toyota advertising them much, and the salesmen will try and deflect you to more expensive models on the lot, but I seriously suggest you check one out. One thing...they come with regular "dino" oil. After you get ten thousand miles on it, switch over to a full synthetic or at least a blend, same recommended weight, etc.
You might want to check www.yarisworld.com
IF you want to modify it, there's a lot of stuff coming available; shocks/springs/even a turbo setup.
ME, I'm sticking with my S. But I'm not commuting in it like you're going to do.
Also, the Toyota warranty runs waaaaaay longer than the Mini warranty.

DON'T let the salesmen upgrade you to a Scion. Lot more $$$.

 

I think the question is, if you could pay the dealer a dime, why do it yourself. Unfortunately, I don't know of any dealer that charges a dime for anything....

 

After warranty expires, you can take it to a shop that specializes in European cars. the 3 years/36K is for their service, the warranty is actually 4 years/50K

 

I know a lady that has on 07 R56 that currently has over 40,000 miles (since april) and it has had basically zero problems. Just maint - tires etc.

My 03 currently has 164,000 miles and has had very little done to it other than general maintenance.

Nik

 

$100 - your getting off cheap - mine charges $160 - Geico has an ext warr type "rider" cost me $3.85 a month - ya, it has a $250 ded - but at $160 an hour - that won't take long - however, if I had something major - it would help...