I've spent quite a bit of time here, reading lots and lots of threads. I realize that many NAM members are fanatical about their rides and freak out about the slightest thing, but it seems like the R56's have their share of problems, and it's making me a little leery of ordering a MINI for myself (even though I'm DYING to have one). What's worrying me?

For starters: sunroof issues, unspecified rattles, 3rd to 2nd gear grinding, wind noise, window trouble (auto up/down), hatch latch trouble, cheap (easily breakable) fob (esp. knowing how many times I've dropped the fob for my current car), cold start troubles (should I even be concerned about this in San Francisco?)

OK, so you could say, "Order an auto MC, no sunroof, and you'll eliminate two of the problems right there." But I want a manual (my first, after 25 years of driving autos), and I want a sunroof.

So what I want to know is, is it worth it? Does the thrill factor (and the goshdarned cuteness of the car) completely outweigh any negatives you may have? Put my mind at ease, please!

 

I have a MCS, over 15k miles, no problems, no rattles, they're quite a few of us out there that do not have problems, when you come to this type of board we are going to discuss any malfunctions here, so it may seem like the problems are quite frequent, but it's more the opposite. Forgot to add that I have the 6spd with sunroof.

 

Lord, take it from a woman who is on her 61st car in ten years.. all cars have issues,The mini is among one of the best i have had.......

 

61 cars in 10 years?! I've had 3 cars in 25.

And after reading the thread on why people bought their MINIs, I realize that dammit, I've wanted one of these since 2002 when they came out. Test drove one just for fun (current car was then only 3 years old) and loved it. Don't. want. any. other. car.

Thanks for the reassurances.

 

A new car every 2 months, for 10 years? Do you keep forgetting where you parked them?

 

naw sometimes 5 at atime,,,..I am a addict...and always will be you can find many under my username on the web

Just a passion my 3 week old mini is 60, new ordered mini is 61 and getting a R8 Audi from a collecter of mine....this year a crossfire, and a SLK, and now the mine

 

Boy do you get around.

 

Yea go to any enthusiast site and you'll always here the worst about a car, people just like to complain. Every car (well thats not a Honda or a Toyota that is) has its little issues, but it comes with a warranty so don't worry so much, and the positives far outweigh any little issues this car might have.

 

Well, I'm not a MINI owner yet, but I ordered one yesterday. I had many of the same concerns you have, except I live in the Northeast where cold start issues ARE a concern to me. I guess I view it to some degree as a grand experiment and I'm hoping the odds are with me. I ordered the 'justacooper', not fully decked out. I haven't owned numerous cars, but you know, I don't think I've felt my face grinning quite as much in a long time (or getting a new car) as I did yesterday after placing my order...

 

Had a 06 civic with navi, the car just had more issues and the interior was not well made... IMHO

 

I have had many top end cars and could not see me in a corrola, or yaris....so for me this is the best bet and i can have my navi and other toys

 

I have had my cooper for just over a year and one very minor problem so far. The windshield washers leaked. 6 speed no sunroof though.

 

I think you get a distorted view from reading a MINI fanatic sight. I have a week 3 build from 2007 (really week 3). I have had a couple of minor issues both covered by warranty. No funky noises, grinding, or engine problems. Life is good and I would buy another in a heart beat. Go with what you like. This is a pretty reliable car and a hell of a lot of fun. After a year and a half, I never forget what I am driving. It's not just a car. It is fun.

 

Good point. I keep reminding myself that CR gave the '08s a "recommended" rating. Not that CR is the end-all, be-all, but if the problems were that significant (which is not to say that they are not significant to those who suffer through them), they wouldn't be rating the car that highly.

 

I've had mine for a year now and have no issues with my 6 speed or sunroof or anything else you mentioned.

 

+2

It is a tendency of people to post about problems. You share you experience and try to find if others might be having the same issue. Just think about how you talk to your friends, family and co-workers, I bet you are more likely pass along a story about a bad customer service experience than a good one. I think it is just human nature.

I've put 20k miles on my R56 in the last 10 months. My MINI has been problem free with the exception of needing to move my bluetooth mic from the passenger side to the drivers side.

My thoughts are, you just can't go wrong with a MINI. Any MINI is a great MINI!

 

Count me as another person who went from being very excited about the Mini to being a bit leery. Especially since I was considering a lightly used '07. The problem reports may be exaggerated but the cold start up rattle that may be an oil starvation issue really scares me. Thinking that any 1-2 year old used models may be people unloading this problem.

So rather than a lightly used S with a nice option list(essentially free after depreciation), I think if I still do go with a Mini, it'll probably be a new basic justacooper with just fogs, cold weather, and mf steering wheel.

I'm coming from a 2000 Toyota Celica GT that gets 40mpg and hasn't given me a single mechanical headache at 150,000 miles. No rush to replace, but I'm starting to consider the options out there. I drive 120 miles 5 days a week for work, so reliability, especially at high mileage, is a big factor for me. But I love small tossable cars(that a 6'7 guy can fit into) that are good on gas so the Mini seems right up my alley. Though in my case I'd actually be going to a taller, much heavier car.

 

jgarner, remember that only people with issues will post about them.
All the peeps that never had any problems just smile and don't go online to list the problems.

 

i want a BMW 135i, but my wife much rather have me trade my MINI in for it-- but i want both. it won't happen, but trading my MINI won't happen either. it may not answer your question but if you have driven a 135i then it might.

 

I've had my Cooper eight months with 32k so far and ZERO issues.

 

Going on an enthusiast site to ask if you really should buy one of whatever they are enthusiastic about is kinda silly if you ask me. But that's okay.

Simple answer:

YES it is worth it. MINI stands behind their vehicles unlike a lot of companies. You have 4yr/50K miles for any problems to pop up, and you can get additional warranty to extend that to 6/100, which should cover your entire loan period if you're concerned. On top of that, maintenance is covered for 3/36 and that too can be extended to 6/100.

Go for it!

 

Another vote for remembering people only complain about problems. You can find loads of complaints of problems on Mazda3forums.com but I've had just one trip to the dealer for a minor issue in 65,000 miles with mine. We got rid of our 2003 Civic because it had so many problems!!

We've had our MINI about 2 weeks now and it seems really solid. Very quiet on the highway and no rattles.

 

My cooper's been relatively trouble free. It hasn't been rock solid like my Mazdas but it's not even close to how awful my BMWs have been. Two trips to the Mini dealer in 1 year.

I would caution any person looking to get a mini about one thing: dealer network. Yes, they have a decent warranty (not BMW-good but still good). But make sure there's a dealer near you. That warranty is worthless if the only dealership is in the middle of nowhere.

There isn't a Mini dealer in San Diego. That's right, 8th largest city in the US and they lack a Mini dealer. If you do want to get your Mini serviced it's a 30+ mile drive to a lousy, inconveniently located dealer in po-dunk Escondido, CA.

 

My MCS just ran out of washer fluid because I use it. Will Mini refund my money?

 

JG....buy what you can afford......in todays world...its the luck of the draw..
You might get a perfect.....well built car..or a lemon.....its that simple....

U bet......the car never stops be a FUN car.....PLUS if you have an extra..
dime or 2....mods bring MUCHO......enjoyment......designing the car to your,
skills & thrills......also if you can...& have the time...."DIY".....stuff.....
There are great folks on here.....that will extend a hand to help...
Life`s too damn SHORT......buy 1...don`t think you`ll be sorry.....

08,mcsa.l/b,mono...with options,lots,+ mods.....have cars with sun r....so
don`t have it on MNE MEE (lic plate) not a road car..so its A/T city car...
Besides.....i want & will order a JCW stage #2....stick.....in time.

NUF said...

Ross.....Henderson,Nv.