I am about to trade in my Camry for a Mini S. I am somewhat nervous about the clutch/transmission issues I have read about online. Especially since I live far from a dealer. Can anyone reinforce that these are reliable cars for the most part and maybe share their story of a "no problem Mini" My camry is just not that fun to drive but, it is very reliable.

 

Well mine is a "no issue" MINI however it is only a 3800 mile car. What specifically are the issues you are referring to? While the camry is a nicely buillt reliable car, it has all the excitement of a bowl full of plain, unflavored jello.

Make the switch to the MCS, you will never regret it. I came form a 1994 trouble free Honda Accord with 190,000 miles on it. I killed it in a snowstorm in March. Another reliable car but as much fun as watching paint dry.

 

With any new car you have the chance of having issues. However, almost all new cars today are significantly more reliable than even the most reliable car from 10 years ago.

Buy your MINI and enjoy it!

 

The problems that are possible are just as possible on any new vehicle and they get additional attention on a forum like this regardless of how rare they are. Someone with a problem free car may never even know of a forum like this and drive happily day after day. Enthusiasts and someone who does experience a problem are likely to find this place, so I would suspect that for every car that did have a problem there is a rather large significant portion of owners that are problem free. They just don't post as they have no reason to.

Spend your nervous energy focusing on finding roads that are appropriately challenging for your new baby. Spend it in earnest research on proper polishing and cleaning techniques. Spend it on the bank account exhausting list of modifications you plan to do over the next 5 years.

I have never second guessed my choice..it's a wonderful car.

 

14K Miles on my 07 MCS to date, with the only problem of note being a small rock chip in the windshield (repaired). The clutch and gearbox are flawless.

 

Life is short. Buy the Cooper and enjoy it.

 

10,000 on my 07 MCS, and no issues so far!

Go for it, and never look back!!!!

 

Around 7k on my 08 MCS, no problems thus far, and I beat on it daily.

 

I have driven a 06 Camry and it is a boat in the water compared to my mini.

 

The clutch/transmission should be the least of your worries. The Getrag box is almost flawless.

EDIT: o yea, and over 15k on mine. This is my first manual car (so you can bet there was some clutch burning) and I regularly drive in a spirited manner every day. I also put a lot of hard miles on it during runs with the local club. Not even a hint of a problem.

 

I know mine is an older model (03) but I believe they have the same transmission as the newer ones (getrag) w/ maybe different gearing. I wouldn't worry about it at all. I currently have over 177,000 miles on mine, and still running the original clutch.

Good luck,

Nik

 

From someone who had issues to start with - 20+ days in shop in the first 60 days. Almost lemon-lawed. The problem was with the computer.

Now I am 20k miles on my 07 and haven't looked back... love the car.

BTW I am 3+hours from dealer. They did their best to take care of me.

Go for it! Even if you are one of the rare one's with issues BMW does their best to take care of you and the smile on your face every day is worth it!!

 

A friend here at work has 67K on his 06 Modded MINI...no issues and he runs trackdays as well (original clutch)

The wife's 08 MINI has 5K and no issues (6-speed)

Mine is an 07 auto with 4K perfect...I even illustrated to an eager mustang driver just how easily I can lose them in some turns :-)

*I was nice and didn't even click into sport mode...then it would have been all too easy*

 

17k not even a rattle. But it is an automatic.

My sister just dropped my guess is almost 30 large on
a new honda accord. On Monday.
ITS ALREADY BROKEN DOWN IN THE SHOP
UNLIKE MINI SERVICE (at least Flow mini - great guys)
HONDA WON'T RETURN CUSTOMERS CALLS

Why dont they have the smiley with it rolling on
the floor laughing?

(she thought about the clubman but wanted to get something
reliable)

 

no issues here either. 11 months old.

OK, one issue. But minor and not worth talking about.

 

30 grand for an accord? can you say rip off? what a joke.

it must have some kind of super awesome options, it has to.

 

I have the automatic too which is great.................... but back to the OP

I believe most of the problems were with the 1st generation MC and the 2nd generation is highly improved and trouble free as you can see from the posts already here.

Another thing is that MINI covers the complete clutch under their full factory warranty if found to be defective (not abused) which I think no other car company does due to it being a wearable item and they also cover the front and rear brakes (not abused) too under the full warranty.Oh and free oil changes and maintenance under the MINI Maintenance Program for 3/36K miles.

 

if the coopers werent such great cars to own the people on here wouldnt be so passionate about them! Dive in, you wont regret it

 

Boat in the water. HAHA..... thanks.

 

Thanks everyone. I am now eager for tomorrow. All black S. Coming my way.

 

ALL BLACK? Don't forget the racing stripes! (makes the mini faster)