On the 7th of June we became the proud owners of a brand new chili red mini.On the eight-day we drove it to Lake Tahoe, about a 650 mile one way trip, where the cars engine died on a steep mountain road. So we coasted for over 4 miles, luckily downhill since there were no shoulders or turnouts, to a gas station. The call to roadside assistance took about 35 minutes. There was one memorable quote:"I need the exact address, 1 mile south from hwy 50 on route 207 isn't good enough, and neither are GPS coordinates". Sure glad I wasn't in the Nevada dessert. Now I only had a short 4.5 hour wait for the tow truck. Five days later we drove to the mini dealer in Sacramento, where we were informed , that so far, they replaced the main computer module, but the engine still won't start. Now it needs a new head (rebuild) and some parts for a cylinder. Inside the head was a pin that is now gone and can't be found anywhere in the block. They have it fixed in a week or two. (what in the xoxxoxx!!) Boy, oh boy, I really love my mini now! So now I have a car with 1092 mile on it and 8 days of total ownership, with a rebuild engine, and a missing pin that may someday come back to live in the engine block. (most likely when i pull out in front of fast moving traffic, every morning) Here are the final quotes. The first one is from Mini headquarters: So sorry to hear about your car, but we believe you wont have any problems with your car and there is nothing else we can do.
The second quote is from Northwest Mini: "We are donig everything we have to". (I like that one) I won't get into the hours on the phone, or the many call that where never returned, or the vacation that was blown to bits. I see that many mini owners name their car, after some research, I named mine "TIMEBOMB"

 

wow whats the chances...

 

Just read up on lemon laws, and don't let this one rest. If they keep the car for too long, it's a lemon. If they can't fix the problem with a certain amount of trys, it's alemon. These laws very by state, so youhave to learn YOUR state lemon laws.

But not all have had your degree of frustration and problems. I'm sure that doesn't make you feel any better. I'd be plenty pissed if I were you. See if they'll give you a different car...

And never take no for an answer....

Matt

ps, make sure all communication is in writing and you keep a copy. Otherwise there is every chance that you'll hear "we don't remember saying that". Here's agood hint: When you have a phone call, fax, e-mail or send a letter covering the content of the conversation, that way you can get the stuff from the call on paper. Start out with some thing polite like"Thank you for taking the time to talk to me yesterday. Because I'd like to make sure I understood what we talked about, could you please comment on these notes I took during the conversation." If they are going to screw you by saying one thing on the phone and another in writing, you know early and can plan accordingly, if they confirm what's been talked about, then you have your paper trail... Sucks but it's a good technique. Also lets them know you won't go away easily....

 

Man, what a bummer!
Is yours an S?

 

wow. I don't even know what to say about that really...except...I thought my non-opening sunroof was a huge problem...

 

Run the other way if it's ticking when you pick it up...

 

I know a guy from New York State who got a new MINI thanks to the Lemon Law, so as Dr Obnxs advised, please check your state's Lemon Law, and keep records of everything said. Hope this is resolved to your satisfaction soon.

CROC 411

 

Just WOW.

Sounds like you have already been in contact with MINI Headquarters and they gave you a canned reply.Check your Service & Warranty booklet that came with your MINI and if you live in California they have the BBB Auto Line listed on page 32.I would pursue more until you are completely satisfied which it sounds like you aren't nor would I be either.Also check the California Lemon Law too.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted when you can.

 

definitely check up on the WA state lemon laws and there's no way I'd take the motor back as a rebuild when it failed before their break-in period was up.

 

Bummer! I wouldn't condemn the brand, because I know of instances of just about every other brand that has had a significant problem and horrible support experiences ("just about" because I don't know anyone who owns a Maserati, or I'd be at his house right instead of posting here.)

Two other thoughts:

1) I love the name you gave it.
2) Car problems are a statistical game, and we're all secretly happy you're the statistic and not us. It's like when I read the obituaries, and a guy younger than me has died, and I think, "Yes! I win again."

(Actually, I'm truly sorry and wish you didn't have the problems. Good luck with a happier resolution.)

 

I'm with Mslatter on this one.

Get tight with your Lemon laws. Be a thorn in their side until the make you happy.
Good luck.

 

Gunter, don't feel bad. I'm about ready to lemon law mine if they don't fix it this time around. I'm waiting to hear back from MINIUSA as we speak. Mine won't stop leaking oil and they can't seem to fix it

 

Wow....that is just weird. This really isn't normal, so yeah, I'd be thinking about that lemon law, too!!