I am very new to this forum, and I've been doing my research in MINIs.

I am about to take possession of a 2012 Cooper (non-S). Very excited by the purchase, but I'd like to know what I am getting myself into.

My own research has shown that the "S" model is much more prone to problems, which is why I chose the Base model.

Consumer Reports says the base model is 19% better than the average (compared to the Honda Civic at 49% better than avg).

Reliability is an important consideration for me, but I am in love with the MINI and it's the only car I wanted - ever.

So I'd really love to hear what people have to say about this version of the Cooper.

I often read people saying that their MINI is full of problems, but many times they do not mention what model they have, so I am never 100% certain.

Thanks for any and all opinions and experiences.

 

Redesigned engine. Don't know if it has all the same problems as before in the R56. And just get one if you want one and live with what comes around.

 

History and forum chatter has definitely shown the Base to be generally more reliable. You're also under warranty, so you'll have four years to evaluate it risk-free. Enjoy the ride!

 

A MINI Cooper (non-S) should be very reliable, it is the 2nd year of the re-fresh so the bugs should be worked out, just remember the "rattles" they will be the most annoying I think, just keep after your dealer to fix them and all will be good!!

My experience so far with Molly and the dealer has been fantastic, ordered her new in Feb. '08, took delivery in April and have only had minor problems. She's just had a 3rd O2 Sensor replaced, there are I think 2 on the car, and the Air Cleaner replaced (MINI calls this something else),in the beginning the Transmission Inter-Lock caused 2 or 3 trips to the dealer, the Sunroof was just re-lubed, numerous rattles were fixed, but there are some still present that are very ellusive, mainly in the area of the sunroof shades.

You can see in my Garage, she has had a transformation for Day One.

All in all I am very happy with Molly, she visits the Dealer every 6mo. for Oil Changes, Cabin Air Filter R&R, and any thing else that I think needs attention, plus I treat her and I to a "MOD", come October it will be Driving Lights!! WOOOO HOOO!! Can't WAIT!!

 

Thanks everyone so far, I appreciate it.

I'd still love to hear many more opinions but I am heartened so far by what people are saying, and I do plan on enjoying this car no matter what.

My biggest concern is I live in VT, where there isn't a single MINI dealer in the entire state. The closest dealer to me is 3 hrs away (and the dealer I am buying from is 5 hrs away!).

I'll admit that it seems kinda stupid to buy a car with no dealer close by, which is why I hope the car is as reliable as possible.

There's a new dealer coming soon in NH that will be 2.5 hrs away, but still. And there's a rumor that a VT dealer is considering becoming a MINI dealer, so there's hope for me yet...

 

Does the 2012 really have a re-designed engine? I thought the changes in the 2012 were mostly cosmetic, but I have not been able to get much info on the 2012, so not sure.

 

Actually I didn't read that it was a non-s so no it does not. The S does. It has valvetronic. The non-s has had it since day one.

 

Thanks for the clarification - appreciate it!

 

Numbersix,
I have had a 2002 Cooper, a 2004 Cooper and I currently drive a 2006 Cooper S. My lovely wife drive a 2009 Cooper Convertible. I have been trouble free in all 4. I am a big believer in preventive maintenance, for I am a ex VW mechanic. My Ford E250 has almost 207,000 miles on it and it runs like a top. If you take care of a vehicle it will take care of you. I change toe oil in all of my MINI's @ 5,000, much earlier than recommended. I am originally from Charleston WV, where they don't have a dealership and have known people that have purchased MINI's in Charlotte NC which is where I have lived for 17 years. They drive 4 hours to have their vehicles serviced @ Hendrick Mini, that is how bad they love them. You can't go wrong with a mini, you will love it.

 

Well... I just found out that to use the warranty you have to go to a Mini dealer... I guess I assumed that BMW would be able to service it but no... Guess I can't complain to you though since my dealership is only 50 miles away.

I have a 2007 cooper S and just bought it in Dec and I'm already heading to the dealership because of a check engine light. Don't get me wrong. I love my car! It is sooo fun to drive I just get the feeling that maintaining this is going to be very expensive.

 

The s got the new engine in 2011, picked up about 10 HP. And my S has proven to be the best new car I've ever owned. Build quality is excellant, only complaint is the Cosmoline peeing in hot weather and you're gonna get that in a non s also. And I bought mine at Hendrick and love those folks, a great dealer

 

well.. I got 2011 with that new engine.. and 3 days after having my new car I got engine light (400 miles on clock).. that was a 200 miles round trip to closest dealer.. btw. it is 2011 MCS.

Next... got my sunroof sticked together during hot weather.. then weeping water nozzles, then AC noise..

Now I have strange clutch noise... got my car on April 21st, 2011... 3 months later I have been already 2 times to dealer.. 400 miles extra in brand new car just to fix it. I love it.. but I wish I went with non S model at this point.. cause I think there will be much more to fix in near future..

 

You'll hear widely varying stories about MINI reliability. I sometimes think that Forums aren't the best place to get a balanced opinion, since a lot of folks post just because they're having problems and need a quick answer.

That said, I'll add my comments to the ones above praising my MINI's reliability - so far, anyway! I got it on December 21 of '09, and currently have around 11,000 miles on it. I've had zero problems. Nada. I changed the oil at 5,000, then the dealer changed it again at 6,000 during the 12-month free service. Oops, but I feel confident about the oil! I drive pretty moderately, but still enjoy a good blast when conditions permit.

Anyway, enjoy your MINI!

Spridget

 

Thanks everyone, I've been reading every single post and I am grateful for the replies. I hope more people continue to comment.

cub4bearindiana: I feel your pain. I hope you have better luck in the future. I've read "S" owners saying they've had few to no problems with their S model, so here's hoping your problems are not going to be ongoing.

I am curious about your checkerboard decals on the Pana-roof. How is the visibility through those? Does it provide a little shade or perhaps too much? And do they interfere with the functioning?

I can just see the Union Jack on mine...

 

Nice to know I'm not the only one with a long drive to the dealer - thanks.

 

I got PERFORATED decal... so it lets sun go thru... not a lot.. just little.. I like it that way!

 

No matter what anyone here says, the MINI brand itself has never, ever rated high in the reliability department on any major reports out there. This is not being negative or mean or unruly; it's simple reality. I feel that honesty is the best policy, so I'm just being honest since I always appreciate the same. I've personally had many problems with my 2010 Clubman S, though luckily no major mechanical failures yet. Others here have had none, and you might not have any...but don't go in thinking that MINI is like Honda.

Some people get lucky -- I hope that you are one of the lucky folks that gets a good one! I'm gonna say that yours will be a good one.

 

Me too fer sure!

 

I appreciate the honesty quite a bit. Everything you say here is pretty much what I've discovered as well.

Funny thing is, we've owned Hondas for the past 30 years, and they've all been good, but our latest (CRV) has been only average. The front end has had numerous problems and repairs, and the locks on all of the doors have never been right.

So even the most reliable cars can be a headache. Anyway - I appreciate the good vibes being sent!

 

Hi!
Where in Vermont do you hail from? I am n the NEK and last I heard I need to drive to Albany NY or near Mass. for a dealership. No problem as I've picked my Cooper up in Hooksett NH. Which was a 3 1/2hr drive for me. The car is worth it IMO.

Where did you hear of a VT dealership? Burlington? Good luck to you on your Mini!

Gerry
Coventry VT

 

Greetings fellow Vermonter.

I am in central VT, Washington Co. I know that there is a MINI dealer coming to southern NH end of August. That will be a 2.5 hr drive. Far, but tolerable for now.

I heard that The Automaster in Colchester is considering becoming a MINI dealer. They're already a BMW dealer, so I am hopeful they will do it.

I plan on writing them to encourage that decision. I hope every MINI driver in VT will do the same!

 

My 07 justacooper required a new rear oil seal, clutch, and catalytic converter under warranty. In hindsight I probably should have waited until the 08 to give them a little more time to work out the bugs.

At 42k, everything appears to be running well.

 

2002 MINI Cooper S with 106,000 km (66,250miles)

So far replaced since I bought it used in 2007:

- O2 sensor. Pre-cat sensor was bad, but wasn't affecting performance.

- Four disks and pads

- Shifter cable - Broke while shifting into 5th gear. Had been giving signs of weakness by squeaking in the months prior to it letting go.

- Steering pump and fan - Steering pump did not fail but was whining a lot, so I replaced it. It would have eventually conked out.

- Belt tensioner. Wasn't even aware that it was broken until I had my 15 % supercharger pulley installed. No noise and no performance decrease because of it (weird).

Also, I have a clunking sound in the steering column when I begin to turn either right or left. Was told by dealership that its either the upper or lower steering column. I asked them if it was a safety issue. They said no. Meh... doesn't bother me... so it keeps on clunking.

The boot window leaks a little once in a while. The car fails to start sometimes first thing in the morning, but fires right up on second try. Almost lost the hood scoop: the glue holding it onto the hood screws had failed (fixed with crazy glue). I have rattle that seems to be to be coming from the passenger side muffler pod: exterior examination of rear suspension / wheel / exhaust cannot find anything wrong. I believe it could be the baffles inside the muffler starting to rot (rust) out. If it goes I'll have a good excuse to install a performance exhaust system. Double

So you be the judge...

 

They say hindsight is always 20-20, but it appears that the 07 and above models were more reliable, so you might be good from here on in.

Good luck!

 

From the beginning I was prepared for the added cost of repairs. My 2005 had 69,000 when I bought it.
It's had new front axle seal and new valve cover gasket, at 69,021.
Oil pan gasket, spark plugs&wires, two new tires, at 69,406
Power steering return hose, p.s. fluid, at 70,420
Timing cover gasket, front crank seal, oil pump "O" ring, at 70,584
right front door lock, oil pan gasket (another one of three oil pan gaskets which fell under shops warranty) at 71,000.
I'll keep on doing and checking but when someone tells me they're after a used MINI, I tell them an extended warranty is a good idea.
I love my MINI.