Hello guys,

I just sold my E46 M3 yesterday and looking for something small

good on gas and fun to drive so, Cooper S / GTi

anybody who was on same boat ??

what makes you choose R56 over Gti ??

any common problem on R56 ??

 

Hey, glad to hear that you may be joining the group.

I joined just a week back. I also had the GTi in mind, but never got around to test driving it. I fell in love with the MCS even before the test drive. It's small, fun, peppy, and it really sticks to the road. Reviews from my cousins say that the GTi feels underpowered and was a let down, but I have no experience of my own to back it up.

 

It’s funny; I was looking at the same two cars when shopping for a new ride for the wife. It really boils down to who you are. We ended up with the standard MINI; the wife wanted better fuel economy. We were in Europe at the time with $6.00/gal gas. The MINI fits my wife like a glove despite its quirky controls and much smaller interior. The wife loves going around corners doing 45 MPH, and I really enjoy driving it too. However, the seats could use an adjustable lumbar support, and the MINI isn’t the best on long trips! Both cars will get you the fuel economy you are looking for. We have been very pleased with warranty and ultimate service plan. The following parts have been replaced under warranty: (1) transmission (manual) due to a bad syncro, (2) rear swaybar bushings, (3) catalytic converter & (4) rear wiper motor (washer jet broke off). If you are buying used, run the VIN through a local dealer’s service department to get an idea if all the maintenance and service campaigns have been accomplished.

 

Had a 2010 GTI, have a 2011 Cooper S. Love the MINI more, it's just plain fun.

 

2 weeks ago, replaced E46 with MCS. Same thinking as you. Better fuel economy while still fun to drive. Only a few weeks in and I absolutely love it so far.

 

buy mine!

 

Only if it has a warranty. If you're lucky and get one with no problems, you'll be good to go. But if you happen to grab one that is problem stricken, you can easily blow up to $4k in a month on repairs. There really seems to be no grey area with these cars, it's either really good or really bad. My advice is only grab it if you have a warranty, or if you can afford the extended 6 year/100k mile warranty.

 

I think this view is somewhat skewed. This can happen with any car. I doubt there are any more unhappy Mini customers as there are Kia or whatever customers. I think your comment is not entirely accurate nor representative of the Mini line as a whole.

But it's always nice to purchase a car with a factory warranty. There are many aftermarket warranty companies that you can employ for the service.

Pat

 

Well, I would have to agree to get a factory warranty for at least a little bit. You will want service records on the "S" models, because of oil sludging in the turbo's being the kiss of death for them. If you can see the turbo oil cooler line has turned blue, I would stay away. Also, make sure you try all the functions of the radio before buying. The radios are starting to become a problem on the 09-10MYs. They will pop, or not eject CD's or several other things. Obiously check the normal things, abnormal noise from the engine... could be timing chain problems. If its an 07-08 has it had the new intake? I would try to get all the service records you possibly could, so you could make an educated decision.
On the driving side, the R56, in my opinion is much more fun to drive. I like the GTI, but it doesn't seem as 'Sporty' in the suspension as the MINI, and didn't seem to have the same throttle response. Plus, VW has very little factory support for performance parts whereas MINI offers a slew of JCW parts.
Just my opinions...
Happy Hunting

 

Don't do it. Not worth the lousy reliability that comes along with ownership.

 

See post 8

 

I completely (and respectfully) disagree. My car has by miles and miles been the least reliable car anyone in my whole extended family has ever owned. And unfortunately, my experience with the MINI is not an uncommon one.

 

We'll that may be your experience and I certainly sympathize with you! But to paint the entire Mini brand in the broad brush that you seem to be painting them in is not entirely fair. I don't think that your experience is typical of the Mini brand overall.

The growth of the brand and the loyalty of the brand proves in my mind that your experience is not that of MOST Mini owners. Sorry that you had a bad experience. Do you still own your car? If so maybe you should sell it. You obviously would be much happier.

In the meantime I am going to enjoy my cars and Motor On!!

Regards.

Pat

 

+1

I also loved the car when i first got it and still love driving it. I dont like all of the annoying issues and i like the dealership even less. The service dept is terrible. Been waiting for a call back on my ordered under warranty hood scoop replacement since may. I bought new rims and tires for the car with plans of keeping it when the mini select lease was up, but now im looking forward to giving it back. And the included service is not really that robust. After almost 3 years they still claim the car doesnt need an alignment. Now that the 3 years are up, i bet you it needs an alignment. Its not worth dealing with mini service.