OP - I dont blame you at all. Mine was a stock 2011 MCS and had nothing but hell with it. Three weeks into ownership it was in the shop. I finally said enough is enough when in Dec 2011 I heard the beginnings of the death rattle with only 13k on it. Before people start claiming I needed to check the oil, I changed it every 5k and checked it every weekend.

The fact of the matter is MINIs have way to many issues that are just unacceptable IMO. Some of these issues should have been resolved years ago and implemented into production before the owner ever gets the car. Comparing these to Ferrari and Porsche is not a very good analogy either. Those cars are not built to put thousands of miles on them a year.

 

To the OP....check the car and driver review of the 2012 CRV. From memory they were happy with NVH but the mechanicals are unchanged which seemed to disappoint them a little. Good luck with whatever you buy. It's your hard earned dollars doing the voting.

 

I wasn't putting down all Mini's, although it appears I was. Just mine. I can't speak for everyone elses. The CR-V is for my child, not for spirited driving. My mini was a rattle trap, and my wife's is too. I am just speaking from experience.

 

Hey, the single statement that you just didn't love the MINI says it all. It isn't for everybody; in fact it's probably one of those that isn't for everybody more than most other makes and models. What's enjoyable to drive for you is surely different than what's enjoyable for me and for the guy down the street. Some want a go-kart with doors, some want to laze back in the plush surroundings of a '60 Cadillac. Most are somewhere in between ... nothin' wrong with that.

Good luck with the CR-V and the expanding family.

 

Thanks and sorry if I offended anyone. My wife's non S has been a great Mini, without issues and we love it. Still rattles, but with about 40 mpg, I can deal with it.

 

No need for fear of offence IMO. It simply doesn't fit your and your family's needs anymore as your priorities clearly shifted. You had problems and I imagine with your expanding family money is probably better spent on them. Bummer you had to sell and you had such a negative experience - some do, some don't. Personally, Cary has been trouble-free and regardless, I have so much doggoned fun, I plan on driving him until he falls apart down to the chassis! Can't imagine ever letting him go. Sorry to see you go.

 

I think the greater question is are you selling your parts?!

 

I know the feeling, My mini is the only car i ever owned that needed major transmission work.The car was pampered and never beat on.Mines had alot of problems in the past year and now it's just sitting i barely drive it anymore.Once i get the trans fixed Im going to get rid of mine. I always have the idea of what's going to happen next in the back of my mind anytime i drive it. Sadly i trust my 02 corolla with a ton of miles on it more than a car with 60K.

 

I sold my 02 Mini in 2005 when my kids were getting to big to fit in there. I bought a 2005 Land Rover LR3 and used it as a family hauler. It was great for the kids early years. Now My kids are getting older and will be driving soon. And I got back into a Mini. My experience with the LR was way worse then my experience with my Mini! But then again I am tough on vehicles.
I wish you the best with your familymobile and your expanding family.

 

every car will have its lemons or faulty cars, ive owned a handfull of bmws and now have the 2011 mcs that i love and has zero problems, sure its rough on the ride but you can fix that with getting good adjustible coilovers, i would invest in that and none run flats and that would fix the daily ride comfort issue.

 

FYI Suzuki in now owned by VW so i think its a small step above MINI quality and theres minis on here with 200+k miles sooo.......

What I have learned on this forum is 1. Keep a mini well maintained and it will run forever (yes some more expensive routine maintenance is needed, but that goes for any car)

and 2. Don't trust most dealerships with the maintenance if you want piece of mind.

If you get MINI, you dont mind the cost/repairs, if you have a problem with those aspects then you do not fully understand MINI.

It's a love and a lifestyle lmao

 

The '05 LR3 is a terrific family hauler, except we are getting like 14/14 mpg! We bought it a few months before we had twins who are now about a year.

I personally drove a '05 Taurus before my MCS, and after taking kids in and out of the back seat of a sedan, I firmly believe that the Mini is MORE accessible. It may be a two door, but, getting little ones from the front versus the side while hunched over is an upgrade.

 

No offense taken here. Remember, they're just cars. We've got a CRV and a Mini and both are great. No problems with either of them. Best of luck to you with both cars and the family.

 

For Me, living in New England, My 2007 MCS is a great second car. Just like I think my Range Rover is a great second car. together, they add up to a great car.

 

I'm happy with my 07 MCS, my 1999 Mazda B3000 Troy Lee PU, and my 1996 Harley Custom chopper. The three add up to fun, fun, and more fun.

 

" Just Cars ". Anyone that buys a Mini is special type car owner. The car is more than a toaster or just an appliance. Just car buyers go directly to Nissan,Honda, etc, and they want 90% function, 10% form. Mini buyers are looking for at least 50/50 form/function. I would be willing to bet most Mini owners subscribe to one or more car magazines. There is a degree of automobile passion in owning a Mini. My $.02 worth.