True, our MINI's aren't Civic's, Corolla's, Accord's, or Camry's.

This is a blessing from a driving and enjoyment standpoint, but a curse when you realize that oil changes and minor maintenance alone aren't going to allow the average MINI to reach 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat (or their owners wallet) like the cars listed above.

Yes, the MINI is a "premium" small car engineered by the wizards at BMW, and a lot of thorough and thoughtful engineering went into this car, but it's assembled by the same people (Brits) who introduced the world to Lucas electrics.

That being said, I present you with this...

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=72

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...=10069&page=13

See? As much development that went into the Toyobaru by two of arguably the most reliable brands out there (Toyota and Subaru) still doesn't mean that a car is without its faults. The hype surrounding its introduction, its performance, its price, etc. was, and is, astounding. This car is revitalizing automotive enthusiasts hopes and dreams in ways that the Miata did over 20 years ago. And yet... Some have broken already. Some massively.

Realize, fellow MINI bretheren, that ALL car manufacturers have dealership networks that have service departments because products do break, wear, or fail. Some before the customer feels it should. Yes, even Lexus has service bays with technicians who, as I type, are cursing the car as the biggest P.O.S ever created.

I posted this to allow everyone to take a collective <sigh> and enjoy the fact that a modern car is still infinitely more reliable that a counterpart of 30 years ago, even with the increased complexity and conveniences we expect from our cars. We should be grateful of that.

Could MINI improve upon things? Sure. And in many cases they have. It may take them 3 years longer than the Japanese, but it gets done (stubborn German pride perhaps?)

So drive more. Worry less. Happy motoring!

 

Wow. I skimmed through those Scion/Subaru problems. Some say to never buy the first year of a new model. This proves why.

 

Yup, they are having some really bad birthing pains.

 

A lot of times when you get a car that was developed in "joint colaboration", you wind up with a vehicle that has a higher frequency of issues than a car developed fully in house. Subaru wanted to develop this car, but didn't have the resources, hence where Toyota came in. I'm sure they worked together, but not to the extent that engineers/designers do when they're all from the same company.

I think it's a bit overstating to say the Toyobaru is revitilizing dreams the way the Miata did. There are already cars like it on the market, such as the Hyundai Genesis coupe. It was well hyped, because Toyota hasn't had a RWD sports car in many years, and Subaru...well, never. But I don't think it's revolutionary like the Miata was.

Also, I suspect that some of the issues being seen with the Subarota may have something to do with "driving style" of the owners. The car is marketed to a certain crowd, and they don't take them on Sunday drives...