I will first wait to see what the regional manager has to say. If they did indeed fix the car properly this time, then I will take the coupe back with an extended warranty (and I think they should reimburse me for the first 2 car payments.) But I am going to make it clear that if I take the coupe and it has one more mechanical issue, then I will have the right to walk away no questions asked. Seems fair to me. Maybe I will see if they want to throw in some Mini swag as well

 

This is the sort of reasonable request they may be able to honor. Perhaps they'd cover the payments pro-rated to the amount of time the car has been in the shop.

This isn't reasonable. They're not going to write you a blank check to hand you back your money "no questions asked" for "one more mechanical issue". That would be the same as they essentially agreeing to lemon the car, and you've months away from this.

- Mark

 

@markjenn,
You are probably correct in that they aren't going to write a blank check. However, it is not unreasonable to say that if a mechanical issue can be tied to the original issue or a downstream issue caused by the tech in the attempt to repair the issue, then it is cause for a buy back. I didn't mean to make it sound that if my brake line has issues then the car is a lemon.

 

Just got off the phone with my MA. He and 2 regional managers discussed the issue this morning. They have put both options on the table, dealer buy back or keep the coupe with an extended warranty. The techs swear that the DME(?) was the cause. Something in the computer programming/control board was telling the turbo charger to keep the value open and letting in too much air. I will probably keep the coupe w/extended warranty and see how it runs (going to run it by the wife.) My MA did say that if it happens again then they will definately do a buy back with no questions asked so no reason to give up on the car just yet. Looks like I will continue to be a coupe owner. SWEET. Now if spring would just hurry up some we can do some serious motoring. HAPPY DAYS.

 

Just wanted to give a thanks to everybody who has followed this coupe saga, gave their input and their support. Once again, the MINI community does not disappoint. I guess Jack S. was just doing it's part to live up to the name. Hopefully everybody has a safe and happy holiday season. I will finally be able to post some pictures of Jack once I get some decent weather.

 

I think you made the right decision and I hope the car is fixed. They're good cars, just subject to more teething issues than is typical these days.

Best of luck.

- Mark

 

Well, I hope you finally get to enjoy your new car!

 

Needless to say, but I will anyway:

Get it ALL in writing.

Oh, and *crossing fingers* no more issues for you

 

Nice Christmas present!

 

tcassa, glad to hear it looks to be a positive outcome. Been following all along and hoping for the best. Go do some long over due motoring now!

 

This sounds like a very fair outcome and I'm glad to hear that MINI stepped up to the plate. As long as they're guaranteeing you a buy back of the problem resurfaces, I think keeping the car is a good choice. As TheGeekGuy said, get it all in writing, including the mileage charge if you eventually have to take the buy back option. Also try to get them to agree to the most liberal language you can get as to the conditions under which they will buy it back (i.e. does the buy back depend on only the original problem resurfacing or would some other issue trigger the buy back). Glad it all worked out for you. Now, GET MOTORING!

 

Well, thats great news. I know its been a bad month but I have to tell you my Minis been the most fun car I've ever owned. I'm sure it'll be the same with you and your coupe. Believe it or not a Mini can be a trouble free car, at least mine has been for the past 13 months.

 

Good deal. I've read many many threads about problem cars and dealerships and from the sound of this one the SLC dealership gets TheBigNewt seal of approval.

 

I'm happy to hear it's all working out for you. I hope you have many years of Motoring enjoyment.

The car really is fun and drives like a dream!!

Regards,

Pat

 

I love happy endings

Good luck to you sir.

 

Guess all is good so far?

 

They should monitor the data or hook it up to a voltage meter to see if any fluxuations to see if its a software issue. Also checking wiring chaffing that can cause grounding issues.

 

Well, it would certainly deter me from buying the car off you. And, I must admit, this entire thread make me seriously reconsider my desire to own one of these coupes.

I hope this works out for you. Please post updates. At the rate you were going, you should know if the problem has been fixed after just a few days of driving. Good luck!!

 

His problem was an issue that could have happened with any model, his just happened to be a Coupe.

 

Well said James.Q

 

@Anitan1,
Please do not let this thread or the issues that I have been having impact your decision to purchase either the coupe or a Mini in general. Yes, they can be quirky little cars but I still think the benefits and enjoyment received from driving them far out weigh the potenial issues. I have owned a Mini since 2004 and this is the first time I have had even the slightest issue.

As an update, since they replaced the DCE control module and reprogrammed the computer the coupe has been running beautifully. I am more confident in the car with each passing day. I still glance over now and then expecting to see that CEL but it has remained off. I am happy with my decision to retain ownership of my coupe and have been enjoying two weeks of problem-free motoring.

 

Good to hear. Now update your sig. 8^p

 

Thanks tcassa. My post was mostly rhetorical in nature. I just picked up my third Mini on Monday ('09 fJCW), so I get the quirks and idiosyncrasies of MINI ownership. Sadly, I'd argue that much of your problem may have been avoided had the dealership been more reliable. There's no reason why they couldn't have diagnosed the problem correctly the first time around, if they had looked for it with the same amount of diligence that they used after you became frustrated to the point of wanting to return the vehicle...

I'm certainly glad to hear that the issue is apparently fixed...
Happy Motoring..

 

Tim, glad to hear about your car!!!!! Motor on!

 

Very glad to hear that MINI stepped up with the right response to give you some confidence in them, and even moreso that your Coupé is just back to running strong. Here's to many, many trouble-free miles ahead!