I think the above exemplifies much of our frustration. I've wondered at times if we blow the problems out of proportion by being on an Internet list that makes it so easy share problems, both large and small. When I was considering the Honda Civic SI coupe before the MINI, and perused their list, I found similar woes concerning quality and quirks. That said, I'm not sure that they are as various and frequent as those in the MINI. I really want to be proud of my car, but I don't want to spend my time dealing with keeping it on the road.
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I'm sorry you are having problems. I bet the dealer will fix them with no problems. Cars have problems sometimes. It sucks but it's true.

 

I would gladly trade problems with you

I could live with BRG if you could live with Pepper white

 

Ignore this post. Look below.

 

Very true. Yes we shouldnt pay money for any car and be ok with it when it has problems. Although we also need to remember that we are buying mass produced vehicles, not ferraris, lambos, etc. that are mostly hand built. Anything mass produced is up for minor/major defects, that is the reason for warranties.

 

The dealer called today to tell me that my car was completed and ready to go. Service didnt seem to have any knowledge that I wouldnt be back until thursday, although I told the manager specifically before I departed. No matter, they didnt seem to have a problem with it. My 07 Chili Red Cooper loaner made the trip to Cape Cod comfortably and worry-free. It does make some rather unnerving rattling but I drowned that out with some driving music . Hopefully all is well when I pick it up on Thursday. We shall see.

 

Hope everything goes smoothly (pun intended).

 

I hope the loaner makes it back home. It has been making some rather disturbing tapping from the engine and an odd whistling noise.

 

this has absolutely nothing to do with your post, but +1 for having Eisley on your mypace

you rock, good luck with your car

 

Thanks...

 

Not to mention a French engine (no wonder it's in backwards) which is sometimes made in China.

 

On the one hand, all the problems you listed, while annoying, are minor. On the other hand, they are all things the dealer should have noticed and corrected before you took delivery. Does your wife have a similar opinion of you, as you seem to of her. If so, she's probably (secretly?) amused by the problems.

 

I just wanted to say that I hope it all works out for you...

However, these little quibbles are what you typically have in the first year of a new model!

 

Read the entire thread before making dumb replies about my boyfriend. He doesnt really like the car anymore either. I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of the car if these quirks persist. In my mind, I want to like it, and Im trying.

 

I did read the whole thread, as it existed, before I posted. So?

 

"Does your wife have a similar opinion of you, as you seem to of her. If so, she's probably (secretly?) amused by the problems."

I didnt see this comment as funny or neccessary, as I clearly had stated that my boyfriend and I jokingly use the ball and chain term for each other. He didnt like the car from the get-go.

 

That must have been after I posted. It wasn't intended to be funny.

 

Mike ...

To be serious here, I hope you did some research on MINIs before buying one. Their track record for reliability, IMO, is not stellar. This is not Toyota or a Honda. OTH, many people love them for what they are ... a great handling car for the price and so you can put up with a lot for the pleasure

It sounds like you really want regular reliable transporation. A MINI might not be the right choice. However ... everything you mention, as others have said, are relatively minor items. I agree that they should NEVER occur but they tend to go with the marque.

If you can live with the minor quirks, you will have fun with the car. Read some of the complaints of people who have had serious issues, and then you will understand. If you can't live with the "quirks", then you will dump the car. To each their own

BTW, I love the Cape. Hope you had a good time!

 

I know the feeling. My MINI is the first car with which I have felt compelled to buy an extended warranty. The warranty has more than paid for itself during its first year. I probably won't find another extended warranty that can get me out to year 12 of the car, so I may have to buy a new one in 2010.

 

Im either lemon-lawing the car or selling it asap.

Its parked in front of my house, and Im driving a borrowed Buick because I cannot take this noise anymore! 1200 miles now, and my transmission has begun to make a funny whine in 3rd gear as well. This car is rubbish!

The dealer had my car for an entire week and returned it to me with the problem unfixed and with what appears to be a sanded spot on my hood about 6 inches by three inches in length! It was also absolutely filthy!

 

Before you sell, go to www.lemonlaw.com. For free they will advise you regarding your best course of action. If you choose to engage one of their attorneys it will not cost you but will cost the dealer or BMW depending on the specific circumstances. Once you sell your car, you may no longer have a valid claim against the offending party.

 

See below - double post

 

If you think the MINI is supposed to be a premium product from BMW...yikes.

 

Angry?

So, the guy can't be vocal about his disapointment with his new car... he should look it up and have realized that he was purchasing a "quirky" little car with quirky little issues, not a boring reliable vehicle. Or in simpler terms buyer beware?

Then there's the PC attacks about the ball and chain - guess it was a shock when you all found out Mike was talking about his boyfreind. Ooops! LOL

Lastly is the guy with 15K+ posts, appoligist extodinare. One wonders how he has the time to post so frequently for a car which has only been around since 2001. Hmmmm.

If you buy a car you expect it to work - mass produced or hand built. The reason for buying a PREMIUM product from a prestigious name like BMW is NOT because the car won't have problems, but because THEY are SUPPOSED to look after you when problems DO crop up. That's the whole freaking point (to state what should be obvious!). Why else pay a premium?

If you love your MINI, then great. If you love MINI/BMW, goodie. But don't try and suggest folks who are less than satisfied should go elsewhere. Why not suggest BMW should fix the damn car? Do you realize how backward you sound? Blame the customer for (false?) expectations, not the manufacturer or dealer. Sheesh!

Frustraed? Absolutely! Angry... at times. Do I like my MINI? When it works. Do I think MINI/BMW are a great bunch to deal with - HELL NO!

 

nm