so my GF is looking at getting a mini, but i was reading on VWVortex.com(i know not minicooper related but it came up) in they talked about some of the problems so i found this site, and i didnt kno they had so many issues. I know all cars have issues. so my question is have they fixed the issues? i didnt read all 30 pages of the stickies. if not what years are better than other? thanx in advance

 

definitely later models are better then earlier ones. i know that on 05's and up they have fixed most manufacture related issues such as the newer thermostat gaskets, and the ducting for the PS fan, etc. so id go with later model ones for sure. im no expert on this kinda stuff but from what ive read so far, this seems to be true.

 

well im mostly worried about the strut mounts, if they get mushroomed or cracked will they be repaired under warrenty?

 

Probably not, but is an easy diy fix , and costs very little. Search mushrooming on this site.

Mark

 

It's true, MINI's have all sorts of problems. Most are minor, some are just annoying, and every so often, something bigger happens, like all cars.

MINI enthusiasts like to talk, most people complain about problems like squeaks, squeals, easily scuffed interior plastics, panels coming loose. Are these problems? Maybe, depends on what your expectations are.

Nearly all of the problems I've had were fixed under warranty. This is on both of my MINIs. One that I purchased new from a dealer and another that I purchased used as a one year old MINI from a private party. Some of these problems were peeling leather on the steering wheel, boot latch that rattled, tranny failed on my 2003 MC.

As a current owner, and one that is planning on buying two more new MINIs, a clubman and a convertible, none of these past problems will dissuade me from continuing to purchase more MINIs. Actually the one thing that has been holding me back are the design changes from the R53 to the R56 and that's just my own opinion.

Of the first generation MINIs the 2005 or 2006 hard tops were mostly problem free, course the convertibles kept the same 1st gen body style until 2009 (i think) so those should be even less trouble.

I can't comment on 2007+ (R56 models) since I don't own one yet.

If the potential problems scare you, and you are one of those types of people that worry you might have future problems because you read about them on a forum, then it's probably best that you DON'T get a MINI. On the otherhand, if owning one of the most affordable and best handling cars out there with personality and a strong community following interests you, then don't worry.

Richard

 

Yea this is is a non problem. Never have seen strut mounts cracked, mushroomed, yes, but like lotsie said, easy fix. They make upper plates and then you can add lower camber plates for a bullet proof setup. One thing I do recommend is if she is looking, stay away from early Cooper only automatics. The CVT was a disaster.

 

Many of the problems discussed here are actually kinda rare...magnified by the width and breath of the community. The fact that many MINI owners are first-ish time car owners, or first time high performance car owners that think a MINI is an English HONDA (baby BMW with all that it entails is more like it in all honesty IMO) and don't have a lot of experience does not help. (boy...here come the flames..I feel the heat now....but how many the "red add oil light came on threads" do we have? ).
I'm not trying to make fun of anybody...I respect the hell out of them, this car has inspired many to buy it....I love mine, and anybody with one I think we all share a Motoring bond of sorts...and I'm glad to be of help!! Also a lot of MINI stuff is sorta non-standard and unique, and a lot of garages till recently would try to change the oil, and get confused at not having an oil filter canister, etc....so what is logical on another car might not help on a MINI...So people come here for help. And we talk lots about it. VW has tons of threads on things like finding special VW approved OILS (they have 3 separate specialmotor oils that MUST be used ((Which one depends on the model)), above and beyond the API rating scale last time I looked, depending on the year, TDI or not etc)....all cars have quirks...the more you know them, the more fun it is for the car lovers here....it is a quest for knowledge..life long knowledge, rather than a real need for some.
I would second the stay away from CVT's IMO....unless it is free and you have $6000 to spend on a tranny plus install every 50,000 or so miles......
MINI's are great cars....great fun....Motoringfile.com has a great buyers guide on what to look for in used MINI's...year by year, model by model, what is fixed, what to keep an eye out for etc. A good read!!

 

I had the power steering pump & pump motor replaced under warranty @ 40kmi.

The mini service guy said this is a VERY common problem. He told me that everyone at the dealership with a mini changes their steering fluid once every 2 years as a precautionary measure. He didn't claim this is a solution but there's not much else you can do to take car of the power steering system.
I'm not even sure both the pump and motor were really bad on mine. It was just getting a little noise and the dealership replaced them both under warranty.

That's the only "common" problem I've heard of. I also had the thermostat fail around 50k mi which is odd but not a big deal.

Honestly though this car is so wonderful that I can't think of a repair bill I wouldn't be willing to pay to keep driving it.
If don't care about style or enjoying your drive Don't buy a mini. If you just want problem free driving buy a Honda or Toyota. If cost is the issue buy GM or Ford.
(From past experience i don't recommend Mazda, or Nissian. Not fun to drive or reliable)
EDIT: I Had to take Chrysler of my do not buy list I forgot my mom's PT Cruiser was super reliable, practical and surprisingly fun.

 

I've owned two Minis now and, based on that admittedly limited sample set, I wouldn't advise any of my friends to buy one unless it had a warranty.

Conversely, I wouldn't have any qualms about buying a properly maintained out-of-warranty Honda or Toyota, again based on personal experiences with admittedly limited sample sets.

 

A great place to read about all the issues these great cars sometimes have is the buyer's guide at www.motoringfile.com It's on the right side of the page toward the top. They have guides for both generations of cars.

 

My 2009 JCW is about to hit 10,000 miles. No problems at all.
Ronnie948

 

thanx for all the info guys and gals(if there is any), i know all cars have thier problems, like my 04 gti the coil packs and MAF sensors go out, but she likes em and i do too, when i got my car it was between the gti and MCS. we'll just have to look around and make sure to get one with a warrenty, and check on the other little issues before she buys one, thanx again