Well, as much as I love the Mini chassis, styling, uniqueness, etc, I have no confidence in the long term reliability of the this product. I purchased a 03MCS in March03 and after 27,000 highway and sunday autox events.....here's the tally:

Ongoing headlight autoleveling problems ( 4 attempts to fix) resulting in a replacement of the passenger side unit last week due to broken mounting stubs - warranty item (wouldn't want this out of pocket)

Cracked and burnt clutch plate and flywheel - warranty item after small battle (definetly wouldn't want this out of pocket)

Breather hose collapsing making squeeling noice - warranty (needed to remove intercooler to replace - wouldn't want to deal with this myself)

Drivers side sunvisor seam split open - warranty - replaced once with wrong visor from a sunroom equiped car-shorter so needed another service visit. (no biggy)

Ebrake boot torn from getting caught in mechanism - warranty (no biggy)

Belt squeal coming from engine all the time - replaced engine belt under warranty (definetly wouldn't want this out of pocket)

While the clutch is the only major mechanical issue, the pain of getting service 1.5 hours from home as well as all the constant, what's next minor, irratating issues, all within the 1st 10 months and realizing that with the amount of highway miles I drive the Mini, it will be out of warranty by end 04, I can not or will not worry about what I'd have to replace once the warranty expires. It's a damn shame that Honda didn't build the motor for them but in the end, the build quality and long term reliability are sub-standard, even as a $23,000 car. With that said, the Koni SA's are coming off, the custom Helix exhaust is coming off and AK Tire wheels and two sets of Kumho's are all on the block for resale. Anxiously looking forward to the the end of winter and my EVO.

 

I can understand that these kind of issues just wear you down after awhile, especially if long trips to the dealer compound the problem. Better luck with your next vehical! Looking into anything special???

_________________
'03 IB/W Cooper

 

sorry to say - but apart from the flaky clutch, I wouldn't consider the rest of the part failures to be an actual problem. Bring it in, Warranty goes to work, and you're on your way.
:???:

 

>>sorry to say - but apart from the flaky clutch, I wouldn't consider the rest of the part failures to be an actual problem. Bring it in, Warranty goes to work, and you're on your way.
>> :???:

How much would a faulty Xenon HID lamp assembly cost out of warranty? Don't know but I'm sure it ain't cheap

How much to replace the belt and readjust? If really handy yourself, not much but while I can handle basic stuff, I'd be stepping in unchartered waters having to remove who knows what to get at it.

I also forgot to mention the straw that finally broke the camels back....after having the car schedule for the above mentioned items, on the way home one night, 5 days prior to my appointment, while motoring along the countryside in 4th gear, the engine light came on and the car started running on 3 cyclinders. I pulled over with the car running still, checked for a loose plug/dist wire, none seemed loose. Turned her off and restarted and problems was gone. The tech found the fault history, #4 cyclinder not firing but could not identify the cause.

Those and the clutch are the only big issues, others are minor. Each in and of themselves are not too terrible but in the grand scheme, it does lend to doubting the longeveity. I'm not trying to bash Mini, I love the car, but I've factored in regular car payments in my budget because I like driving and buying new cars every couple years and I don't want to be bothered with having to worry about and fix problems. I've owned 6 new cars, one used and a new motorcycle in the past 18 years and have only kept one until it was paid off.....that was my first new one, an 86 Dodge Colt which by the way had 97,000 miles when I sold it right after payoff without one problem, major or minor despite sub standard service on my part.

I'm taking allot of flack from my wife on this one, since it's only been 10 months instead of my usual 24 or so before my eyes begin searching for a new love, but it's time to move on for me...although my kids like the EVO upgrade.

So, what's next? 03 Lancer Evolution

 

Just popped over to a Lancer Evolution forum. I noticed posts for engine belt issues, cold weather sluggish engine/transmission bogs, suspension "clunk", piston problems after 2000 miles, tranny issues, throttle problems, rear differential clicking and ECU issues. I'm not saying the Lancer is a bad car. I'm not saying that the MINI Cooper is better. Just that every car can and does have it's own issues. Sorry to hear about your MINI problems. I admit its not convienent when the dealer is far away. Good luck with your new car, whatever it is! :smile:

 

How much for the tires/ wheels? What size? I'm in the market.

 

Sorry for your problems. I wouldn't classify the quality of the vehicle as sub par in general terms. It is obvious that your car has problems that are outside of the norm, which will always happen with manufactured automobiles. There are plenty of stories of Honda engines blowing up with only 5,000 miles on them. In general most people do not have the number of problems that you have encountered, so it isn't fair to classify the car as having sub standard build quality. I know people who have troubles with their EVOs but this doesn't necessarily mean the EVO's are a poor quality car, although it is an economy sedan with a big engine, drivetrain and some extra suspension parts.

With all that said, I would probably be worried about my car if it had the same problems. Good luck on your new endevours.

 

By the way, if you get an Evo, the first thing you'll want to upgrade is the clutch. The factory clutch is "sub-par" to say the least. I have a close friend with an Evo sitting in his garage waiting for a new clutch after 13,000 miles. Mitsu says "no way" on a warranty repl., even though the tech's will tell you that it is the worst component on the car, and the first thing to go south. It will cost you 1500-2500 to replace.

 

>>By the way, if you get an Evo, the first thing you'll want to upgrade is the clutch. The factory clutch is "sub-par" to say the least. I have a close friend with an Evo sitting in his garage waiting for a new clutch after 13,000 miles. Mitsu says "no way" on a warranty repl., even though the tech's will tell you that it is the worst component on the car, and the first thing to go south. It will cost you 1500-2500 to replace.

Yup, already factoring that into the equation. If the Mini dealer was just around the corner, my frustration level probably wouldn't be so high.

As far as the other request on parts pricing, wheels were $600 new, in excellent condition so would like to find buyer interested in the Kumho's as well and work out a package price but would say $400 asking for wheels.

 

>>>>By the way, if you get an Evo, the first thing you'll want to upgrade is the clutch. The factory clutch is "sub-par" to say the least. I have a close friend with an Evo sitting in his garage waiting for a new clutch after 13,000 miles. Mitsu says "no way" on a warranty repl., even though the tech's will tell you that it is the worst component on the car, and the first thing to go south. It will cost you 1500-2500 to replace.
>>
>>Yup, already factoring that into the equation. If the Mini dealer was just around the corner, my frustration level probably wouldn't be so high.
>>
>>As far as the other request on parts pricing, wheels were $600 new, in excellent condition so would like to find buyer interested in the Kumho's as well and work out a package price but would say $400 asking for wheels.
>
>
What size are they? Which Kumho's?


_________________
MCS, with some stuff. Stuff. Just stuff, alright!

 

I would bet the clutch problem comes from autocrossing.

 

Wheels are the AK Tire "SSR Comp knockoff" wheels 16x6.5 w/44mm offset @14.2 lbs

Tires
(2) 225/50 Victo's that have 6 runs on them (Topeka Runs so ready to be flipped inside out)

(2) 225/50/16 Victoracers with half life left, ready to be flipped inside out

(4) 205/45/16 Ecsta V700 (K6A new compound) about half life left I'd say.

I started running the 205's all the way around, then went with the 225's up front and 205's out back (old FWD trick) to get more rotation and it worked great. That's the setup I used the rest of the season

 

Having just traded an '03 Evo VIII for my MCS, all I can say is: It aint no better on the other side. Evo clutch is cheap and underengineered and... NOT warrantied, Mitsu calls it a "wear item", mine died at 4500 miles, paid for it myself. Interior quality level much much lower than the Mini, at least as many squeaks and rattles, again no warranty support. Paint quality makes the Mini look like a concours restored Pierce Arrow. Fun car, but there are as many if not more quirks an PITA issues as the Mini, plus you will have a manufacturer who refuses to deal with warranty issues at all, as well as one of the poorest resale ratings on the planet.

So, good luck, but the grass only looks greener on the other side due to the septic tank underneath.

Though it is an awesome car otherwise, and I did kick some pony car butt in the regional ESP championship for 2003, winning the CFR East ESP trophy.

 

>>So, good luck, but the grass only looks greener on the other side due to the septic tank underneath.
>>
i like your take on the saying . i read someplace that the evo is not a car for daily driving. maybe you should try the wrx. good luck on your search.

 

>>Well, as much as I love the Mini chassis, styling, uniqueness, etc, I have no confidence in the long term reliability of the this product. I purchased a 03MCS in March03 and after 27,000 highway and sunday autox events.....here's the tally:

My MCS was bought in Feb 03 and I have 10,000 miles but no autocross. I've had minimal problems. Nothing like yours. Long term reliability I estimate to be excellent. I had one leaky coolant bottle that was replaced.

>>Ongoing headlight autoleveling problems ( 4 attempts to fix) resulting in a replacement of the passenger side unit last week due to broken mounting stubs - warranty item (wouldn't want this out of pocket)

I've never had trouble with my Xenons and I use them all the time.

>>Cracked and burnt clutch plate and flywheel - warranty item after small battle (definetly wouldn't want this out of pocket)

Some MCS owners have had trouble with the clutch which was replaced under warranty but I have had no problems at all.

>>Breather hose collapsing making squeeling noice - warranty (needed to remove intercooler to replace - wouldn't want to deal with this myself)

My PCV valve and hose did have trouble once but I replaced them early as soon as the elbow hose was going soft- no big problems with driving, no noise. Not that difficult a part to DIY.

>>Drivers side sunvisor seam split open - warranty - replaced once with wrong visor from a sunroom equiped car-shorter so needed another service visit. (no biggy)

I've had easily scratched silver downtubes but that is it. All else is fine- even the leather interior.

>>Ebrake boot torn from getting caught in mechanism - warranty (no biggy)
No problems for me.

>>Belt squeal coming from engine all the time - replaced engine belt under warranty (definetly wouldn't want this out of pocket)
No problems like that for me.

I'd find a good mechanic for my MINI closer to home and try to get out of the dealer warranty period ASAP which you are already doing. Also I'd not give up on MINI as it can be a very good reliable car. Yours sounds like it has some issues so if you want to sell it and try for a 2004 or 2005 I bet it would work out better for you. Your choice.

My dealer is about 45 minutes away and I have a good independent garage I work with just 5 minutes away.

 

We all have different tolerance levels. Sorry you are so disappointed with your MINI.
Good luck with the Lancer. You're gonna need it.

 

If you're steppin' away from the Mini, and willing to go to an Evo, you should consider the WRX. I have a 2002 WRX that was delivered to me in April of 2001, so it was very early in production. It has yet to see the dealer. They're very simple to work-on, are very fun, and dead reliable. It's been a blast in the snow. I have 35,000 miles on it and it just keeps on pounding. It's not a great autox car unless you're willing to go into STX or SM. It's heavy but with a few key mods, it responds like a champ. And it's so easy to get power out of it. If you're going to keep it stock, go STi. If you're willing to mod, get the base WRX.

 

I was just going to suggest the WRX or STi. A local member has the MCS and a STi and he seems to drive the STi more.

 

As someone else here said -- everyone has different tolerances for car problems. Speaking for myself, I think if I'd had squealing hoses and belts, a split sun visor, torn e-brake boot, etc., I'd count those as minor, "par for the course" problems in any car, even a Toyota. The Xenon auto-levelling problem would count as moderate to me but not crucial. The only really serious problem you've had is the clutch plate and that was a warranty fix.

If, like some of the owners on this board, you'd been through six windshields, two wiring harnesses and/or a whole transmission... or had your car totally possessed by electrical gremlins so it's inoperable... I could understand your action. But given the problems you've laid out you seem to be setting the bar so high,I'm not sure Mitsubishi reliability will make you any happier.

My April '03 MCS has 7000 miles. It has failed to start one time (apparent one-time failure in the security-code key reader in the ignition), emits a few rattles and squeaks, has developed a bad/leaky gas cylinder on the rear hatch and the driver's seat doesn't remember its set position after you slide it forward. None of those issues warrant a trip to the dealer; I'll get them at 10k. They're all roughly on a par with a split sun visor...

BTW, someone asked what a new Xenon/HID assembly costs: i just had one put into my car after it got hit by road debris... the retail price was about $725.

Good luck with your EVO.

 

I am not sure if Mitsbishi represents an authentic Japanse quality
vehicle, but who knows, you might have better luck with the Evo.

goodluck. :smile:

 

I'd also put the WRX above the EVO quality wise. I thought
about the STI before I found myself #2 on the Lotus list.
Brit cars and I go way back.
Clutch went....usually a reason for that.
The EVO clutch won't last either but it sounds like you'll be
closer to a dealer. I think if your autoxing or roadracing alot
of the things you've mentioned are the 'costs of war.' I had
a bone stock S(without Xenons) I put through lots of track time
without a problem. Now with the Xenons I mostly just like to
watch.
Cars with vinyl interiors are faster than leather.

 

>>My MCS was bought in Feb 03 and I have 10,000 miles but no autocross. I've had minimal problems. Nothing like yours. Long term reliability I estimate to be excellent.

Sorry, but how do you "estimate" long term reliability to be excellent after only 10k miles?!

 

Hi pgrmstr...I'm sure you remember me. We were routing each other on during the "Who Can't Wait for February" club. Both your car and my car sailed together on the Tosca and our cars were born only a few days apart, which means your VIN is something similar to my TD65***. =-)

I'm sorry to hear you go. Stewy just hit 8000 miles this week and I just had the JCW kit installed last Wednesday. I LOVE it. I've had very little problems with my Cooper. The only major thing was I had my steering column replaced because it clicked, other than that, I have had the following replaced all under warranty:

1) Clock only displayed bottom half of digits when I recieved car. Replaced.
2) Seat backs replaced because plastic had "molding" marks in it. Very minor, but ugly.
3) The foam on the cowl intake vents crumbled, so I got the new all plastic ones like on the
04's.
4) Steering column replaced. It clicked on turns.
5) I had the notorious stumble. V36 took care of that.
6) A/C wasn't charged fully. It was topped off and works great now.

That's it. Stewy is very solid and has never caused me to think he would be unreliable. I just wonder why two cars that were built so close together have different problems. Mechanically Stewy is flawless. I can only pray that the JCW kit will not cause any problems. My only main concern is that you have 19K miles more on yours than mine. I hope I don't have problems like you have at that mileage.

OH, one more thing. I replaced both left and right rear upper control arms because they were totally bent from when my car was shipped from New York to California. Dependable Auto Shippers (DON'T EVER USE THEM) did not tie the wheels down, but my suspension arms, totally destroying them. I took Stewy in because the steering wheel was off center and my MINI dealer pointed out the bent arms. It was clearly not MINI's fault, so I bought new arms (only $75 each from Classic MINI) and replaced them myself. I drove it this way for 4000 miles not knowing.

Good luck with the EVO. Make absolutely sure that is what you want. My co-worker bought one in October, and although he likes it, he wishes it had more features like the MINI and told me he is "over it". It has been trouble free for him. I hate to say it (because it's so rental-ish) but I had a 2002 Lancer I drove before my MINI. It was totally trouble free for two years of use. I just sold it. I think Mitsubishi makes very reliable products. Best of luck to you!

 

>>Just popped over to a Lancer Evolution forum. I noticed posts for engine belt issues, cold weather sluggish engine/transmission bogs, suspension "clunk", piston problems after 2000 miles, tranny issues, throttle problems, rear differential clicking and ECU issues. I'm not saying the Lancer is a bad car. I'm not saying that the MINI Cooper is better. Just that every car can and does have it's own issues. Sorry to hear about your MINI problems. I admit its not convienent when the dealer is far away. Good luck with your new car, whatever it is! :smile:


you forgot to mention rusting around the a-arms on new Evo VIII's

 

Check your email for our offer of help. If you prefer, you can call us at 866-ASK MINI and please mention Reference # 200403007634 so that we can help you more efficiently.