I've had my 04 MINI just over a year. I love it, it is the most fun car I've driven. I have become a MINI fanboi. I tell everyone how awesome the car is to drive, but I can't handle these problems anymore.


Just replaced the stereo. Had to have the brakes done in the first month of ownership, and then my shocks were blown. That was $550 last month, and now I think they are blown again. I'm going in first thing in the morning to have my mechanic look at it again. Half the time the windows won't roll down, and the doors wont unlock using the keyless anymore. The backup light won't work, and then several pieces are just falling off on the interior. This is just too much after 1 year of ownership.

I'm thinking WRX wagon, 370z/Infiniti G, or back to a ridgeline. I had a ridgeline for 3.5 years, and didn't have a single thing go wrong. It was a super solid truck, just not the prettiest of vehicles.

Why shouldn't I get rid of this car? Is there anyone else who is having this many problems?


Edit:2/27/12 Took the car into the mechanic. He drove it around, put it on the lift then tightened a couple nuts on the shocks. Drives back to normal now. My MINI-freakout is done for this week. Thank god because the rattling noise was getting louder and louder.

 

You're in a 9 year old car. How many previous owners had it, and what kind of maintenance did they do to the car? Unless you know them personally, you really don't know what kind of life your MINI had before you came along.

Brakes and shocks are wear items. You'd be doing those in any car. As to why the shocks are blown again...there is obviously something wrong with your MINI. Other MINIs are not going through a set of shocks each month.

Windows, keys and backup lights are common issues with the R53. Lots of suggestions on fixes via Google. Are you using a good MINI mechanic? The Tulsa MINI Cooper club should have some recommendations / ideas.

BTW, Ridgeline owners are reporting tranny, timing chain noise and instrument cluster problems.

If you like the MINI, but can't handle the repairs of driving an older one, why not look at a new(er) one with a warranty?

 

All valid points. I knew going into buying a MINI that it was quirky, and that theere would be repairs. I was ready to keep it and just deal with all these issues, until, from what I can tell, the shocks blew again. It drives exactly like how it did before when they were blown, and they are making the same rattling sound.

My mechanic is the only MINI certified mechanic in town. They specialize in Mercedes, Hummers, BMW's and MINI's. I trust my mechanic, and I've been happy with the service. I can deal with all the little things... I'm not thrilled to have it in the shop every 2 weeks like I have this year.

 

What a money pit I bought into, '03 MCS, low mileage under 25 k. I've had the demon for about a year and a half!!!!!!

Have already had to replace OEM with a DDM CAI, Helix 15% pulley, Milltek headers and catback, JCW injectors, DT bypass, DT tension stop, SprintBooster V2, Scangauge II, Alta IC Boots, Semco Silicon Intake, MDS coil, Kingsbourne Wires, RMW tuned, Swift springs, Koni "Yellows", H-sport adj. rear arms, H-sport comp.sway bar, GP Intercooler, DDM GP Air Div. 2% ATI crank pulley, Conti DW non-rf 205-50-16, M7 Strut brace, Stubby ant.....more to come....

Come on Mini World......this has got to stop!!!!!!!

 

How many miles are on it because I have an 04 and haven't had issues month after month.

 

FWIW, I've had blown shocks, but that was never accompanied/identified by a rattling sound. What it *will* do will give you a harsh ride, but that's pretty much MINI out of the box.

 

you will miss your Mini even after the fights you've been having

 

Truth. I was going to put my order in for a new pulley and intake this month. Then somebody backed into my door, and drove off.

I bought it with 47,000 miles. It now has a little over 61,000 on it.
It is a rougher ride. It is like every small bump makes the front end rattle. I have had lowered vehicles in the past. So the stock MINI ride is smoother than what I've had before.

Yeah... Trust me, I know. I love my car. I just want it to work, and work well. If I have to replace the shocks AGAIN, than I don't think it is worth owning anymore.

 

generally ,,,,shocks don't break they wear out

 

shocks should be warranted.Unless they were totally CHEAP junk ones they should be replaced for free.

 

I have 62k on my 04 and the only issue I have currently is a leaky front shock

 

Agree most struts/shocks are warrantied for life by most mainstream mfg's. of course labor is not free. But unless the fluid leaked out or something wonder why they are causing issue. The strut bearings are known to wear out, but that only makes noises when you turn the wheel.

 

Took it in. My mechanic drove it said it is more likely the control arms. The roads around here are terrible. The sound is just getting worse as well. He didn't have an open lift, so I have to take it back in next Monday and he'll get under there and take a look.

I wish it was the shocks since they have a lifetime warranty.

 

If your mechanic replaced shocks without first determing that your front lower control arm bushings were fine, he is your problem.

 

I agree. The problem is the car, the roads around here and probably the driver. I'm not going to say I'm not at fault, but I don't believe I should be having these problems a month after getting it out of the shop. It drove back to normal after I got it back from getting the shocks replaced. Then about a week and a half ago I started noticing a new rattle. I wanted to think it was a just working the kinks out after a bump in the road... But nope. It sounds like crap. It sounds like I've got a tin can with a large marble bouncing around on each side of my car every time I hit a new bump. And it has only gotten worse since last Thursday.

 

did something loosen up maybe? My mini is lowered and it rattles a bit on bumps when i rotate my tires i am gonna make sure everythings good and tight.

 

If it was lowered, I'd just blow it off. It steers like **** now. I hope it's not something that just loosened up... If it is, it loosened up on both sides. Maybe one of his assistants didn't tighten it enough on each side. I had Teins on my civic, and one had a little rattle, and I tightened that up. I did all the suspension and engine swap on that civic... So, I understand most basic issues, and have a general/greater understanding of vehicle problems. I am just at the point in my life where I don't want to deal with these things. I can do and handle most issues with a vehicle that are not electronic related. I really don't have the time. I'd rather just pay to have it done right... the first time.

 

WRX wagon or G37 would be nice!

 

I hope you get it fixed. I fully understand where you are coming from. I had trouble with my mini's trans slipping and forced myself to do two drain and fills. i had no time myself. UGH! Im pretty sure when i get enough issues at one time im gonna get rid of mine myself. I had a 330Whp evo and never had one issue with it in the four years i owned it.

 

I would not blame Mini for the shocks.
Since you just had them replaced,their defective or has something to do with the install.

 

The car being an '04 it could be time to replace the front control arm bushings. I know I had mine replaced and it wasn't a cheap job mostly due to labor. On the other hand my MINI was handling like a cow before the fix but it didn't rattle, so that's a definite "maybe". In any case better have it checked out.

 

[QUOTE=MINI Kapone;3456323]I've had my 04 MINI just over a year.
QUOTE]

There's your problem. You bought an 8 year old, used MINI. My 2003 MC, which I sold to my friend after I bought my current MINI, is going strong. It was well taken care of and always maintained. Who knows how your MINI had been treated before it got to you? Also, stay away from the Ridgelines. My Pop had one and it went through three trannies before he got rid of it. All replaced under warranty but still... Don't know what to tell you. The only problem I've ever had between my 2003 and 2008 was a radiator fan replacement outside of warranty. Other than that, no problems.

 

LMAO!!!! Sounds to me like you're having a blast, but where's your Sprintex?

 

I don't. It's Tulsa roads that is causing the problems. They are some of the worst roads in the US.

I know it's not going to be cheap. When I take it in Monday, we will see.
I had the car checked out before I got it. I knew going in that it may have it's issues being that old of a car, but these cars hold their value so well. Last year this time, I was also making half of what I am now, and wanted a MINI. I've been obsessed for a couple years. I test drove several, then found this one.

I'll probably avoid the ridgeline because i never got better than 15mpg in mine. I'm looking more towards a 4dr MK6 GTI or an R32... I love hot hatches...

I've just been very frustrated, because I love my car.

 

Yeah these are the most mechanically frustrating cars I have ever owned. It has become a joke amongst my neighbors of having this thing up on jack stands once or more every single month.

Am just about ready to punt this thing to the highest bidder.