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Mini Cooper: BEWARE!!!! There aren't parts ..

37 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2008 at 7:29 PM

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#18 of 37 Re: Is there ANY recourse for this widespread problem??? [bodble2] by carla6 Jul 25, 2007 (9:36 am)
Replying to: bodble2 (Jul 24, 2007 7:52 pm) I would have been surprised if he didn't gloss over things, just given that he works for the dealership. My 2007 is the first one I've owned and since I've bought it in April, I've had the fuel pump and the 'air sensor' replaced. Most recently I've had it 'reprogrammed' because the engine light wouldn't stop going on. What the mechanic on my case told me is that MINI has seen many cars coming back with electrical issues (in doing further research, MINI has a spotty reputation in the electrical area, depending on the year). It took the mechanic 2 weeks to turn my car back over to me, and that was only after I sent an email to the woman who sold it to me pleaing for help. MY ADVICE -- only by a 2007 if you have a second vehicle to drive when it's in the shop.... Replies to this message: bodble2 (Jul 25, 2007 1:53 pm) carla6 (Jul 25, 2007 4:39 pm) lilblue32 (Jul 25, 2007 4:49 pm) british_rover (Jul 25, 2007 5:49 pm) bodble2 (Jul 25, 2007 9:28 pm)
#19 of 37 Re: Is there ANY recourse for this widespread problem??? [carla6] by bodble2 Jul 25, 2007 (1:53 pm)
Replying to: carla6 (Jul 25, 2007 9:36 am) "MY ADVICE -- only by a 2007 if you have a second vehicle to drive when it's in the shop...."   That's probably very sound advice. But the new MINI (especially the S) is tempting. With the added space, features, and refinement, it is almost like BMW 3-series hatchback at a discounted price! But I guess I should/can wait a year or 2 for the bugs to be worked out. Replies to this message: carla6 (Jul 25, 2007 4:39 pm) lilblue32 (Jul 25, 2007 4:49 pm) british_rover (Jul 25, 2007 5:49 pm) bodble2 (Jul 25, 2007 9:28 pm)
#20 of 37 Re: Is there ANY recourse for this widespread problem??? [bodble2] by carla6 Jul 25, 2007 (4:39 pm)
Replying to: bodble2 (Jul 25, 2007 1:53 pm) Not to play both sides of the fence, but I have the S and when it hasn't been in the shop, I have had an absolute blast with it. It is a VERY enjoyable ride, has huge personality and gets a lot of attention. That said, if I hadn't kept my '93 Civic, I would have been driving a rental for 6 weeks out of the last 4 months.
#21 of 37 Re: Is there ANY recourse for this widespread problem??? [bodble2] by lilblue32 Jul 25, 2007 (4:49 pm)
Replying to: bodble2 (Jul 25, 2007 1:53 pm) When I bought my MINI I thought it would be a good thing that the car was made by BMW. I forgot everyone I've ever known that's owned a BMW has had a ton of trouble with them too. They've been making MINI's in the states for enough years to have already worked the bugs out. They aren't trying to. Evidenced by the way they handle the recurring problems about which current owners keep complaining. They are just making more and more MINI's because people keep buying them. The problems aren't going to get better with "refinements and added features." They are merely adding more things that WILL go wrong with these cars. My advice is very simply - DON'T BUY A MINI. MINI's ARE fun to drive, but they're a nightmare to own. Replies to this message: british_rover (Jul 25, 2007 5:49 pm) bodble2 (Jul 25, 2007 9:28 pm)
#22 of 37 Re: Is there ANY recourse for this widespread problem??? [lilblue32] by british_rover Jul 25, 2007 (5:49 pm)
Replying to: lilblue32 (Jul 25, 2007 4:49 pm) They don't make MINIs in the US they make them all in Oxford, England.   I never had any problems with my MINI and neither has the person I sold it too. Most of the people I know who have a MINI have not had any problems.   You got a BAD car which can happen to any person with any vehicle.
#23 of 37 Re: Is there ANY recourse for this widespread problem??? [lilblue32] by bodble2 Jul 25, 2007 (9:28 pm)
Replying to: lilblue32 (Jul 25, 2007 4:49 pm) I would have to agree with what british_rover said. We do own (lease actually) a '05 Cooper Base CVT. So far, aside from regular maintenance, we've only had to replace 2 burnt bulbs, an O2 sensor, and a leaky engine mount, all under warranty. And the car has not had to be kept overnight once for repairs. So, we haven't had a ton of problems with it. Maybe a bit more than with our other car, an Acura TL, but really, not that much more. But having said that, it is still probably a good idea to heed carla6's advice and avoid the first year model.
#24 of 37 Mini problems..?? by musclecarmike Aug 04, 2007 (3:44 pm)
I am a small independent auto dealer specializing in sport and luxury cars. I have no affiliation with Mini USA or BMW. I do like the Mini Cooper very much and have acquired and sold at least 15 Mini S models in the past year or so. Because I have so many Minis I feel qualified to ad to the conversation. I have never had a single problem, electrical or otherwise, besides basic maintenance which for the most part has been covered under the free maintenance program. My Minis have ranged from 800 miles to 30,000 miles. I do not doubt that some of the writers have had problems with their Minis which is a shame. But you would think if there were significant electrical or other problems I would have encountered some of these problems with the 15+ Minis that I have driven and sold. I keep in touch with my customers and I have never heard from any of them about problems with their Minis. I currently have 5 beautiful Mini S models for sale but believe me I would not acquire any more if there were significant problems. I have found the Mini S to be a very reliable and fun car that the consumers seem to love. Replies to this message: paul_devil (Aug 04, 2007 10:01 pm)
#25 of 37 Re: Mini problems..?? [musclecarmike] by paul_devil Aug 04, 2007 (10:01 pm)
Replying to: musclecarmike (Aug 04, 2007 3:44 pm) Hi, since I read your reply here, it made me feel much better and more confident to buy MINI cooper S 2007. I just love it since I tested drive. It will be my first car so that I need to make sure it is reliable. I use for commute so that I don't have a second car.   Since I have been into this forum, mostly I found only the problems occured with this model car. But I've hardly seen any good or support comments of owners.   If you have any suggestion to me pls light up the way for me. I will be appreciated. If you have your own business website, pls let me know. I 'll check it out. Thank you very much.
#26 of 37 Mini problems?? by musclecarmike Aug 05, 2007 (8:01 am)
There are many websites that have started up for people to express their disatisfaction with their cars and local dealerships. I have seen them for just about every car make. It doesn't matter if it is a Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Mini, Toyota, Honda or all the domestic makes. Most of these people complaining I am sure have legitimate complaints. But I have also seen consumers have complaints that are unjustified and unreasonable. One person even wanted Mini USA to reimburse him because he wanted to take his Mini to his mechanic because he no longer trusted the Mini dealer. That is an unreasonable expectation. To find positive comments or reviews from the public you will have to go to websites like Edmund's and look under reviews. They usually will have a long list of positive as well as any negatives. There are other sites as well. My local Mini dealer is part of the local BMW dealership. They have given me excellent service. They give me a free loaner if they have to keep the car overnight and they will sometimes do the warranty service while I wait. I wouldn't be afraid to purchase a new '07 Mini or even a nice low mile used one. I have had great luck with all of mine and I have many happy customers. Good luck with your new Mini.
#27 of 37 Still a happy customer by 71mini Sep 06, 2007 (6:15 pm)
We have an 06 S Conv for a bit more than a year now with 7k miles. Here are some cons and pros of owning a MINI:   Cons:   1. When we took delivery of the car we notice the big gap between the bonnett and the main frame, then we checked out other MINIs on the lot, they are all the same. Contacted our dealership and MINIusa to see if they can adjust it. Told us we have to pay for it. I finally got mine adjusted at a local body shop.   2. I have notice an increasing noise under the hood recently. Much lounder than our lexus and honda.   3. The factory maintance is a bit weird, especially if you own the car and plan to keep it in a long run. Other mfg suggest the first oil change in 5k, but our local MINI dealership won't change the oil till the 'oil meter' reachs below 1k, still have 3k+ left, so that brings the first oil change at about 10k+. Not sure if it's a good way to maintain the car.   4. Paint chips, the shape of the hood made it weak against flying rocks on the freeways. I have 2 big ones and 5 smaller chips already. Although, i tried to keep distance with the cars at the front.   Pros:   1. Of course, the cute looks. I bet you get more eye balls than any conv Benz or BMW in a MINI.   2. Fun to drive, just like a little GO cart.   3. Easy to park.   4. Haven't test its resell value yet. But my 71 MINI is worth 2x more than I paid 5 years ago. Can't beat that. :o) Replies to this message: carla6 (Sep 06, 2007 6:25 pm)

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