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Mini Cooper: BEWARE!!!! There aren't parts .. - READ ONLY

38 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2008 at 8:29 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Auto Repair, Convertible

Messages Page 4 of 5

#25 of 38 Re: Mini problems..?? [musclecarmike] by paul_devil

Aug 04, 2007 (11:01 pm)

Replying to: musclecarmike (Aug 04, 2007 4:44 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 38 Mini problems?? by musclecarmike

Aug 05, 2007 (9:01 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 38 Still a happy customer by 71mini

Sep 06, 2007 (7:15 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)

#28 of 38 Re: Still a happy customer [71mini] by carla6

Sep 06, 2007 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: 71mini (Sep 06, 2007 7:15 pm)
As far as the paint chips, did you get a clear bra put on the bonnet?? I did and hope that it makes the difference. So far so good after 5 months...I am curious if others have had good luck with the bras.

#29 of 38 invisible bra by 71mini

Sep 06, 2007 (10:15 pm)

I bought one on ebay and it does not fit perfectly.
Asked the local detailers, they charge about 200-300 for the job. Decided not to go for it: 1. it doesn't look too good. 2. it won't last more than a year. probably cost less to repaint the hood after couple times.

#30 of 38 Re: invisible bra [71mini] by bodble2

Sep 07, 2007 (1:08 pm)

Replying to: 71mini (Sep 06, 2007 10:15 pm)
Hmm....we have not suffered any paint chip on our '05, but then we almost never drive it on the highway.
 
I didn't think you can eliminate the gap between the bonnet (hood) and the fender. That's always a problem with a clamshell style of hood. IMO, the '07 is even a worse problem because the hood edge follows the curve of the wheel well opening, so you see the gap along the whole edge. Almost looks like the hood is ajar!

#31 of 38 June 2008 Buyer by minisf

Jun 08, 2008 (2:03 pm)

Well, I thought I'd post here since there are some critical comments of the MINI and prospective purchasers might see them and assume the car is not any good.
 
I researched the heck out of the MINI before getting my used 2006 cabriolet [non-S] a few weeks ago. Mine has the five speed manual, cold weather package, leather interior, premium sound, silver interior package, lights package, and a host of other options.
 
Yes, avoid any model older than 2005, with the CVT [or automatic transmission.]
Based on all the negatives I saw, I decided to look for a 2005 or later, with a manual transmission.
 
As timing would have it, the 2008 Consumer Reports Annual Auto issue came out just before I bought and was conducting research. The MINI did quite well in the ratings. In fact, the MINI got red donuts which means above-average in terms of reliability.
 
I do recommend buying as late a model as you can afford and to get one with some manufacturer's warranty remaining [not those bogus extended warranties, but the MINI warranty.] Mine has two years and 27,000 miles left on the warranty so that is a comfort.
 
This last weekend I put the car through its paces and gave it a wash and wax. Also scrubbed the interior and conditioned it.
 
So far I have not found a thing wrong with it. So after 23,000 miles I can report the car appears problem free. It shifts perfect, all electronics work, the climate control works, the car runs straight, it does not rattle, etc.
 
Yes, there are some cars, no matter the brand, that will malfunction or that have their share of problems, but that exists in any car. I have seen sites badmouth Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and Mercedes Benz.
 
On my BMW 740i that I paid almost $80k for, a fuel leak developed in the engine compartment. Fuel was dripping on a hot exhaust manifold. It took two trips to the dealer to have it fixed under warranty. No, I did not think that BMWs are crap and that my experience meant BMWs should be avoided, even after my 325i needed a new radiator at a cost of $600.
 
And before my BMW I had a Mercedes SL. After it ran out of warranty, that car cost me about $2500 in repairs every 8 months or so. And before that I had a Mercedes sedan that blew a turbo and also needed a new transmission.
 
After my SL personally I did decide to never buy Mercedes again as I had the most trouble with that brand.
 
I mention all of the above to emphasize that some people posting their negative MINI experiences does not mean that the MINI is a lemon or flawed vehicle. Here in San Francisco I see a lot of MINIs on the road and not in the shop.

#32 of 38 Re: June 2008 Buyer [minisf] by xflover

Jul 04, 2008 (11:27 am)

Replying to: minisf (Jun 08, 2008 2:03 pm)
I have a 2003 Mini that is mint, I had more issues with my 06 civic then my current mini, I just ordered a 08 mini and I know that most of them have no major issues, its always a friend, or cousin....never first hand accounts....
 
I love my mini and cant wait till the next on is in port!

#33 of 38 Re: Mini Cooper: BEWARE!!!! There aren't parts .. [lilblue32] by coupah

Jul 22, 2008 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: lilblue32 (Apr 25, 2007 6:42 am)
Well nextime, roll the windows UP and CLOSE the roof!

#34 of 38 09 Mini purchase by cooperus2

Oct 15, 2008 (5:48 pm)

I'm getting ready to take delivery of my 09 Mini that I ordered back in August 08.
How reliable are these cars? I see a lot of negative and I don't want a car that ends up in the shop immediately after I own it. All Mini's can not be bad cars, tell me it's not so!

Messages Page 4 of 5

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