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Hatchbacks Hatchbacks - Archived Discussions Lost Control! Had an accident Mini cooper S 2008 
17 messages, Last post on Oct 14, 2008 at 4:09 PM
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Replying to: sharadov (Jun 22, 2008 2:19 pm) I was in the right-most lane in a stationary position, trying to merge into the left lane. I was just trying to do the usual when the car shot out and I thought that it would do a complete 180. Thats when I turned the steering in the opposite direction completely and hit an armoured security truck in the same lane I was originally in. The car was at less than 10mph, even the airbags did not deploy since the speed was so low. .......................... The Mini is a front wheel drive car. I find it difficult to understand how it would have attempted a "180" without road contamination or something else to that effect, or a steering reaction on your part. I haven't heard of anything like this happening to a Mini, so I would guess that whatever it was, it isn't a widespread issue. If something unexpected "engine-wise" happened, it may very well have triggered a code on the computer system, so you might be able to get the dealer to check for that. |
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The steering radius of a MINI is extremely tight because of the narrow track of the front wheels and the short wheelbase. This makes the car handle much like a go-kart, which is why most people consider them "fun" to drive. If you were stopped and trying to merge left into the center lane, it may be possible that you had the wheels turned almost to the lock in the left direction before you began to pull out. The car would likely lurch left and begin to make a U-turn (180?) before you realized what was happening. Admittedly, unfamiliarity with the car could contribute to the surprise when it "went out of control", but I have experienced similar surprises in rental cars for the same reason. You were probably used to driving a much larger car than the MINI, and they do take some practice to handle properly. Driving well requires that we understand the handling characteristics of our cars even at low speeds. It is unfortunate you wrecked your new car, but it is doubtful there was anything mechanically wrong with your MINI before the accident occurred. One way to find out is to try to repeat the phenomenon in a deserted parking lot when you get it back. You may be surprised to find it could happen again, if you inadvertently give the wheel a bit too much turn to the left before you proceed out into the lane of traffic with more throttle than necessary. I am glad you were not hurt! 
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Replying to: coolrunning (Jul 07, 2008 6:15 pm) You hit the nail on the head. Actually thinking back, that is what happened. I have been going over the incident in my head, and actually went to the accident site and tried the same stunt with my larger Mazda Millenia and it would not budge. Thanks for offering a great scientific rationale to the whole incident. I will be more careful and get familiar with the car once it it back...from the bodyshop.. 
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Replying to: sharadov (Jul 07, 2008 6:55 pm)  Good luck with your MINI, and be careful! 
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I just bought a 2008 Mini Cooper after selling my Subaru Outback... for the mileage and for the fun. Thought the Consumer Reports above average reliability was enough of an endorcement....and other things. I've now read that if it needs a repair there are no spare parts and it has no effective stability control as advertised. I realize this is no Duck on water like my Subaru was ...but its sounding more and more like a i've made a BIG mistake in getting a Toy instead of a Car.
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Replying to: feliciatwo (Aug 01, 2008 11:51 am) Don't believe everything you read. My wife has an 05 convertible and has been hit twice. Repair and return time was no longer than any other vehicle I have had repaired. The only unexpected delay was for the backup sensors mounted in the rear bumper, and that was less than a week. The car was completely drivable during the time we were waiting on the sensor delivery. I don't know what you meant about "no effective stability control", but her car has that option. Have you heard that it doesn't work? I haven't... 40K miles and no service issues...
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Replying to: busiris (Aug 06, 2008 6:53 pm) I'm pointing out the Fat difference between full time all wheel drive with V. coupling which is standard on Subarus along with fog lights which CANT be added aftermarket on a Mini. Those are things I miss I did NOT say NO stability control which is apples and oranges. I also miss not being able to close my sunroof. Odd to pay this much for a Toy and not be able to close the sunroof to heat and dangerous sun rays. Fun to drive? Yeah, as long as you avoid getting too close to a 6" curb. ...and can avoid the frequent flooded steets of South Florida. I'll play with it while it has a warrenty...but it will never be a subaru. More fun to drive...but I'm limited on where I can drive ....
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Replying to: feliciatwo (Aug 07, 2008 5:55 am) I never said "NO stability control". In fact, I used your exact wording...go back and re-read the posting. As for not being able to close the sunroof, are you saying it won't close completely and seal againt rain leakage? If so, you have a problem with your particular car, and should have it repaired by the dealer. I have never heard of a Mini sunroof leaking It seems to me that you didn't do sufficient research before buying the car...No Mini has ever had all wheel drive, and surely you must have known that before purchasing the car... You probably would be better off in a Suburu...
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Replying to: busiris (Aug 08, 2008 5:05 pm) And yes, I was , and most people would be better off in a Subaru for most occasions. It was time to sell my AWD as it uses more fuel than i want during this "time in our nations history". This is a "Stop Gap" purchase , to own until a bio- Diesel WITH Hybrid arrives in the USA. I had hoped the Clubman would be a diesel as rumoured it would be a few years ago. I don't know about you but I use a variety of sources for auto research...including this site for 6 years....as well as Intellichoice, consumers Reports, Car & Drive, Automobile magazine and various online reveiewers, (I also, by the way , like the type of lasered steel they use. (Cheaper for them to buy but an improvement in strength over their earlier cars).Too, I waited to buy until they worked out their transmission and some of their electric deficiencies. The sunroof on the mini cooper does not , by design , or lack of it, close "to the sun" as most other cars do. The "sliding portion is a sliding screen rather than sun blocking solid" . Most people like the OPTION of whether to let the sun in or not. I have "retrofitted this sunroof which one should not HAVE to do at this price" , and yes I knew about the design "flaw" ...and bought it anyway knowing I'm handy about things like that. The ONLY surprise is; My brakes are squeeky (like an old ford with bad pads which I see no justification for. This is a 2008 with 48 miles on it. . I've had many excellant conversations on this board..with feedback that was helpful. Yours is not so far. Perhaps someone else out there has feedback on the brakes. I will enjoy the Mini .....for what it is....until a diesel/hybrid...that's fun to drive may be a Tiguan or maybe a Subaru comes along in 2010. |
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