[lucifuge]

I test drove a Mini Cooper S about one month ago (R56), as I am in market for a new car. I was so impressed, I made headway to start speccing it up, to the point of not sleeping at night die the myriad of options going on in my head. I thought I better test drive it one more time just to confrim my hard earned cash was justified. This second drive was far different. The car (with 750 kms on it) had more rattles than a haunted house; the sunroof, the dash, the pillars...and probably more I couldn't identify. I was so disppointed. My mates R53 never rattled like that. Actually I'm still very very shocked. Unfortunately it's changed my mind abotu the purchase completely.

[Paul]

The first generation MINI had a lot of rattle and creak problems really, all of ours did, even the one I have now does a bit. Luck of the draw I guess.

[lucifuge]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

The first generation MINI had a lot of rattle and creak problems really, all of ours did, even the one I have now does a bit. Luck of the draw I guess.

It's just hard to believe such a low km new car should have been that bad. They must crazy letting people drive it, it will definitely put them off.

[mcsdreamin]

A shame to have that happen. Im looking for a 07 mcs or possibly waiting for an 08. Who knows. I currently own a 05 Subaru wrx stage 3 that i love and autocross with that has always had a rattle in the left part of the dash only when i go over bumps. It just boils down to preference. Good luck with your car search.

Cheers

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

That's a shame

I'm running a 5 month / 7,900 mile old old model Cooper S and rattles are very rare events It had a nasty squeak in the middle of the dash when it was new, but that went away (and stayed away) after substantial GTT front upper and lower strut braces were fitted

Having said that, I remember test driving a very new MCS in 2005 and it rattled really badly; it put me off the idea for some time They seem to be fairly inconsistent

The softer ride of the new car should, theoretically, make it less prone to rattles

Tigger.

[LizzyG]

It does seem to be luck of the draw re rattles. I have an R56 Cooper, with 5500 miles on the clock, and it is totally rattle-free. Sorry to hear that you have changed your mind about ordering the MCS

[DaFlake]

I have a few rattles that I have to sort. Honestly it has to do with the cheaper interior that MINI used to cut cost but I just sum it up as part of owning a really cool car.

[Mini Me GB]

After 5,000 miles in my R56 I can safely say it has no rattles, same in my sisters R56..

We both travelled in an R53 yesterday and concluded the R56 interior felt of a much higher quality. The R53's door was creaking and door panels rattling - same in our previous R50 models and my mums Park Lane.

[DaFlake]

Forgot to mention that mine is a R53... Rattles can happen in any car.

[caesar]

I will 'touch wood' before I continue !

Got mine new last Thursday and have no problems so far. Only rattle is the seat belt buckle on the passenger side tapping the door pillar.

[baskers]

It's luck of the draw. My old Cooper (bless it) rattled like mad. My new MCS seems more well built... it has the odd rattle hear or there, but nothing to really annoy - plus, I honestly feel it gives it a bit of character.

[msh441]

Totally luck of the draw.

I'm at 5000 miles, and I have one buzz that comes and goes. Driver's door. Somthing inside. I'm guessing the window track gear, as when I bring the window down, then back up again it usually goes away. With windows down or music on I can't hear it anyway.

I know the owner of another R56 that it two VIN #'s away from mine on the line. He's got fewer miles & the rattles in his are driving him nuts. Dash, sunroof, A-pillar, doors. So much so he's considering another car. Too bad.

[Den W]

4500 miles and NO rattles or squeaks (touch wood it stays that way!)