[Type-R]

Hi,
I am new here and am after your advice on a MCSA. I live in Brisbane Australia, we don't own a mini but hopefully soon will. Anyway my mum is interested in purchasing a MCSA, to replace her Honda. What I am concerned about and would like your advice on is the problems that some people have experienced with their minis, in relation to its reliability. I have read the faults and fixes section and was a bit concerned to find that people have had handbrake failures, engine problems, etc. Now the problem is my mum absolutely LOVES the mini for its shape and size. However I know that she will be worried if her mini has engine or any mechanical problems that result in her breaking down. Her Honda has never let he down which is why I express my concern. So basically I would like some advice on how your mini has been and any problems that it may have experienced. Maybe we should wait for the new Civic to come out at the end of year.

Thanks

[AprilWhine]

Your mom is probably of legal age and can make up her own mind. If she wants a MINI, she will buy a MINI.

If you want a Honda, then that is what you should buy. No car suits everyone.

[21Blue]

Totally agree with AprilWhine.....
I like the Mini the way it is. It looks and feels like no other car on the road; reliability is the least of my concerns. I am afraid that most people you find on this forum are passionate about their Minis. Just take a look at this thread....

http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-discussion/91256-back-mini-scene.html

[HoustonMini]

and on the other hand of all those who have posted about their car problems, there are dozens more who have not had problems. When you set out to look for faults you will find them, in any car. When you set out to just look for info on the car, that is when you find the real info on the car.

Good luck

[Type-R]

Thanks to everyone for their replies

[Type-R]

We had a long discussion about the Mini last night, and I am almost 90% sure we will get one. Does anyone one know if it is a real advantage to buy before the end of the financial year? also does anyone know a drive away price for a MCSA without a trade-in

Thanks

[21Blue]

The MCSA is $44500kish...
MCSA Chilli pack is $47500ish..
I doubt there will be any end of financial year specials...

Id suggest to avoid Brisbane Mini Garage and head for Motorline in Daisy Hill. Head on over to the Aussie section of the forums and you will find that Motorline customers have received better service!
Good luck!

[YQTYYZ]

Try before you buy.

Ask your local dealer if you can get a 1hr test drive and actually drive to your home. See how it fits into your life. I found the MCSa to be freakishly powerful - had I known this, I'd probably have ordered the base MCa instead.

[Type-R]

Thanks,

It will probably be another fortnight before we go for a test drive. Good point made by YQTYYZ about the S power. Hope it will be ok. Her previous car was a 2.5 V6 Ford Telstar it had 160 hp (121KW) and it was about 1230kg.

[YQTYYZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Type-R

Thanks,

Her previous car was a 2.5 V6 Ford Telstar it had 160 hp (121KW) and it was about 1230kg.

I'm coming from driving a Ford Escape (Maverick in Europe, I believe?), which had a 3.0L V6 rated about 200HP. That had nice, smooth delivery of power. We have 85 000 KMs on it, and it's as reliable as ever.

The MCSa had hurky-jerky lunges even when simply creeping forward; I do honestly believe that it's a matter of breaking in the engine properly.

[nike61]

Hey Type-R

I have just ordered and mine is due to arrive in June but a MCS Chilli. In Australia you will find it hard to negotiate pricing as the market is competative and the demand is high, thus if you dont buy then someone else will. One ploy that does work is to get a quote from say Melbourne as transport is minimal cost, then use this to negotiate, as it will work. What you can do is negotiate lots of the extras, as they make heaps on them, so get these a lot lower.
Look into the Chilli pack as the options at new work out cheaper than later and also the resale on a MCS with Chilli will be better than a MCS with the extras added later.
Cant comment on the MSCA but the MSC I cant wait for.

Good luck

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by YQTYYZ

The MCSa had hurky-jerky lunges even when simply creeping forward; I do honestly believe that it's a matter of breaking in the engine properly.

I may regret asking this question, but here goes.

If you thought the MCSa was " Hurky-jerky", why did you order one?

I have driven various vehicles with automatic transmissions for, well, lets just say I started with a 1949 Chrysler. My Allison 4 speed with a GAVWR of 70,000 lbs, behind a 10.4 liter Cat diesel is jerky.

The MCSa has to be the smoothest shifting automatic transmission I have ever had the pleasure to drive. That is of course in normal driving. It will shift with rapidity when in sport mode, however, that is a function of the programming and driving style of the operator.

It just seems that you are setting yourself up for future unhappiness with your new MINI.

[YQTYYZ]

Yeah, you're going to regret it...

These were based on my test drives and I'm not setting myself up for anything.

I now know what to expect going in, and if you read more carefully, you would have deduced that I was referring to the car creeping forward, and I had nothing to comment about shifting.

I could care less about the shifting, since I press the gas and pretty much there it is. Do feel free to look through my previous posts and pinpoint my shifting complaints. Good luck.

[Jim Ray]

Looking forward to seeing how you like your MINI. If you like yours as much as we like ours, you will be very pleased.

Good luck.

[AprilWhine]

I had to do some pruning in this thread. Personal attacks are not permitted here on MINI2. Please remember to use your British manners when posting.