[S Warren]

As update to my previous thread regarding what I thought was the air con. leaking...

Took it in to the dealers on Saturday only to be told upon my return that it's actually the power steering reservoir that has been leaking and that I now need a complete new rack and pump etc.

Also the passenger seat that wasn't latching in the correct position has to be sorted by fitting a new seat frame.

Therefore My Cooper's going to be off the road for a couple of days.

I've had my fair share of the common problems that people have mentioned in the past including;

Cracked windscreen
Bonnet lining replacement
Handbrake recall
Pulling to left fix
Boot latch rattle
+ other various squeaks and rattles

In fairness, all have been sorted under warranty and my dealer (Damon Hill) has been pretty efficient. However, this latest problem has left me thinking what on earth next?!

My friend has had a VW Golf GTI for over 2 years and has only had a couple of very minor problems.
If you compare that to my history above it’s ridiculous.

I still love my Cooper and wouldn’t have anything else (well, maybe a Vanquish)

But perhaps if the MINI wasn’t such a great looking and fun car to drive then it would’nt be so immune from build quality crticism?
It’s quite common if you mention a TVR for example that people will say great cars but they always break down and the build quality isn’t great. (I know they’re improving now).

How long before word gets around about the MINI? and the first thing people start asking you is, “have you had many problems with it?” Or “I knew someone who had one of these and it was always at the dealer”.

My brother’s taking delivery of his S in September. I just hope his is (reasonably) trouble free.

S