[MINI Girl (USA)]

help....
i'm on the waiting list to put in the final order for my mini (should be placing that order this month). i'm getting nervous about getting the mini. i love the looks, the way is drives, etc, but i'm scared because of the stuff i'm going thru w/ my 2000 ford focus right now-- which i can't wait to get rid of, & i'm having a meeting in the next week w/ the northeast district ford rep. about my complaints w/ my focus (it's been in the shop every 2 weeks for the last 3 months). i'm just worried, i'm going to be repeating the same mistake (early model, lots of recalls, etc, etc.) & reading some of the threads here isn't helping my confidence......

i'm hoping that the percent of people w/ mini problems is a small one. anyone w/ advise will be greatly appreciated.
thanks......

[thegrommit]

You'll be ordering a 2003 model, so hopefully the little niggles of a first year run will have been sorted out. FWIW, I've not had any troubles with my July 02 build

[Smokey 4]

My daughter has a focus, 7 recalls and numerous trips to the dealer for repair of the same fault. She finally got the dealer to take the POS back and she got another in exchange.

I on the otherhand have picked up my MCS on the 19th of Aug, put 2427 miles on it since without ONE single issue. I will tell you that I'm going to get the cold start fix done, when it is aval here in the south, not because I have the cold start prob, but I understand it helps the hesitation prob as well.

Good luck with your decision, and remember it's yours to make.

P.S. after reading your sig, I had to edit this post;

I like my women like my coffee.

Strong and Bitter

[miniyup]

No absolute guarantees, but my impression (from this chatter on this board) is that the current build cars have a much greater chance of being nearly troublefree vs. the early models built before about May of this year.

Long term reliability - who knows ? New model, new engine. But all is backed by BMW's reputation and a good warranty.

If you want nearly bulletproof reliability, get a Honda or Toyota (boring, but reliable as a toaster). (My '87 Camry is still running like a champ -- going to my teenagers as a "driver's ed" car as soon as the MINI arrives.)

You have to decide if you have the right mindset and are at a stage in your life whether you can take some degree of risk with a MINI. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Sejanus]

Take this for whatever it is worth, but I've got 1600 miles on my June build and no problems. I love this car.

[IgorTheHunchback]

Igor says hello.

Igor thinks that in neally the 2 years Mini has been out it has had 2 or 3 recoils Igor can't remember.

Igor does know that Mini quality control is very very good and for a new car has had very few fixes.

Igor does not promising a bullet proof car, but one that has lots and lots of checks, and will be lots and lots of fun.

[Mini_me]

I ordered a cooper BEFORE they were available here in Germany, and almost a year before the S became avaialable.

I had been waiting with the S order until I thought the teething troubles had passed. I think that time is now. Hope I'm right.

Having said that my very early cooper has not done bad. The only serious problem was a CD player replacement because it kept draining the battery.

[MeloYelo]

My MINI has had a recall (being one of the early ones). However, I love the little beast (dare I say it - as much as my Real Mini!).

I would not hesitate to go for another one - especially since BMW should have got most of the gremlins out by then.

[johnny36]

It is a sad fact that most (if not all) message boards are often places where folks complain. There is something in human nature that we would rather complain than complement. Or simply, people use message boards when they need help or support. In either case, you're likely getting a slanted view of the MINI on this and other sites. If it helps, try looking at some news groups for other vehicles. I think you will find as many (if not more) problems with other vehicles.

I've put just about 4k miles on my MINI and there have been no problems to speak of. I adore this car. After 3 months, I still get a thrill looking out the window and seeing it parked in the driveway. Obviously, driving is also a thrill.

BTW, I noted you are from PA. are you getting your MINI from Don Rosen? I dealt with them briefly and felt they were a great bunch of folks. They really love the MINI.

Cheers,

[arabinow]

I too had a 2000 ford focus ZTS

I intially loved the car and didnt mind the recalls... however repeated trips to the dealer where they did not provide decent service, detiorating car parts, and future problems on the horizon I decided to dump my fully paid car and get a mini cooper.

I feel comfortable that bmw is behind it.. they will not wnat to smear the name

As well I feel comfortable having service provided by bmw dealers.

so far I have had my car a few weeks, and the only complaint is a squeaky front seats which is minor and I will get looked at when I take in for service. Other than that its a blast to drive, even my wife who doesnt care about cars is fighting with me to be the driver

get one... its fun as hell
Adam

[jonnyanalog]

HOw many more Focus owners will turn to the Mini side?!
I too intially loved the Focus (I have a ZX3) but as time wore on things began to break and fall apart rather quickly. In the first 3 months I owned the car the rear shocks were replaced twice in just one week! The rear brakes went bad numerous times and have yet to be totally resolved. The plastic trim in the rear has all loosened up and squeaks over every lil road imperfection. And the keyless entry works when it wants. I love the way the car looks but I'm fed up with all the BS that went along with it so I'm ordering a Cooper S. I'm hoping the cooper will be better built but its a gamble I'm willing to take...plus the cooper is just plain cool!

[Ron Harvey]

Hi,

Just got my MINI on Friday the 6 of Sept. It is wonderful. Solid as a rock a great drive and loads of fun.

Ford Focus - DUMP IT

All new cars have problems to sort out - Ford has building the car for many years in Europe and still does not have it right.

The MINI will have some problems but all on the Forums seems to be very minor for the most part. Noise door speaker - back hatch, small cup holders, seat adjustments fixes have been made.

Again, all cars will have to sort out some problems but for he quality of car, fun to drive, great looks and overall appeal - BUY THE MINI and have a lot of fun.

Good luck,

Ron Harvey

EB/W - Production date 8/9 -- Picked up 9/6

Lapis blue, premium and cold packages, alarm, DSC, fog lights, white stripes - BEAUTIFUL and SOLID

[monica]

The FORD Focus has has an unusual number of recalls (9 to date and 4 investigation), breaking a record held by Chrysler in 1980! Odds are the MINI can't be worst (canit ). My dad works for FORD and he wanted me to get a Focus so badly he offered to pay for part of it. On top of an employee discount that was an offer even I had a hard time turning down. But I did, because even if my MINI turns out to be a major pain I still prefer it over a Focus. I think you should be sure of any car you purchase I mean I could have taken home a Focus real cheap but $10,000 is still too much to spend on something that at best can be described as "Ehhh, it's okay". Go for it!!

[MINI Girl (USA)]

thanks for the encouragement.
it helped me to remember why i want a mini so bad....
first time i saw it i knew i wanted one.... first time i drove one i knew i HAD to have it. i have been told by others that bmw is good about fixing stuff & making sure it's right & that makes me feel better.

i just i'll see what happens next week w/ the ford rep.-- but it doesn't really matter, i still getting rid of my fucus (sorry, that's the nick name for it now).

btw-- i am ordering it thru Don Rosen, your right they really do seem to love minis & my sales guy is great......

thanks again

[pabs911]

Mini girl,
Monica turned down the deal of the century on a Focus. Only two problems. It was a Ford and it was not a Mini! I truly believe that this car will go down in history as one of the best cars of the 21st century!!

I know, I know, but I'm still on minimoon! I'm sorry, I meant honeymoon!

1350 miles and counting.

[warp]

Quote:

Originally posted by pabs911
Mini girl,
Monica turned down the deal of the century on a Focus. Only two problems. It was a Ford and it was not a Mini! I truly believe that this car will go down in history as one of the best cars of the 21st century!!

I know, I know, but I'm still on minimoon! I'm sorry, I meant honeymoon!

1350 miles and counting.

A well spoken man.............GET THE MINI!!!!!!!!!!

[pabs911]

Thanx Warp, I agree with you agreeing with me...or something.

[tburt]

My Cooper is a May build, and I have over 4000kms on it so far, and not one single problem. I heard about the recall on the shift cable, and it only affected early build cars. I had MINI look at, when I was visiting the dealer and my car had been fixed before it left the factory.

So far, I have been very impressed with my dealer, they are very friendly and helpful, and the MINI is just awesome.

[JBK]

Just over 3K on my MCS and it has been a dream to own and drive. There are a couple issues (cold start, and plastic on the back of driver's seat pulling away from the leather), which are scheduled for dealer work in a couple weeks. We will see how that goes. But thus far, nothing has in any way compromised the pleasures of the car.
Automobiles are extremely complex these days. Any vehicle involves a certain amount of risk.