Mini Reliability

[kaiowas]

Howdy all, I just wanted some feedback on the reliability of the Mini Coopers. I know some of the earlier models may be less than the second generation but I thought I would ask anyway. I've noticed a lot of threads about gearbox problems, rattling noises and a few other minor problems, so I thought I would find out what everyone thinks.

[DaFlake]

I would recommend that you do a search as there are a ton of threads just like this on the forum.

Same here, no problems.

[85NIXMIN]

I've had no problems with my MINI... I've had it for near 2 years and the only thing I've had to do with it is get a new car battery and paid for a service!

[iain cooper]

how do you define reliability ?....................you may have all the usual problems with your cooper, ie rattles, etc but the car is still 100% reliable in the sense that it has never let you down.

I think you need to tweek your poll to gather more accurate data.

[minicabrio]

I may have had the odd 'issue' with my MINIs, but they've always been reliable, and never let me down

All issues I should point out have been happily resolved by my MINI dealer

[KPKalle]

100% reliable R50 Cooper owned for 3 years, 40000 kms.

100% reliable R56 Cooper S owned for 9 months, 16000 miles.

[Tombles]

First MCS needed its clutch bearings fixing but other than that it was fine.

My current MCS JCW has some minor niggles i.e. a rattle, trim needs fixing down but it does have a new noise coming from the power steering which will be getting looked at under warranty.

So while both my cars have had things wrong with them they haven't been major and not spoilt the driving in any way.

[aussie11]

I have had the steering pump go, and the airbag light come on now and then and he has been broken into three times

[dakini]

usually people don't start threads to say 'still have no problems' ... they only start a thread when they have a problem. so ... basing your guess at reliability on the threads here doesn't account for all the trouble-free minis ...

also, a 'rattle' might be annoying to some, but it's hardly a problem with 'reliability' ... reliability is when things break or go wrong enough you shouldn't/can't use the car.

[mister.t]

Well the R56 has over-heated big time in heavy traffic when the fuse in the fan went, and its had an intake solenoid replaced Apart from that, it's been great in the last 11 months, no problems whatsoever

*touches wood really quickly*

[vickietots]

I have had my MCS for nearly 3 years and it has been totally reliable in that it has never broken down. Yes I have had my clutch and flywheel replaced under warranty, but this was my choice and certainly not something that would have affected the running of the car. Apart from that just some little rattles and trim issues, but all solved under warranty by the dealer.

As other posters have said, it all depends what each individual owner finds annoying. Plus mist people will only post if there is an issue and not if they have a trouble free car! Also rattles etc are not what I would class as reliability issues.

[kaiowas]

I apologise for creating a new thread, but most of the other relaibility threads are close to three years old now, and I thought it might time to check up on how the older mini's are holding up

Excuse the vagueness I really just wanted peoples opinion of the overall reliability of their own mini (been studying all day and thought I would take a break and come on here, but my brain is fried) and I mentioned some of the SMALLER problems as an example as I'm not sure of any other common problems. However, it is nice to see that the dealerships cover most of the problems under the warranties. Problem is I am after a second hand one and probably won't be under new car warranty as I look for an 04 or maybe 03 model depending on how much I'm going to spend and would like to know what I'm buying and whether or not it's going to die at 100,000km's or whether I need a new gearbox at 50,000 etc.

And I know this is not a true representation of the mini owners as people usually only come online seeking help for problems etc. but learning about the bad is just as helpful about learning the good.

[mooneymini]

My first mini which was an 01 plate cooper had a few major things go on it in the 18 months that i owned it. It had only done 10000 miles aswell!
The drive shaft snapped one friday evening preventing it from moving anywhere.
The windscreen wiper motor broke meaning i couldnt drive in the rain until it was fixed .
I had other minor problems and recalls, but wasnt too bad and everything was sorted under the extended warranty and didnt stop me from buying another 2 minis after.

My second 2006 mini i had no problems with, but i only had it for 6 months and my current 2004 mini i am hoping will not cause me problems, but it will be too early to tell as i have only had it a week so far.

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by kaiowas (original)

I apologise for creating a new thread, but most of the other relaibility threads are close to three years old now, and I thought it might time to check up on how the older mini's are holding up

Excuse the vagueness I really just wanted peoples opinion of the overall reliability of their own mini (been studying all day and thought I would take a break and come on here, but my brain is fried) and I mentioned some of the SMALLER problems as an example as I'm not sure of any other common problems. However, it is nice to see that the dealerships cover most of the problems under the warranties. Problem is I am after a second hand one and probably won't be under new car warranty as I look for an 04 or maybe 03 model depending on how much I'm going to spend and would like to know what I'm buying and whether or not it's going to die at 100,000km's or whether I need a new gearbox at 50,000 etc.

And I know this is not a true representation of the mini owners as people usually only come online seeking help for problems etc. but learning about the bad is just as helpful about learning the good.

Fair enough... I'm just grumpy because I am moving.

[M.O.S]

My seven has covered about 21500 miles and has had a lot of work done in the last year/10k.
New engine mount
New third brake light - water inlet
New wheel centres - rust or peeling (common fault)
Work done to drivers seatbelt due to squeaking
In for a new clutch (no I don't drive round town / slip it - I change gear between 2-2500 revs)
Aircon fault - no gas left in system

So not terribly reliable, however, I still love it - nothing handles quite like a mini.