[Kinster]

Are the newer build MINIs a lot better? Lesser problems?

Regards

[MiniMan7]

I think that the newer mini's do have less problems. From what I have read and experienced, the older Mini's had problems which now seem to be sorted out. Either way, a Mini is a Mini, just enjoy motoring!

[kshapiro]

Quote:

Originally posted by Kinster
Are the newer build MINIs a lot better? Lesser problems?

Regards

Gotta be...it's a new car...not just a new model, but a whole new line. Also, it almost has to be a linear improvement...lilly by lilly ! I still feel that even with the niggles we've all learned about here, they are few and minor for such an undertaking as a new car from the ground up.

[Paul]

From the family 'tribe' I would say yes.

[lightbody]

I have to add though that although i had a handful of initial problems, all of which got sorted in the end, my Oct 01 MINI Cooper has given me NO trouble at all for at least 6 months now and I'm very happy with it.

Part of it, I think, is that the dealers have also learned how to fix things on the MINI. To start with it took them a few times to fix anything, but now they seem a lot better...

Anyway - very happy with my 14month old MINI thank you very much, don't discount them!

[dinger]

The build quality of our August 2002 built Coopper S compared to our September 2001 Cooper are worlds apart TBH .

However any car that is a brand new design and launched as quick as the MINI was to the general public will and was always going have problems.




dinger

[Chris Williams]

Undoubtedly alot of problems have been ironed out. Unfortunately there are still minor niggles...but these are minor problems nothing major. The other good think from conversations I've had with the technicians who service and repair the MINI is that the majority of problems are now known to them. Its not problem free but then again no car is....I think the problem for MINI is that it is a much loved car and therefore when problems have occured the press have been very quick to pick up on them. Its the old British way of finding fault in everything!!

Regards
Christopher

[ktgatlin]

My current vehicle, a VW GTI 1.8T, is experiencing problems with ignition coil-pack failures. It has been in the shop four times already for this problem. The car has four independent coils. Beyond the coil failing outright, it also may misfire before failing, which makes a very nice fast car feel like a go cart....
....so offf to the nearest MINI dealer


My wifie and I just looked at the new 2003 minis. All is cool except that is selling for about $2000 to $3000 over sticker - that little fact aside

Do the MINIs have ENGINE or TRANNY problems? We are going for the standard cooper, a BIG step down in speed, but the car is COOL! Oh yeah, the VW GTIs have this annoying problem of breaking their plastic window clips and dropping the window all the way down (doesnt this sound like a problem with a 1969 VW BUG?) ----any problems with window mechanisms on MINIs?

Sorry for the long post, but this seemed like the correct thread to ask this question

tanks for any info

[Chris Williams]

ktgatlin,

The Mini doesn't have any real engine or tranmission faults which are common....but then again certainly I'm not aware of Golfs in the UK from suffering the same problems that you have.

The only problem I've come over with the MINI is to do with the drivers side window (rhd) which seems to have a residue that causes some problems. I've posted a thread in the faults and fixes section called "window residue". Interestingly enough I was in my BMW dealer the other day and a 3 series was in where the clips of the window had snapped and the glass had slid down. Haven't heard anything like that happening with a MINI.

Having driven the 1.8T Golf, yes its quick...but not lightening quick, I feel that once your Mini is run in then you'll find it looser and quick...particularly if your willing to use the revs...the Cooper has two personalities...over 4,000 revs things start to get fun. The other advantage that you'll have and have already mentioned (over the Golf) is its chuckability so any time you loose on the straights you'll more than make up for in the bends.

Regards
Christopher

Ps. any more questions feel to free to ask!

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by ktgatlin
...My wifie and I just looked at the new 2003 minis. All is cool except that is selling for about $2000 to $3000 over sticker - that little fact aside
...

Sounds like the situation in California. (your profile doesn't indicate your location)

It really is worthwhile to seek out other MINI dealers who are not charging over MSRP - even if you look out-of-state if necessary. Lots of MINI dealers across the US have MINIs sitting on their lots priced at no more than MSRP. Find a good deal, go pick your MINI up, and enjoy a great road trip home.

[Hat]

my dec '02 delivery cooper is so far completely problem free & i'm enjoyig every minute. even cleaning it this weekend didn't seem like the chore it normally is