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In the latest JD Power New Vehicle ratings, the "2003 MINI Cooper" scored the lowest in the following categories: "Mechanical Quality," "Feature & Accessory Quality," "Body & Interior Quality" and "Overall quality." (2 balls)
"Comfort" got a "did not really stand out" rating. (3 balls.)
"Performance," "Style," "Features & Instrument Panel" and "Overall Quality" got the highest ratings (5 balls each).
My biggest gripe with the Mini is it's poor build quality. For example why after 2 years of production can't they eradicate the rattle on the dashboard?
If the Mini wasn't a hoot to drive I'd turned my back on them a long time ago. The designers/engineers should get a pat on the back.
I don't know how JD Power does it - maybe the "Performance," "Features" and "Style" balls are worth more than "Mechanical Quality," "Feature & Accessory Quality" and "Body & Interior Quality" balls. Ask them
How accurate is JD power? Is it the same as any forum where only those with a gripe speak up. I know i have never received a call from them. My 22,000 sticker car has no more or less issues than any other vehicle at this price. I have to say, JD power has no influence over my purchase. Nor does Consumer reports. If they did, I would be driving the most boring Honda or Toyota.
JD Power's surveys are more "respectable" than most other reliability data gathering associations. I did receive a JD Power survey a couple of years ago for a new car purchase (A Chevy) and it was pretty comprehensive. However, like any other data collection system it is no bullet proof as anyone can lump a broken cupholder and a burnt engine into the same category.
Personally, we are very happy with our MINI and think the quality is excellent for the price bracket. The warranty coverage is superior to that of most Japanese competitors (And American) in its price class.
I question the accuracy of these ratings as well; especially in regard to a new car line like the MINI.
My Cooper has only had few minor problems and most other MINI
owners I've met are very pleased with their cars.
Consumers Reports stated a review that the MINI's back seat was
"useless"! Well, it's hard to get out of but I would not call it useless.
It always seems to amaze me that a survey like JD Power could come up with such c***. Apart from the contradiction of slating everything then giving it the highest overall mark do they think that people actually sit down & read their reports before buying a new car - I certainly didn't give them a second thought when I ordered my MINI. How many other people did?
I love my MINI and I know the design has a few faults, every car does, but I agree everyone else, what a load of rubbish.
I always take these things (ratings from JD Powers or anyone) with a grain of salt. Last year the Mini scored well but the one thing JD Powers said was "people complained about the size of the drink holders. Who cares about that, come on if that's your biggest concern you need a life. Also last year in the same report the Hummer rated low for consumer satisfaction...the big complaint, poor gas milage. Give me a break, you bought a Hummer people. I sometimes tire of the whinning.
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