[Andromcs]

I am going to test-drive a MCS in two days with the intention of purchasing an '05 w/ several options. My research thus far has yielded mostly good reports regarding reliability, but there have been some with terrible stories regarding problems and especially rattles and loose fitting parts. These seem to be on the MY2002 minis. Please tell me what you think! Will I get Toyota style reliability.

Thanks!

[dansmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

Will I get Toyota style reliability.

No, but will a Toyota give you MINI-style style, handling, and fun-factor? The build quality has improved a lot and I've had NO problems with my 2003 Cooper. But I still would be very hesitant to say that a MINI has Toyota style reliability. Toyotas are for people who want reliable transportation as a first priority. MINI's are for those who want a fun to drive car primarily. I'm not saying you can't have both, just saying there are trade offs either way you go and you have to decide what your priorities are.

[SteveM3]

Quote: Originally Posted by dansmini

No, but will a Toyota give you MINI-style style, handling, and fun-factor? The build quality has improved a lot and I've had NO problems with my 2003 Cooper. But I still would be very hesitant to say that a MINI has Toyota style reliability. Toyotas are for people who want reliable transportation as a first priority. MINI's are for those who want a fun to drive car primarily. I'm not saying you can't have both, just saying there are trade offs either way you go and you have to decide what your priorities are.

Neatly summed up, I'll second dansmini with that view .

[M1OUTT]

i have a 53 sum lil rattle in the dash went to garage and said they would fix it and dint but in the newer ones 02 onwards not many rattles at all and a gud dealer if ther are any will sort out straight away

[Andromcs]

I thank you for the replies.

I don't believe there needs to be any trade-off. Good reliability is something that every car company should be able to achieve in this day of modern technology. Especially now. I have two Toyotas and a Subaru and I just sold a Volvo. All three of these companies have achieved a good level of reliability and have models that perform very well on-road and/or off-road. A company such as BMW/Mini, being known for such high-end products should also be able to achieve such a level of reliability and I don't think it is unreasonable for the buying public to expect it for the money spent. Now no matter what the reputation of the manufacturer, there are problems that crop-up with certain models or certain vehicles that might be do to a bit of half-assed engineering or a bad production day, but that is the human component and is understood. What I want to avoid is another experience such as when I purchase a 1989 VW Golf 16V GTI. It was actually falling apart as I drove it from the dealer and was back for fixes 10+ in my first 2 months of ownership. They finally bought it back from me after venturing through a lemon law arbitration.

So, will I spend much time at the dealer after my purchase?

[Trina]

I've had my '04 Cooper since the end of January. (over 6 months) No problems at all yet, so I haven't had any need to see my dealer.

[Barnabas]

The new 04 and beyond MINIs aren't horrific. There are faults from the human side of it, but the engineering is sound and pretty much all the kinks have been worked out since hte 02-03 beta period.

[spanky]

I've had my 03 MCS (Sept 02 build) back to the dealer twice. In the first year, several warranty items accumulated, but nothing that led me to the dealer before it's first regular service. They took care of all problems, but needed to order one part. I returned for them to replace that part and all has been fine since. Well almost - the sunroof was rattling and I was expecting to take it back for repair, but it has cleared up on it's own.

You need to decide what's important to you and what you'll be most comfortable with. If every little rattle or quirk is going to drive you nuts, then go with what you're familiar with. No car is perfect, even Lexus develops little buzzes and blips after a few years.

[Andromcs]

I thank you for the replies.

I don't believe there needs to be any trade-off. Good reliability is something that every car company should be able to achieve in this day of modern technology. Especially now. I have two Toyotas and a Subaru and I just sold a Volvo. All three of these companies have achieved a good level of reliability and have models that perform very well on-road and/or off-road. A company such as BMW/Mini, being known for such high-end products should also be able to achieve such a level of reliability and I don't think it is unreasonable for the buying public to expect it for the money spent. Now no matter what the reputation of the manufacturer, there are problems that crop-up with certain models or certain vehicles that might be do to a bit of half-assed engineering or a bad production day, but that is the human component and is understood. What I want to avoid is another experience such as when I purchase a 1989 VW Golf 16V GTI. It was actually falling apart as I drove it from the dealer and was back for fixes 10+ in my first 2 months of ownership. They finally bought it back from me after venturing through a lemon law arbitration.

So, will I spend much time at the dealer after my purchase?

[Andromcs]

Sorry for the double post!!!

And thanks again.

I am not worried about what will happen after years of use. Little squeaks, rattles and the such, I know they develop over time. It is in the car's infancy...the first few years that I expect it to be free of major defects and even most little annoying ones. A few little things I can live with...

[Poisonedwell]

VW has been known for their reliability issues throughout the 1990's and even into the early 21st C. The last few model years have made large improvements though (2002+)

[tavis1]

I have an 04 MCS. After 2 weeks of ownership O2 sensor went out, developed a speaker distortion in passenger side speaker. Tried to have it fixed twice and still didn't. I have the yo- yo problem. Went to have V38 loaded and dealer refused. While they had it they got the seat wet after washing it. They at least fixed a rattle under the dash. Yes I hav had minor problems but my major complaint is MINI service where I live. It is shoty at best and I have filed complaints with MINI USA.
Tavis1

[SoggyCornFlakes]

<----- two MINIs , no problems, happy owner, will buy a third

[Intrepid]

on my 3rd - all been brilliant apart from the first which was a '51 plate and Mini One which had the gear box re call problem. Cooper and an S Works since then and not one problem between the pair. I'll have Minis forever... If I go to my dealer (Terry) it's to have a chat and gloat about how much I love my Mini... and to have her cleaned while I drink my coffee with Terry. Love it.

[dansmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

I thank you for the replies.

So, will I spend much time at the dealer after my purchase?

As we are seeing by the responses here, you might! But it might be worth it to you to deal with a few niggles to have a fun-to-drive car. What other cars are you considering? S2000?

[kgouin]

I debated between a Subaru and a MINI before purchasing the MINI. I thought the Subaru would be good because of the all wheel drive because we get some good snow where I live. I ended buying the MINI because of everything I had heard about the handling. I can't give you any reports on reliability because I have only owned since yesterday but I am glad I bought the MINI. The handling is INCREDIBLE on it! You just feel really secure while driving it. I absolutely love it! I have never enjoyed windy roads as much as I do with the MINI. I have heard that MINIs drive really good with snow tires in the winter and that is what I plan on doing. I don't think you would regret buying a MINI.

[andyupnorth]

Reliabilty can be a bit of a subjective issue; a dashboard rattle can be a reliabilty problem to someone or a minor irritation to another. Having said which we seem to get few people complaining of major mechanical failure on here (other than perhaps with certain gearboxes - a problem that has been addressed now). The basic Tritec engines seem pretty reliable. I think that part of the problem is that all of us on here are pretty much MINI obsessed and we want our cars to be perfect and remain perfect in the way they drive, handle and wear. Whereas the times I have driven Toyotas I have been so taken aback by strange nylon trim patterns, cheap grey plastic dashboards and a an engine and suspension package that only seemed vaguely attached to the wheel in my hands and accelerator pedal that minor niggles such as rattles and squeeks go ignored. The fact that there was an essentially very reliable drivetrain under the bonnet has always seemed a very small consolation.

So far MINI have bulit 440,000 MINIs. Even if they manufactured 99.9% of them perfectly that would still leave 4,400 less than perfect MINIs out there. If only 10% of their owners were MINI2ers that would still be 440 very unhappy people on these boards.

I should add I have a Sept 03 Cooper and it has been faultlessly reliable over 12k miles and seems well screwed together.

[Andromcs]

Dansmini,

I have also considered a Subaru STI, Subaru Forester XT w/ some suspension & tire/wheel modifications, a Mazdaspeed Miata (the turbo model) and the VW R32. We already have one Forester XT and it is a great car, but I am buying this new one for more sporting purposes and better MPGs. The Mini seems to be the best choice by the numbers, thus the test drive is scheduled for tomorrow.

Best.

[dansmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

Dansmini,

I have also considered a Subaru STI, Subaru Forester XT w/ some suspension & tire/wheel modifications, a Mazdaspeed Miata (the turbo model) and the VW R32. We already have one Forester XT and it is a great car, but I am buying this new one for more sporting purposes and better MPGs. The Mini seems to be the best choice by the numbers, thus the test drive is scheduled for tomorrow.

Best.

Have you driven the R32 yet? Just curious what you thought of that one.

[dmholmes]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andromcs

I am going to test-drive a MCS in two days with the intention of purchasing an '05 w/ several options. My research thus far has yielded mostly good reports regarding reliability, but there have been some with terrible stories regarding problems and especially rattles and loose fitting parts. These seem to be on the MY2002 minis. Please tell me what you think! Will I get Toyota style reliability.

Thanks!

I'm not sure I'd even go so far as to say it has Kia style reliability, but it sure is one helluva fun car to drive