2011 Mini Cooper S

[2002 Maxima SE]

Could owners of 2007+ Mini Cooper S chime in on reliability? My mom owns a 2005 (that has been very reliable) but it's a different beast.

I saw one at a dealer that had a perfect (to me) color combo (Ice Blue w/Black roof and mirrors). I am seriously considering getting it...but have concerns about what I have read (high pressure fuel pump issues, timing chain issues, turbo issues).

I realize the interweb is a place that amplifies complaints over contentment.

Any thoughts?

 

[synthetic_crazy]

I guy I worked with had a Mini with the Turbo that was in the shop more than on the road. He had an engine rebuild at 40,000 miles and even after that the car was never right again. He traded it for a Honda. I would steer clear of a Mini.

 

[dparm]

I heard that the early ones were horrendously unreliable, but I would hope that after this long they've ironed things out.

Remember, it's a BMW underneath, not a Honda...

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: dparm

Remember, it's a BMW underneath, not a Honda...


It's a Peugeot/Citroën under the hood.

 

[The Critic]

DI carbon build up.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: dparm
I heard that the early ones were horrendously unreliable, but I would hope that after this long they've ironed things out.

Later years of the R53 (2006 and prior) did have a lot of kinks ironed out. But according to the Mini shop foreman I know, the R56 (2007+) engines are much more troublesome than the old ones (mostly timing chain-related issues but others as well).

Then again, I have no idea what the large-scale reliability data show, or even if there is any, so...

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Thanks all, this was my take as well. I think I will stick with waiting on the 2013 or 2014 Ford Focus (maybe the ST).

 

[silverrat]

Buy a new Mini, one that comes with free maintenance and a warranty. Drive it three years and sell it. You won't feel the maintenance costs.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

silverrat

That sounds like the only way to go.

I like to keep my vehicles a long while (at least 10 years) before getting rid of them. It's unfortunate that even with good maintenance, these cars will have their fair share of visits for service.

 

[CivicFan]

Do males drive Mini-s?

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Do males drive Mini-s?

All the time.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Originally Posted By: CivicFan
Do males drive Mini-s?


My wife lets me drive hers to the gas station every-other weekend.