I bought a 2008 Mini Cooper S from World Motors in Scottsdale AZ two weeks ago. The last four or five days, it has been slower and slower accellerating away from stop signs or red lights. So slow, in fact, that drivers behind me got annoyed and changed lanes to get around me. I was smelling a "hot" smell, but wasn't sure what it was, or whether it was something normal, I've never owned a Mini before.

Today, the accelleration was worse than ever. Driving down the street, it got slower and slower. No matter what gear I was in, no matter how much gas it got. It revved up but didn't GO. Finally, as I was in a turning lane, partially out into an intersection, desparately trying to get off the road, it stopped completely. Running, revving, but not moving.

I have owned this car for TWO WEEKS. The dealer, World Motors, says it is outside of its 15 day/500 mile warranty now, although this issue started days ago. Today, of course, is TWO DAYS after the 15 day warranty period.

A nice guy helped push me out of traffic while I waited for AAA to come save me. In the parking lot near a car wash, one of the attendants walked over to see if I was OK, because the car smelled so awful. AAA driver says clutch. Having it towed to the dealer where I purchased it tomorrow, but he says they aren't promising anything.

I am so upset and disgusted I don't know whether to scream or just to cry. Two weeks, I owned this car, I haven't even gotten the tags yet. I haven't even made the first payment. Thousands of dollars in repairs already? That's just wrong.

 

I've had the same problem with my '07. Luckily I bought mine from a Mini dealer and it was certified used. Your clutch is going fast. And if you keep revving it, your fly wheel will be destroyed too, which costs an additional $1k

My clutch and fly wheel were replaced Jan of 2011, and just this week, the same thing happened. Thankfully, there is a 2 year warranty on the parts and service so it'll cost nothing to replace.

Clutches on the Minis are their weak spot. If you get it fixed, get an extended warranty, you may be back.

 

yep that sounds like a new clutch is needed.