reliability
 

Hello, I am considering buying a new Mini but have heard a lot of bad things about them concerning reliability; mainly from my brother who sells Mini parts and another friend in the car business who says they litter the service garage at a multi-brand dealership. The only reason I am still considering is because the Clubman looks like the perfect vehicle for me.
Upon scouring the internet I found many complaints about the car with transmission and electrical just like foretold. These complaints were from drivers with 35, 50 or 70,000 miles on the odo.
My question is : Has anybody actually driven this car real miles ( 150,000 miles) without experiencing problems ?
I am trying to replace a 1998, $11,500 Mazda Protege with 257,000 miles. It's worst malfunctions being a waterpump and cracked exhaust manifold. Thanks.

RE: reliability
 

I've got a '05 MCS with 35K; no substantial problems; quite pleased.

RE: reliability
 

neighbor has an 03 with near 300,000 ... I won't lie it has had it's troubles mostly tranny related the early ones are known for it ...

That was really the only troubles she has had ...

RE: reliability
 

The new ones are rock-solid. It was mostly the transmissions in 02-04 Coopers that blew out. Other than that they all seem to be extremely reliable.

RE: reliability
 

Thanks for putting in some advice ! The 300,000 is outstanding even with some transmission trouble. Also good to hear it was earlier models with the problems.
I think I also heard that many things were revamped for the 2008. Hopefully that will fix existing issues and not create more bugs.

RE: reliability
 

I'm in the same boat as "Pat" , I too am thinking a mini but am unsure of the reliablity, Were the trans problems with Manual transmissions or Automatics?

RE: reliability
 

The early automatics 02/03 were problematic ... I think 05's up are ok

RE: reliability
 

I've been looking for a MINI too... and was told by a MINI dealership service adviser that the thermostat cover and the auxiliary fan have problems around 50K

RE: reliability
 

I too hear that AFTER the warranty period I am going to hate this car; that is what I hear from some tech heads here in Atlanta, this is my second; I have a new 2008 Clubman S auto; hope they are wrong! dogdoc