Just purchased a used 2003 Mini. Nice spruce green. Whistled to me from the lot as I drove by. I might have wished I had turned my head (sort of like my ex[8D])

Ahhh, after driving it home from Virginia Beach, with all the assurances from DRIVE 1 auto that it was a GREAT car, I was happy.

I've only owned miata's. No maintanence problems. Just put gas in them run them for 200,000 miles and trade for a new one, but the lure of having a back seat called me.

Must be typical of mini owners, because as soon as I got back to Charlottesville, it:

1) shudders like crazy now at idle. I can't pinpoint it, but it seems to be the air compressor
2) the low tire pressure and stability lights came on. I checked all the tire pressure, and while one was high, they were all within suggested tire pressure levels
3) yesterday as I was getting ready to leave work, and all the guys and really nice looking gals were oohing and aahing, there was a puddle of oil under it.
4) shifting into 5 gear is like trying to get a straight answer from Hillary Clinton. You have to literally get a running start and slam it into gear. Makes a nice chirping sound too. Very German bird-like
5) roaring sound as you go forward or backup. Not too bad from inside the car, as that Harmon Kardon sound system masks most of the sounds from the engine, but if you are standing outside, it sounds like the orphanage is burning down
6) how can Mini call that a navigation system? It's like trying to figure out an air controller radar. Well, at least when it breaks down, I'll know where I am within 500 miles.
7) building a periscope and peering under the car, I realize, there is no spare tire. Opening the tiny little door in the back, and lifting the mat, sure enough, there is 3 out of 5 of the tire changing tools there. But that's ok, there's no tire to change. But you look so good just standing next to the car, why worry about changinga flat.

And that's in 3 days.

It must be a true mini experience.

But the ride man, the ride. All the problems go away if you sit in it as the tow truck hauls you down the rode. It helps if you make vrroom vroom sounds.

Can I pick them or what.

And in case you need that dealship, it's DRIVE 1 of Virginia Beach. Be sure to drop by there TODAY and tell the Eddiesent you and ask for their internet specials.

The story continues tomorrow, when I take it to Edgecomb's repair and book-em Dano shop. No Cooper dealership within 2 or 3 days drive from here.

It's the ride man, the ride.

 

i am surprised to hear this! The reason I am buying my mini is because of their excellent service and reliability. My wife has had an 03 and it has run perfect!

 

Not to start a dispute, but I have NEVER read anywhere in any literature, or from any owner that the mini coopers are known for their reliability. Fun, yes, great to drive, yes, reliable, no.

Get the consumers report car guide, hmmm, all black boxes, but fun to drive!

I took it back to DRIVE 1, and said keep it. I need something that's not going to be in the shop every 2000 miles, and the cooper ain't it.

Too bad, it WAS fun to drive, and I enjoyed all the envious looks. Hey, wasn't that the BMW mechanic that just passed me? Wow, he's got another new boat. Go figure.

 

Gee, if I felt that way about Mini's, I wouldn't buy one in the first place. I don't think that Mini's are generally quite as unreliable as this member would lead us to believe. I know of some rather high milage Minis that have been relatively trouble free. But whenever you buy a used car there is a chance that the previous owner trashed it. It pays to check them closely out first, even if they are a Honda or a Toyota.

 

I am not sure what consumer report issue you saw but last months issue it was all solid red. That is why I decided to purchase mine. Good luck in finding a car, I would not buy it from the same place though.

 

I did notice the 2006's and above had better service reports, but who can afford that? There's a great red one at Brown's auto, but at $26,000, I can buy 2 miata's and pull one behind the other.

Seriously, tho, I am still looking. Reviewing the carfax on the other disaster, it was a lease car, then a repo, so it had a sad sad life.