Mini Coopers are Crap

[Thales of Miletus]

The Mini Cooper has to be the crappiest car of the last twenty years. When comparing durability, cost of repair, warranty, and original cost, it is an epic fail of a car.

Th e Powertrain Warranty - 4 years 80,000 kms. Pathetic.

The Cost of replacements - Engine $9,000, Tranny $9,500

Defects effecting durability - Engine failure at 40,000 kms, transmission failure at 100,000 kms.

The car is half quality and half shit. And the shit half is mega expensive to repair. For example the Oil Turbo line is not shielded from turbo heat, it cost $90 for the hose and $800 in labor. To change the water pump you have to take off the front of the car.

In summary don't but a Cooper S or any mini.

Below is an image of the thermostat housing. Nine hoses and two electrical connections.

French Engineering at it's finest.

[sheik_yerbouti]

This news story which came out last month came to mind.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/bmw-s-...airs-1.2948855

[roll_over]

no way I think the land rover freelander is the worst, I was so surprised to see one still driving yesterday

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Same goes for Fiat 500's. Quirky but absolute junk. Its unfortunate for those who buy them that do not do their homework.

The original BMW minis had awful headgasket failures and they never really made them anymore reliable as the years went on.

[The_Penguin]

So not much different from the old ones. I had two 70's Minis, stupid expensive to repair, and a pain in the ass to DIY. Fuel pump was on the back of the engine, Braille method would work if you'd done a few. And those F(*&ing carbs!

[ToXicXxX]

Gotta love them BMW group thermostats... Big ass pineapple covered in pipes.

[CanmoreOrLess]

Originally posted by sheik_yerbouti
This news story which came out last month came to mind.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/bmw-s-...airs-1.2948855

I read the entire story. How is it a problem for BMW Canada when someone buys a used Mini from a non dealer and it is out of warrantee? Fuck people expect to be coddled and protected from their own decisions in life. Blame everyone, you'd expect and understand it from a five year old, not some blob of an adult. Cry me a river.

[Thales of Miletus]

Originally posted by ToXicXxX
Gotta love them BMW group thermostats... Big ass pineapple covered in pipes.

I have to wonder what they are thinking when they design crap like that?

Is it the engineering schools in Europe?

Land Rover, Mini, are both crappy vehicles that came off of design tables in the same region.

You would start to think that the British can't build a car, but the Rolls seems to buck that theory.

I think what makes Mini the worst is their absolutely terrible customer service.

[CanmoreOrLess]

I'm not sure why Mini is getting the shit-storm, the last couple of years look to be a fine purchase according to Consumer Reports. Posting an owner experience from the Gunsmoke era is hardly accurate of modern times. It is a BMW, hardly shocking that it is costing a few bucks for maintaining the vehicle. Owners know this going in and don't bitch about it. Not like a gun was held to your head pre purchase.:

[ToXicXxX]

Originally posted by Thales of Miletus


I have to wonder what they are thinking when they design crap like that?

Is it the engineering schools in Europe?

Land Rover, Mini, are both crappy vehicles that came off of design tables in the same region.

You would start to think that the British can't build a car, but the Rolls seems to buck that theory.

I think what makes Mini the worst is their absolutely terrible customer service.

Sometimes things on paper are different then when actualized. Germans love to over-engineer things to squeeze as much efficiency out of them as they can.

Ever tried replacing a thermostat in a E9X? It's a riot... Especially coupled with that silly electric waterpump.

Rolls are also built by BMW. We actually coded the Rolls Royce navi startup animation onto an F30 for fun. Was neat.

[corsvette]

http://tradeinqualityindex.com/reports/MINI.html

As far as the most engine issues in a car built in the last 5 years? The Mazda CX-7!

[Thales of Miletus]

Originally posted by corsvette
http://tradeinqualityindex.com/reports/MINI.html

As far as the most engine issues in a car built in the last 5 years? The Mazda CX-7!

Yup, But Mazda has a great warranty program.

JD Power just rated Mini as the worst used car.

When you combine a motor with a known defect, with a company that knows about the defect but won't recall it, you have a very sad situation for those who bought the car.

The CVT transmission in the Mini has been a complete failure as well.

At least you can put a Vtec engine in the old pre 2000 minis.

I honestly think that BWM should be forced into buying the cars back.

But as most of us know, the lemon laws in Canada are very weak to non existent.

Amvic or Camvap won't even go after BMW.

[Vr4Whore]

I also thought the freelander was the biggest piece of shit...

[Thales of Miletus]

Originally posted by Vr4Whore
I also thought the freelander was the biggest piece of shit...

That one was crap too.

I often wonder who does the reviews on vehicle, because if you look at the Freelander, some site rate it as a gem.

[AndyL]

reviewed online by people trying to sell them

"see it's reliable - it's on the internet it must be true!"

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by Thales of Miletus


That one was crap too.

I often wonder who does the reviews on vehicle, because if you look at the Freelander, some site rate it as a gem.

Most sites use year 0 to 3 as their "reliability" scale, lol.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

JD powers initial quality is valid for some people but shouldn't be advertised as a primary reason to buy a vehicle. The first 90 days not much happens unless its a total lemon. I like the Trade in Quality Index, it aligns with my experiences as a technician for the past 10 years.

The FJ cruiser and 5th generation 4runners have been the most reliable cars I have seen. The trade in value page aligns with that.

JD Powers is a terrible freaking reference.

http://autos.jdpower.com/ratings/quality.htm

[roll_over]

The freelander sold to the European market had a different engine and transmission that was solid but once they brought it over here they changed it. That's why it was so highly praised but that changed real quick

[Darell_n]

Go rent a Car2Go Smart car and it will change your outlook on the Mini.

[ToXicXxX]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok


Most sites use year 0 to 3 as their "reliability" scale, lol.

Breaks, sometimes breaks, and indestructible?