STi Refugee. Is it time to get MINI?
#1
STi Refugee. Is it time to get MINI?
Greetings, all -
Total newb here - nice to meet you all.
Won't go into too many details, but I abruptly "stepped out" of a '08 STi earlier this week and am $12k poorer as a result (suffice it to say that loose oil filters don't play well with engines that require lubrication, who knew?). Anyway....
I've been contemplating getting a MINI for a number of years - the only thing that has kept me away has been reliability. I've owned numerous VW GTIs over the years along with two BMWs and have had to deal with numerous minor fit/finish/electrical issues and some other larger problems.
Given that I just lost $12k on my last car, I have a bit of trepidation about reliability issues on the MINI. From an emotional standpoint, the MINI's the only car I want. My left brain tells me to get an incredibly boring Toyota or Honda.
Can anyone squelch my fears? How have your 2009 and 2010 cars been in terms of problems? I'm looking at the Clubman, Clubman S, Countryman and Countryman S.
Any and all comments would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks!
Total newb here - nice to meet you all.
Won't go into too many details, but I abruptly "stepped out" of a '08 STi earlier this week and am $12k poorer as a result (suffice it to say that loose oil filters don't play well with engines that require lubrication, who knew?). Anyway....
I've been contemplating getting a MINI for a number of years - the only thing that has kept me away has been reliability. I've owned numerous VW GTIs over the years along with two BMWs and have had to deal with numerous minor fit/finish/electrical issues and some other larger problems.
Given that I just lost $12k on my last car, I have a bit of trepidation about reliability issues on the MINI. From an emotional standpoint, the MINI's the only car I want. My left brain tells me to get an incredibly boring Toyota or Honda.
Can anyone squelch my fears? How have your 2009 and 2010 cars been in terms of problems? I'm looking at the Clubman, Clubman S, Countryman and Countryman S.
Any and all comments would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks!
#2
#4
Welcome to the wonderful world of MINIs... I'm pretty new here myself, but had owned a rather modified '03 WRX (with a VF34 etc.) from new until the end of last year. I've ordered my MINI (see below) and while I know it won't be nearly as fast, I believe I will be at least as happy (as I never found my Subie to be either attractive or of sufficiently high quality). Get the MINI, make sure your dealer has loaners, and if you're extra cautious, opt for the extended warranty and/or maintenance. I opted for the ALL4 because I need AWD where I live, but depending on your needs, a 2wd (powered by the same S motor) would be a bit quicker in all regards.
Cheers, and welcome...
-Tad
Cheers, and welcome...
-Tad
#5
How long do you hold on to cars? If you're worried about long term reliability then you may be better off following your left brain. If you're just worried about short term reliability, pick up any car you like as long as your length of ownership is fully covered by warranty.
Sucks to hear about your STi. I've had numerous Subaru's including a built WRX and never had any issues with them. Did you or the dealership change replace the oil filter before it loosened?
Sucks to hear about your STi. I've had numerous Subaru's including a built WRX and never had any issues with them. Did you or the dealership change replace the oil filter before it loosened?
#7
How long do you hold on to cars? If you're worried about long term reliability then you may be better off following your left brain. If you're just worried about short term reliability, pick up any car you like as long as your length of ownership is fully covered by warranty.
Sucks to hear about your STi. I've had numerous Subaru's including a built WRX and never had any issues with them. Did you or the dealership change replace the oil filter before it loosened?
Sucks to hear about your STi. I've had numerous Subaru's including a built WRX and never had any issues with them. Did you or the dealership change replace the oil filter before it loosened?
In general, I'm willing to put up with minor hassles of car ownership in return for a car that's distinctive and fun to drive. I just don't want to be surprised by $3k repairs every eight months or left holding a worthless mess of metal and plastic in 5 years. I owe to my wife to be smart about this purchase - I've been less than responsible in the past.
My STi: long story short — oil filter came loose 4,000 miles after my last oil change (I know, 1,000 to long, especially on that car). Subie didn't do it. I've had a local shop that I trust do a couple oil changes for me over the years. I've talked to my lawyer, the shop, Subaru, etc... I really have no recourse, nobody to go after. It was a 405hp daily driver, and certainly the best performing car I've ever owned. Bright side is that I've sold it to someone as is for $1,000 less than what I owe on it. Not bad under the circumstances, but I'm losing about $10 or $11 grand in equity.
Thanks for the response! Appreciated.
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#8
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#13
Haha, well that didn't take long to decide at all. Congrats!
I've only had my MCS for a year but the only issues I've had were cosmoline drip and a finicky Bluetooth / iPod module. Both were covered under warranty and fixed by the dealer.
OK 'nuff talk, show us some pics!
I've only had my MCS for a year but the only issues I've had were cosmoline drip and a finicky Bluetooth / iPod module. Both were covered under warranty and fixed by the dealer.
OK 'nuff talk, show us some pics!
Good evening.
Michael
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