I really love the MINI but this car is really starting to bug me! I have an '07 MCS with a build date of 8/07. First the dealer had my car for a month trying to figure out why the TPMS light wouldn't go off. Then the brace, that's in the middle of the car, covering the exhaust, fell off. The car won't stop leaking oil. They have changed the valve cover gasket, the slave cylinder gasket, and the rear main seal on three different visits. The car is still leaking oil. Now, just the other day, I start getting the 3rd to 2nd groaning noise when I downshift. The car only has 8k miles on it. I have followed the MD Lemon Law procedures. I wrote to MINIUSA on 7/11 and am now waiting for a response. I am following up with the Consumer Protection Agency also. I really love this car but I can't keep going back to the dealer every month. Anyone have any thoughts, let me know. Thanks.

 

Keep great records, get them to declare "the Lemon" and replace it. I'm sure your next Mini will be a Great One!

 

well my would be suggestions you have already covered. so i really hope they hook you up w/ a new vehicle cause that is a major bummer, please let us know what happens.

 

I have a 3-ring notebook with everything that was ever done to the car. As soon as I hear something from MINI, I'll let you guys know.

 

Have you tried to rub some of the paint off to see if it is really yellow underneath. Cause if it was it really would be a lemon.

All joking aside - With only 8K miles on it they really should be able to tell where the oil leak is coming from. It's not like it has 5 years of built up dirt on the engine or anything like that.

I would see if you can take it to another dealer and have it looked at. It may be a drive but if they can fix it then you may be better off. And if you do go to another dealer then see if that can do a full inspection of the vehicle just as if they were going to put it up for resale and give it an Mini Pre-owned warranty.

 

Yes, I was thinking about doing that, but at this point, I want to hear what MINI has to say. I'm all about getting it fixed. It's just that Mini of Annapolis (formally Tate Mini) had a horrible reputation for service. Mini of Towson is the only dealer that has been working on the car. They have great service but it doesn't look like they can find the problem. I'll keep everyone updated. Thanks.

 

Well, I called MINIUSA today. Much to my surprise, they were very helpful. I have to take my car into the dealer and then call them back. I have a direct number. They, in turn, are going to talk to the service manager and try and get the car fixed. If they can't, I think I'm going to just get my money back. This car seems to be having way too many problems. Might have to go back to Honda

 

BMW us great with lemon cars. They offered me a new one on the spot with discount too.

 

Here are some pics. The car has been sitting for a week. It's going in to the dealer on Monday.

 

Push them for a new car

 

not sure in your state but in pa if the dealer has the car for more than 30 days in 12 months the car is a lemon. end of story.but check local laws with an attorney. it should be free if mini puts up a fight.

 

Quick update: I have been in contact with MINI USA and MINI of Towson, MD. They are in the process of setting up a date when the MINI Regional Tech is going to come out and take a look at my car (along with several others I'm told). This is supposed to happen in a couple of weeks. So now I wait...

 

soemthing about August build cars and problems... my 08/04 build R53 had a ton of them, and I know three other motorers that have had cars built the same time with some serious issues. I blame it on everyone anxious to go on the three week factory vacations in August. Glad my R56 is a late Sept build.

 

Sorry I will be hoping for the best outcome

 

So sorry ...

My BlueBelle just turned one today (another August build ) and she spent about 25 of her first 45 days after delivery in the shop.

Started with a no start issue and moved on from there. She ended up getting a new brain as I recall. We were starting down the lemon-law path before she was fixed.

Now we are happily at 22k and everything is fine.

I sure hope you have a happy ending

 

My August built 07 has been fine.

Aem421, I hope they give you a new one or your money back if you're not interested in another Mini.

 

any update?

 

Update: MINI USA called me on Friday. They have been in contact with the dealership. I am now waiting on a date when the Regional Tech is going to come out and look at the car. Probably sometime between the 18th and the 29th. I am going to bring the car in to them as soon as they have a date. I will keep everyone posted after that appointment.

 

Knock on wood mine has been great with 12K. It's a week 32 (August) build which was the first with a few changes from the original R56 debut. I'm thinking (hoping) that they got it right by then. Sorry to hear of the problems aem421.

 

Stuff happens. Once MiniUSA gets into the deal I bet they'll lemon your car and offer you a new one at a very reasonable price. It can't be worth it to them to keep it in the shop so much, let alone messing with a good customer. It's probably nobody's fault, just the law of averages. Go abandon the Mini brand (if you really like the car otherwise) because you got a lemon isn't really rational, it's emotional. That plus you're gonna get VIP treatment from Mini from now on!

 

Yeah, MINI doesn't make bad cars... my mother's new Honda Accord was a lemon! Does it mean Honda makes crap cars? Of course not.

Most cars have something wrong with them, visible or not. Don't abandon a vehicle you love because of an incident. I'm sure the next one will be fine.

Good luck on the issue(s)!

 

Having read you complaints and now that MINI USA is involved I wish you the best of luck and hope they end up replacing your car or give you a full refund.

I too have been in contact with MINI USA regarding the constant problems my '08 MCSa continues to have in only 4 months of ownership.Mine is a March '08 build.

 

I had an Accord that ended up being a lemon a long time ago (car was 100% crap)... I ended getting a Civic after that and the car was solid up to 100K which is when I sold it.. It can happen to any brand... Just some brands more than others...

 

I feel so lucky that my only complaint about Viola is the seemingly common sunroof issue. Lucky for me, it's rarely above 90 degrees here so it's not too much of a nuisance.

I agree, it is time for you to lemon this car and get another one. I hope you decide to get another MINI, but if you don't, I hope you're happy with your next vehicle and that it will be trouble free.

 

yeah i'm having problems with mine...

was @ the dealership for about 3 weeks, and pretty much an engine rebuild. and the day that i get it back, i drive on the freeway go about 80mph, come home go to sleep wake up, and turn on the car drive for about 20 minutes (local streets) and i get a check engine light....