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Thread: MINI reliability - better info

  1. #1
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    MINI reliability - better info

    I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that included actual repair rates. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

    We've had good participation by MINI owners, with nearly 400 signed up, but more remain needed to fully cover all model years.

    Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

    To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the MINI, for free. I'll share results for the MINI in this thread after each update.

    For the details, and to sign up to help out:

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  2. #2
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    mkaresh, are you looking for hard data by end-users?
    Or known problems that others have had and the precautions other owners should take?

    Also, there's NOT enough detail on the MINI model sub-section to select.
    There should be a breakdown based on platform (1st Gen: R50, R52, R53 / 2nd Gen: R55, R56, R57, R58, R60) and trim level (base, S-model, and JCW).

    - Erik
    Last edited by bluefox280; 09-01-2011 at 02:53 PM.
    • 2009 Mini Clubman - John Cooper Works [JCW] - 1.6 liter turbocharged 16v I4

    Pattern Draft Imaging - "...Where Engineering Discipline and Photography Merge as One..."

  3. #3
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    The main survey collects information on repairs going forward. I'm hoping to also develop more detailed information on common problems, but this isn't the primary focus.

    The model year is specified when first signing up and the bodystyle and powertrain when you first respond to a survey. The posted repair descriptions include this information and are grouped by powertrain. A site redesign will make it easier to filter repairs by powertrain.
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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by mkaresh View Post
    I'm hoping to also develop more detailed information on common problems, but this isn't the primary focus.
    Gotcha, because there could be a list of things (just like any other vehicle, not Mini specific) that the general public may want to know.

    Quote Originally Posted by mkaresh View Post
    The model year is specified when first signing up and the bodystyle and powertrain when you first respond to a survey. The posted repair descriptions include this information and are grouped by powertrain. A site redesign will make it easier to filter repairs by powertrain.
    For the 2nd-Gen Mini option, it does not list John Cooper Works (JCW) trim model.

    - Erik
    • 2009 Mini Clubman - John Cooper Works [JCW] - 1.6 liter turbocharged 16v I4

    Pattern Draft Imaging - "...Where Engineering Discipline and Photography Merge as One..."

  5. #5
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    Sorry for not mentioning that. The JCW is coded as an option package on the S rather than a separate trim level. You should be able to select the JCW powertrain, which will identify your MINI as a JCW.

    MINI's entire model/trim system is so unusual. I need to redo how we have the whole thing set up. Right now I have Cooper as the model, when the models should be Hatckback, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman, and so forth as they add more. Of course, the model names of the first two never actually appear on the car, and everyone tends to think of them as body styles rather than model names.
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  6. #6
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    We have updated our reliability stats for the MINI based on owner experiences through September 30, 2011.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2011: 65, about average, small sample size

    2010: 56, about average

    2009: 87, about average

    2008: 100, worse than average

    2007: 114, worse than average (only hatch and Clubman)

    2006: 54, better than average

    2005: 125, worse than average

    2003: 119, about average, very small sample size

    The repair frequencies for the 2008 and 2010 were bumped by multiple reports of heat damage to the hood scoop on the S. Also timing chain tensioners causing a cold start rattle and power windows on the 2008.

    Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

    To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    MINI Cooper reliability ratings and comparisons
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  7. #7
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    We have updated our reliability stats for the MINI based on owner experiences through September 30, 2012.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2012: 16, better than average, small sample size

    2011: 66, worse than average

    2010: 53, about average

    2009: 60, about average

    2008 (hatch and Clubman): 74, worse than average

    2007 (hatch and Clubman): 81, worse than average

    2006: 51, about average

    2005: 104, worse than average

    2003: 72, about average, very small sample size

    We'll have further updates in February and May. We'd love to provide more precise stats, cover all model years, and provide separate stats for the S--just a matter of getting more owners involved.

    To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    MINI Cooper reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  8. #8
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the Cooper to include owner experiences through March 31, 2013.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2012 Cooper: 14, low
    2011 Cooper: 64, high
    2010 Cooper: 38, moderate
    2009 Cooper: 61, moderate
    2008 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 70, moderate
    2007 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 48, moderate, small sample size
    2006 Cooper: 54, moderate
    2005 Cooper: 96, high
    2004 Cooper: 67, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Cooper: 94, moderate, very small sample size

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2009 Cooper: 53, < 1

    We'll have further updates in August and in November. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    For the details, including the descriptions of reported repairs, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    MINI Cooper reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  9. #9
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    We've updated our reliability stats for standard-sized MINIs to include owner experiences through June 30, 2013. (Another source is about 14 months behind.)

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 Cooper: 20, low, small sample size
    2012 Cooper: 39, moderate
    2011 Cooper: 75, high. Common problem with the thermostat and temperature sensor.
    2010 Cooper: 34, low
    2009 Cooper: 63, moderate
    2008 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 68, moderate
    2007 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 44, low, small sample size
    2006 Cooper: 43, low
    2005 Cooper: 78, moderate
    2004 Cooper: 122, high, very small sample size
    2003 Cooper: 81, moderate, small sample size

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2011 Cooper: 52, 8
    2009 Cooper: 51, < 1
    2006 Cooper: 69, < 1

    We'll have further updates in November and February.

    To view competitors' scores and descriptions of reported repairs, and to sign up to help:

    MINI Cooper reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  10. #10
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the Cooper to include owner experiences through September 30, 2013.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 Cooper: 8, low
    2012 Cooper: 43, moderate
    2011 Cooper: 64, moderate
    2010 Cooper: 42, moderate
    2009 Cooper: 66, moderate
    2008 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 69, moderate
    2007 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 49, low, small sample size
    2006 Cooper: 51, low
    2005 Cooper: 95, moderate
    2004 Cooper: 105, high, very small sample size
    2003 Cooper: 62, low

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2011 Cooper: 52, 4
    2009 Cooper: 50, < 1
    2006 Cooper: 77, 4

    We'll have further updates in February and in May. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini Cooper reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  11. #11
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the standard-sized Mini to include owner experiences through December 31, 2013.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 Mini: 5, low
    2012 Mini: 55, high
    2011 Mini: 57, moderate
    2010 Mini: 48, moderate
    2009 Mini: 71, high
    2008 Mini Hatchback and Clubman: 77, high
    2007 Mini Hatchback and Clubman: 64, moderate, small sample size
    2006 Mini: 58, moderate
    2005 Mini: 87, moderate
    2004 Mini: 94, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Mini: 74, moderate

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2011 Mini: 53, < 1
    2010 Mini: 61, < 1
    2009 Mini: 50, < 1

    We'll have further updates in May and in August. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    To see the repairs behind these stats, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini Mini reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  12. #12
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    Our reliability stats for the standard-sized Coopers now include owner experiences through March 31, 2014, making them nearly a year ahead of other sources.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 Cooper: 7, low
    2012 Cooper: 75, high
    2011 Cooper: 44, moderate
    2010 Cooper: 38, low
    2009 Cooper: 48, moderate
    2008 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 38, low
    2007 Cooper Hatchback and Clubman: 79, moderate, small sample size
    2006 Cooper: 76, moderate
    2005 Cooper: 56, low
    2004 Cooper: 111, high, very small sample size
    2003 Cooper: 67, low

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2010 Cooper: 62, < 1
    2009 Cooper: 76, < 1

    Thank you, once again, everyone who has been helping. Next update in August.

    For a deeper dive, including the stats for other cars and repair descriptions, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini Cooper reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
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    More useful reliability information

  13. #13
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the standard-sized Minis to include owner experiences through June 30, 2014 (making them about 14 months ahead of some others).

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 Minis: 6, low
    2012 Minis: 72, high
    2011 Minis: 37, moderate
    2010 Minis: 58, moderate
    2009 Minis: 47, moderate
    2008 Minis: 52, moderate
    2007 Minis: 77, moderate, small sample size
    2006 Minis: 80, moderate
    2005 Minis: 65, moderate
    2004 Minis: 83, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Minis: 82, moderate

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 Minis: 93, < 1
    2011 Minis: 71, 4
    2010 Minis: 52, < 1
    2009 Minis: 75, < 1

    Next updates in November and in February. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    For repair descriptions, the stats of other cars, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  14. #14
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the standard-sized MINIs to include owner experiences through September 30, 2014.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 MINI: 14, low
    2012 MINI: 78, high
    2011 MINI: 44, moderate
    2010 MINI: 54, moderate
    2009 MINI: 61, moderate
    2008 MINI: 71, moderate
    2007 MINI: 95, high, small sample size
    2006 MINI: 79, moderate
    2005 MINI: 59, low
    2004 MINI: 81, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 MINI: 73, low

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 MINI: 85, < 1
    2011 MINI: 63, 4
    2010 MINI: 58, < 1
    2009 MINI: 62, < 1

    To view the repairs behind these numbers, check the stats for other cars, and sign up to help improve this information (next update in February):

    MINI reliability ratings and comparisons
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  15. #15
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    New stuff this time. We've updated our reliability stats for the standard-sized Minis to include owner experiences through the end of 2014. Plus we've added reliability trends graphs. These indicate how a model's reliability has changed as it has aged, and how different model years performed when the same age.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2013 Mini: 26, low
    2012 Mini: 72, high due to a common problem with the thermostat / temperature sensor
    2011 Mini: 53, moderate
    2010 Mini: 50, moderate
    2009 Mini: 56, moderate
    2008 Mini: 62, moderate
    2007 Mini: 70, moderate
    2006 Mini: 82, moderate
    2005 Mini: 59, low
    2004 Mini: 98, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Mini: 55, low

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 Mini: 70, < 1
    2011 Mini: 58, < 1
    2010 Mini: 61, < 1
    2009 Mini: 64, < 1

    We'll have further updates in May and in August. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    For the details, including how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini reliability ratings and comparisons

    To view the new graphs, select "reliability trends" in the breadcrumbs at the top of the linked page.
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  16. #16
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    So, how have these cars been doing lately?

    Our reliability stats for the standard-sized Minis now include owner experiences through March 31, 2015. (Others are nearly a year behind.)

    In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year ("low" is best):

    2014 and 2015 Hardtop: 30, moderate, small sample size
    2013 Minis: 34, moderate
    2012 Minis: 56, moderate
    2011 Minis: 77, high
    2010 Minis: 48, moderate
    2009 Minis: 54, moderate
    2008 Minis: 65, moderate
    2007 Minis: 87, moderate
    2006 Minis: 60, low
    2005 Minis: 80, moderate
    2004 Minis: 91, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Minis: 88, moderate

    Plus, the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 standard-sized Minis: 68, < 1
    2011 standard-sized Minis: 49, 7
    2010 standard-sized Minis: 63, < 1
    2009 standard-sized Minis: 65, 3

    Next updates in August and November.dates in August and in November.

    For repair descriptions, the stats for other cars, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini reliability
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  17. #17
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    TrueDelta's reliability stats for the Hardtop (and related Minis) now cover the year ending June 30, 2015. (Others are over a year behind, and so report how these cars were doing when a year younger.)

    Repair trips per 100 cars:

    2014-2015 Hardtop: 31, moderate -- decent start for the F56
    2013 Hardtop: 39, moderate
    2012 Hardtop: 42, moderate
    2011 Hardtop: 57, moderate
    2010 Hardtop: 38, low
    2009 Hardtop: 55, moderate
    2008 Hardtop: 64, moderate
    2007 Hardtop: 102, high
    2006 Hardtop: 61, low
    2005 Hardtop: 68, low
    2004 Hardtop: 101, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Hardtop: 79, low

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 Hardtop: 70, < 1
    2011 Hardtop: 62, 4
    2009 Hardtop: 56, < 1

    For the descriptions of all reported repairs, results for other models, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini Hardtop reliability ratings and comparisons
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    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  18. #18
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the Hardtop (and other standard-sized MINIs, for years other than 2014-2015) to include owner experiences through September 30, 2015.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

    2014-2015 Hardtop: 23, low
    2013 Hardtop: 42, moderate
    2012 Hardtop: 34, low
    2011 Hardtop: 67, moderate
    2010 Hardtop: 43, low
    2009 Hardtop: 55, moderate
    2008 Hardtop: 44, low
    2007 Hardtop: 85, moderate
    2006 Hardtop: 70, moderate
    2005 Hardtop: 76, moderate
    2004 Hardtop: 97, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 Hardtop: 95, moderate, small sample size

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 Hardtop: 65, < 1
    2009 Hardtop: 55, < 1

    We'll have further updates in February and in May. Additional participants are needed to provide precise stats for all model years.

    For the details, including repair descriptions, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    MINI reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  19. #19
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the Hardtop and other standard-sized Minis (combined in the stats below for years through 2013) to include owner experiences through the end of 2015, about eight months ahead of other sources. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year--lower is better:

    2014-2015 Mini: 41, moderate
    2013 Mini: 38, moderate
    2012 Mini: 41, moderate
    2011 Mini: 60, moderate
    2010 Mini: 67, moderate
    2009 Mini: 50, moderate
    2008 Mini: 57, moderate
    2007 Mini: 102, high, small sample size
    2006 Mini: 66, moderate
    2005 Mini: 76, moderate
    2004 Mini: 120, high, very small sample size
    2003 Mini: 98, moderate, small sample size

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2013 Mini: 67, 2
    2009 Mini: 60, 4

    We'll have further updates in May and in August. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    For the repairs behind these stats, reliability information on other models, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  20. #20
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    We've updated our reliability stats for the standard-sized Minis to include owner experiences through June 30, 2016. Reliability information elsewhere is based on a survey conducted in April 2015--well over a year ago.

    Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year (lower is better):

    2014-2015 Hardtop: 40, high
    2013 standard-sized Minis: 31, moderate
    2012 standard-sized Minis: 52, moderate
    2011 standard-sized Minis: 72, high
    2010 standard-sized Minis: 59, moderate
    2009 standard-sized Minis: 56, moderate
    2008 Hardtop: 80, moderate
    2007 Hardtop: 75, moderate, small sample size
    2006 standard-sized Minis: 77, moderate
    2005 standard-sized Minis: 76, moderate
    2004 standard-sized Minis: 99, moderate, very small sample size
    2003 standard-sized Minis: 63, low, small sample size

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2014-2015 Hardtop: 75, 3
    2013 standard-sized Minis: 73, < 1
    2009 standard-sized Minis: 60, < 1

    We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

    2015 standard-sized Minis: 75, 3
    2013 standard-sized Minis: 73, < 1
    2009 standard-sized Minis: 60, < 1

    We'll have further updates in November and next February. The more owners participate, the more comprehensive and precise these will be.

    For the repairs behind these stats, reliability information on other models, and to sign up to help improve this information:

    Mini reliability ratings and comparisons
    www.truedelta.com
    Price comparisons, quick and thorough
    More useful reliability information

  21. #21
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