Consumer Reports Ranking: MINI Down

Sections: In the Press Mar 2nd, 2007 35 Comments

Coming up in the April issue of Consumer Reports is their Automobile guide for 2007, which includes reliability rankings for the 2006/2007 model year. As Usual, Japanese brands dominate with Honda and Toyota taking most of the top spots for reliability.

In the issue they also predict reliability for the ’07 model year versus where they placed last year. Top spots went to Toyota, Honda, Scion, Acura and Lexus while the MINI dropped from 11th to a predicted 28th.

Consumer Reports provides the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. It’s based on CR’s annual surveys of their approximately 6 million magazine and Web site subscribers. These surveys ask about any serious problems they’ve had with their vehicles in the preceding 12 months. They generate hundreds of thousands of responses–the 2006 survey, for instance, provided information on just over 1.3 million vehicles–which give them a solid foundation for our reliability Ratings.

[ Japanese Brands Dominate ] USAtoday.com

[ Consumer Reports ] Cars section (Subscription required)

Written By: DB

Nate Cole

This doesn’t really shock me for a new model year.

Do you have the 2001 rating to see how far it climbed to (presumably for the ’06 R53) #11 spot? Pun intended, I predict it was quite a climb.
http://www.gbmini.net Ian C.

So now CR slags the car without having any data, instead of their normal policy of using feeble data ;)
TSizemore3

Don’t really trust Consumer Reports anymore, especially when it comes to automotive issues.
seb

I usually start yawning about the time somebody starts reciting rhetoric from the omniscient product gurus at Consumer Reports. If I need a toaster or vacuum … fine, but their writers so often seem to overlook or avoid the intangibles of esthetics, emmotions, personality, spirit, temperment, and feelings. If we all adopted CR’s philosophy, we’d all be walking the street with Marine buzz cuts … dollar for dollar the lowest maintenance, least bothersome haircut a human can have. CR used to be about reviewing household products and kitchen appliances … now some view them as the be-all-end-all for automotive reviews. What is next? “Consumer Reports offers their top picks from the Metropolitain Museum of Art”. I’ll gladly trade a bit of “predicted” reliability for a boat load of charisma and character.
MINIBro

How many people have taken delivery of R56′s since two weeks ago??? Nuff said!
David

A couple years ago CR reviewed the Lotus Elise. I read something like, “the handling is unpredictable at the limit; if you lift in a turn the rear end will slide out.” Right then, I closed the magazine and canceled my subscription.

I blame them for the Camcord-ification of the US. But apparently most people just want an appliance, and they want to be told which car is the most appliance-like.
Crusoe

They ranked the ’06 MC (Non S) at 3rd and well above average for reliability in sporty cars cat. Problem I’ve seen is they seem to only get a convertible MCS for performance reviews ’06 and ’07 which it wins in the convertible cat. They also classified the MC in ’06 with M3, STI, Evo, Stang, CTS and said it’s power was weak comparatively. For the past 2 years they’ve not put the MCS in the sporty cars cat for performance review. I concur CR is a bit geared towards appliance buying methods and have yet to see them properly review and classify the entire MINI line. Will be interesting to see how they do with the Clubman.
scotteast

I lost all faith in Consumer Reports auto reviews when I read that you should NOT buy a Corvette because it ‘goes too fast.’
HEMI-MINI

To each there own but since this data based off of the previous years and the issues the car had during its introduction the first time around…this is not a shock. Not sure why anyone is surprised by this ranking. The 06 MINIs are so much better than the 02, 03, and even 04′s when it comes to reliability. BMW was able to resolve a lot of the issues in that time frame to bring the car very close to perfection by 06.

If the has relatively very minor problems this year then expect to see that ranking rise.
VMMVMMM

I wouldn’t go by their performance reviews, but their reliability reviews are very accurate. That’s not to say that their predicted reliability is going to be right or wrong, but they simply base that on MINI’s record of new model reliability. As that can only be based on reliability of the 02/03 MINI, I don’t think this is surprising.
beken

I don’t know…I had my 05 MCS in for Inspection 1 yesterday and the SA was whining that he hasn’t seen me in quite awhile. I told him that my car has been rock reliable so that’s a good thing, right?

I take whatever CR says with a lump of salt. They only give insight in buying decisions. I would hardly use them as the sole reference for purchasing anything.
Nextmoon

CR admitted rigging the baby car seats tests that caused so much uneeded anxiety to parents everywhere. These people have a clear agenda and they know it.

Regarding reliability rankings…..Launch BMW products have never been known to be problem free and this expectation on the R56 ’07s comes at no surprise to yours truly. BMW often irons out issues with new model until about the 3rd or 4th year of production. This explains why ’05 and ’06 MINIs have been for the most part, totally .

There is always an implied risk when buying a 1st year vehicle and that unfortunately, is the price to pay when you want to be the first kid on the block.
Bud

MINI may take solace and/or “pride” in knowing that it has joined the ranks of some heretofore estimable marques, namely Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz — yes, M-B the ostensible epitome of German engineering excellence ranked lowest for reliability. No doubt shocking to new owners, but quite revealing to potential ones. And this assessment doesn’t even consider the significant aesthetic flaws of the R56.
Bud

Perhaps MINI should consider opening a factory in Brazil or Mexico and begin producing R53s again following VWs example. There is obviously a maket for a superior retro product.
Bill Lawrence

I have 2 words for Consumer reports:

138,720 Miles
http://dbmini.us DB

138,720 Miles

And I will add 2 more.

147,382 miles
JustPassinThru

Geez, everyone should get a grip. CR is a reliable organization and calls ‘em as it see’s ‘em, and Mini has always had alot of mechanical and quality issues. Still a great car, but let’s get real – it has always fallen short in the reliability department.
http://www.dcmini.blogspot.com/ DanC

its reliably fun to drive. that’s for sure.
http://www.truedelta.com Michael Karesh

They can’t be predicting reliability for the 2007 MINI, they have no data on it. Their current results are based on repair data through March 31, 2006.

I’ve been launching my own reliability research to correct for their many deficiencies. Among the advantages of my approach, my results will average over 10 months “fresher” than theirs. I’m already providing results through December 31, 2006, on some cars.

I’m not collecting data on the MINI yet, but would be happy to if I had enough owners signed up.

Details: http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php
Osmodious

Why all the hate for Consumer Reports? We have a MULTITUDE of ‘enthusiast’ magazines out there to give us the performance reviews of cars, but most of them don’t spend a lot of time on the practical aspects (and let’s face it, the stuff that kills a car for you is the ‘little stuff’). Also, nobody gathers as much data about reliability…yeah, R&T does their ‘Owner Survey’ once in a blue moon, but they only get a comparative handful of respondents.

I’m not saying we should cut them any slack for boneheaded comments about performance, but realize that most people read the mag for the practical stuff (and an enthusiast is going to ignore the stupid remarks), which they provide better than anyone else.

Os.
Chili Pepper

Well I for one can atest to MINI poor reliability issues. I’ve had two and both were in for major and minor repairs on average EVERY 2.5 months over the course of the four years I owned then. 45K miles on the 02 Cooper and only 25Kmiles on the 05 MCS. Very poor quality. The last time the tow truck came to take my 05 to the dealer he laughed and said that they sure are cute but he does have to pick up a lot of them. Living in the bay area I have to admit I have seen quite a few waiting beside the road for a tow truck. They are fun to drive but THEY ARE NOT up to Japanese quality standards. Most European cars are not very problem free which is different from being poorly made. I think all my friends who own BMWs have a fair share of problems and quirks. They are well engineered and great to drive but that is not an automatic guarantee they are maintanence free. Mini included.
VMMVMMM

I love my car so much it doesn’t matter to me, but this has been by far the most troublesome car I’ve ever owned.
Garrett in SF

I have an ’05 Mini Cooper S Convertible and have had two problems with the car since the day it rolled off the lot. Day 1 had a small leak in a tube that was fixed immediately. And in year 2, one of the speakers seemed to blow. Overall this is the most reliable car I have ever had. (It replaced an Audi TT that was in the shop so often that I knew the cab drivers that waited outside the dealer in the morning!)
Adrian

Consumer Reports is for nervous nellie, anal types. What they don’t know about cars could fill an issue of a magazine. Oh wait, that’s what they already do. They’re lame and anybody who buys a car based soley on their recommendations deserves the refrigerator on wheels that they get.

P.S. I pick up my 07 Cooper next week.
http://www.atlantaminis.net M. Dillon

Yes,Adrian…we,”…nervous nellie,anal types…”,do like and respect,”Consumer Reports”.

It has saved me headaches,pain;and money,in the thousands. That allow me to purchase my,”…refrigerator on wheels…”,that I call,”Sade”,outright,at the dealership.

Also,you’re correct in stating that fans of,”Consumer Reports”,lack of car knowledge,”…could fill an issue of a magazine.”

That’s why we use the magazine,Adrian. If you don’t know,ask/find somebody who does.

In closing,I,along with other owners,on this site,know that you will really enjoy your MINI,when you pick it up,next week.

Therefore,I state to you…,”Happy Motoring”.

PS:If you click my link above;and,go to the,”members”,section…you can see the cool,white,”refrigerator on wheels”,that I picked up on Dec.20,2002…

…thanks to,”Consumer Reports”,of course.
Dave Newman

Hey Guys! Has anyone who reads Motoring File ever bought a MINI after consulting Consumer Reports? LOL If you did, you probably are letting the issues pile up in the corner and haven’t read any. :-) People who read that magazine buy a Toyota or Honda. They aren’t exactly the fun loving risk takers of the world. I would betcha that the average CR reader wouldn’t know an apex on a corner or have would even consider sitting in “one of those tiny cars”. I smile every day I drive my MC. Pure Hell would be if I was required to drive a Camry! (beige too…) Cheers Mates!
Steve

I just read the new issue of CR and it looks like the facts in DB’s piece are way off. First, the predicted reliability for the new Mini is not assumed. In the spots in the mag where this info goes (summary and the area with all the dots) all it says is NEW meaning ‘we don’t know yet’. As for the overall manufacturer reliability info, this is an average of the ’04-’06 models and it’s not all that bad. While fairly low in the ordered ranking the numbers are pretty bunched up. Nissan (!) is a few notches up the list with almost the same numbers. Porsche is next below Mini and then the ratings fall off a cliff. Finally, in the summary for the Mini they really dig the car calling it truly fun to drive with agile handling, quick precise steering etc. I agree CR has some goofy stuff such as differences in the reliability rating for paint between the Cooper and S (how can that be?) and there are differences in demographics (old folks driving Lincolns don’t do smoky burnouts) and sports car owners are more aware of their cars and more critical but based on the facts CR’s treatment seems reasonable.
Ian B

I know most of you have cash to burn and don’t care what it costs to maintain your MINI , but some owners do. My car has been pretty trouble-free, but I am concerned about what will happen when the warranty expires – information about reliability and repair costs matter to me and I believe CR does their best to provide this information impartially. If someone knows a better source for such information, I would love to hear it.
Pingback: Consumer Report: Latest Reliability Ranking - MINI2
gokartride

Like so many things, the CR folks go by data, and what invariably happens is that data is incomplete or all legitimate factors (data sets) are not considered. Therefore conclusions get skewed, especially if all folks want is four stars or a red dot or something. CS gives them that, but the real story is always more complex. For my money, I take CS with a grain of salt…they have not earned my undying loyalty/confidence. For those who want to (care to) search it out, better info is available, generally on the web.
Steve

Anyone interested in the quality of the new Mini should visit mini2. Some very interesting teething issues are described. It reminds me of the early days of the BMW 3 series. You might recall a Car and Driver comparison test last year where they liked the new 3 but had some funky electrical problems. BMW’s seem to be this way. First year has lots of issues. By year 3 the cars are completely sorted and reliable. I’ll wait for the ’08 Mini and skip the early troubles.
http://dbmini.us DB

I just read the new issue of CR and it looks like the facts in DBÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s piece are way off.

Not my facts. I wish I could say otherwise, but I did not write the USA Today piece.
Rocketboy_X

Over 50k miles, on an 02 Cooper S. The headers shook themselves apart (due to a design issue) and the muffler has gone to pot. Now I have a coolant issue that I’m trying to track down. Granted, it’s been driven hard, but to say that MINIs are problem free is a bit head in the sand if you ask me.
Adrian

For M. Dillon. I suggest you reread my email, before composing a hastily thought out reply. I wasn’t saying the Mini is a “refrigerator on wheels”. That you thought so, boggles. How could a car like this ever be an appliance? Duh. The Camry. The Corolla. The Accord. THOSE are cars that fit that bill and cars that CR typically fawns over. They work fine. And they’re as vanilla as can be.

The best way to save money and make informed decisions, is to NOT only base your decision on CR, but rather to check out user forum sites; fan sites for the car you have in mind. There, you’ll read the good with the bad — at least you’ll find out if the car’s driving and style points make up for service dept. visits. Sorry, I’m just not a CR fan. Never have been. In trying to evaluate EVERYTHING, they end up being specialists in nothing, and thus not the best source for info on anything.

I agree with the other posters that with the Mini, you may sacrifice 100% peace of mind for 100% FUN. I’m not worried at all about my upcoming Mini. But then, I’ve owned a Chrysler, a VW, a couple of Saabs and currently a Land Rover, so…
http://forums.kcminiclub.com/ KUMINIAC

I’m curious as to what, exactly, everyone is so upset about. I read the CR mag and I didn’t see anything in there that I didn’t read here or on other reviews of the ’07 first. Everyone has expressed a concern about the reliability of a brand new design. A lot of people have predicted that there will be some issues. The fact that CR is withholding judgment until they get some data is hardly being down on the product.

From the review itself, since some folks don’t read them before opening fire:

“Both blend 1960′s charm with modern levels of amenities and safety. Handling is agile, with quick, precise steering and little body lean, making it truly fun to drive. The ride is a bit choppy. The base 1.6 liter lacks power, but the supercharged Cooper S is strong. The rear seat is very tight. The simple-to-use convertible top incorporates a partial open sunroof position. The reliability of the old design was average or better, but the convertible is below average.”

What part of all that does anyone really disagree with?

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