Dec 22nd, 2008
This is a question we get asked quite a bit around these parts. It’s also a question that we have covered in a few older episodes of White Roof Radio.
MF Reader Chris writes.
I know nobody trusts Consumer Reports, but they appear to say that Mini Cooper reliability improved greatly from 2005 on. Would it be safe to purchase a 2005 – 2006 Mini Cooper, or should I save up enough money for a 2007 (new model)? Is reliability in the earlier models really that bad?
Keeping in mind that I have a 2003 R50 MINI Cooper with 200+ miles, I would say (and Gabe agrees) to stay away from the earlier MINIs (’02 – ’03) if you can. There are quite a few build issues with these older cars and if you find one that wasn’t properly tended to you might end up with more headaches that you could handle.
However, moving into the newer model years, it becomes more a matter of what you want and how you want it to look. You didn’t say if you were looking for a Cooper or an MCS, but this should cover you either way.
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Dec 19th, 2008
The IIHS has been crashing cars again. We all know the MINI scores well front and rear, but so not hot for side impact.
Mini Cooper results: This minicar was redesigned for the 2007 model year, and it earned a good rating for frontal crash protection in a previous test. New side and rear tests were conducted to assess further design changes made for the most recent models. This minicar earns a good rating for rear protection and an acceptable rating for side protection. Measures recorded on the driver dummy indicate that a fractured pelvis would be possible in a side crash of the same severity, but there’s low risk that other significant injuries would occur to the driver. For the rear passenger, rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries would be possible. ESC is newly standard for the 2009 model year.
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Dec 19th, 2008
This is a new one on me, so hopefully a little bit of crowd-sourcing from the faithful MF readers will be able to help out. This from reader Mark M.
I currently own a 2007 Mini Cooper S, and I have been having a problem with it that no one seems to be able, or willing, to help me with. I have owned it now through two winters including the current one and my car will not start when the temperature falls below freezing.
This is different in that his car won’t start when it’s cold. I’ve heard of the stumble when cold, the dieseling (for lack of a better term) when cold, but not this.
Has this happened to you? What was the fix?
Dec 18th, 2008
We know there’s always some confusion as to what colors MINI is offering (or not) on each model. So we thought we’d help where we could and give you the full list of exterior colors that will be offered in the US market for the new R57 convertible. This is hot off the presses and somewhat preliminary but we don’t expect any changes. The UK and European markets should be similar if not the same.
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Dec 18th, 2008
As we’ve previously reported MINI’s Lightning Blue will discontinued with March production for R55 and R56 models. In it’s place will be Horizon Blue as seen in the ad to the right. Look for Horizon Blue to be available on all models and all trim levels for 2009.
Also look for Laser Blue (that other Blue currently available) to continue through 2009.
On the other end of the color spectrum, Midnight Black will be replacing Astro Black on all models starting with 12/08 production. Midnight Black is a darker version of Astro Black. Gone is the blue tint and in it’s place a darker deeper metallic black look.
Dec 18th, 2008
That’s right gang. Last Woofcast of the year with myself, Todd and Micheal and we will be live! Check back at 7p PST (do the math for the rest). We will be doing news of the week plus a recap of everything cool that happened this year.
We will be using Ustream again. That means that if you want to participate in the chat room with your own name/handle, you will have to go over and create a free account.
See you tonight!
Dec 17th, 2008
Today we’re releasing the first in a series of new MotoringBadges for 2009 and it’s all about MINI’s 50th Anniversary. These will be limited edition badges only available through the end of 2009.
Look for new designs and color variations on what you see above. And if you order by Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, your order will ship out by Dec. 20th and arrive at most USA destinations by Christmas. No guarantees, of course as delivery is at the mercy of the USPS but in general, most all orders will arrive by 12/24.
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