Mini One - keep or reject? | Ask Honest John

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Mini One - keep or reject?

I bought my dream car recently from a BMW dealer - a 2008 MINI One. It was a good price with only 24,000 miles on the clock. However, since then,it has been back twice with a window problem and again today as the engine warning light was on.

The dealer diagnosed a problem with the Vanos system,topped up the oil. They did not replace any parts and said the problem was sorted. However,the diagnostics detected a problem with the map thermostat so it has got to go in again.

Luckily, it has a 12 month warranty, but is this a common problem? Where would I stand if I wanted to change the car for another used mini from dealer as I am rapidly losing all confidence in this car.

Asked on 17 February 2015 by Mrs Kelly

Answered by Honest John

BMW MINIs are not particularly reliable and never were. Fingers crossed that the Mk III version will be better. Your problems have been comparatively minor and have been fixed under warranty so there are no grounds to reject the car.

Tags: technical issues buying and selling

Dear Honest John,

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