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Thu 29 Dec 2022 15:26

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - maz64

Although I ended up going for a 2015 90ps Mazda2 Sport Nav earlier this year, I was also looking at MINI Coopers of a similar vintage. They tend to be more expensive, but not by much, and have the 136ps turbo engine giving it a 0-62 of 7.9s. My Mazda isn't too bad at 9.4s, but without the benefit of a turbo you have to give it some welly if you want to press on. It's fun, and overall a pretty good car, but from what I've read the MINI is one of the best when it comes to fun, as well as having a funky interior.

However, I've read a few comments on here implying that MINIs are unreliable. Is that the case? It would be reassuring if it was, as hopefully the Mazda won't give me much trouble (famous last words!). If it isn't, I probably won't be changing in the immediate future, but scouring Autotrader passes the time quite nicely :)

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 15:39

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - badbusdriver

I've read a few comments on here implying that MINIs are unreliable. Is that the case?

They are not very reliable, especially if this is the 2nd gen 1.6 (which would have the notorious Prince engine).

The Mazda on the other hand, is. Though obviously at 7-8 years old, wear and tear can start to take its toll.

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 15:46

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - maz64

They are not very reliable, especially if this is the 2nd gen 1.6

I was thinking of the 1.5, from 2015 onwards (I think).

The Mazda hasn't hit 50k yet, one owner, from Cazoo; I get the impression it's been pretty well looked after. So fingers crossed.

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 16:07

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - badbusdriver

They are not very reliable, especially if this is the 2nd gen 1.6

I was thinking of the 1.5, from 2015 onwards (I think).

The Mazda hasn't hit 50k yet, one owner, from Cazoo; I get the impression it's been pretty well looked after. So fingers crossed.

Not too sure about the 1.5, but I certainly wouldn't expect it to be as reliable as a (petrol) Mazda.

Each to their own and all, but I've never liked the (BMW) Mini's myself and wouldn't have one for love nor money. Yes, they handle well, but so do many other small cars, including the Mazda 2.

The interior?, again each to their own, but IMO the interior of the (3rd gen) Mazda 2 is way nicer than that of the Mini.

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 16:14

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - maz64

Thanks BBD, I'm feeling reassured :)

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 17:36

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - Engineer Andy

I've read a few comments on here implying that MINIs are unreliable. Is that the case?

They are not very reliable, especially if this is the 2nd gen 1.6 (which would have the notorious Prince engine).

The Mazda on the other hand, is. Though obviously at 7-8 years old, wear and tear can start to take its toll.

The main problem that crops up with 3rd gen Mazda2s (and with CX-3s, same platform) is A/C faults (see Good and Bad section of the review), with the occasional electrical / software gremlins that seemingly pop up in almost all post 2010 cars.

The 1.5L SA-G petrol 90PS version is a nice compromise with decent performance, ride and mpg.

With the modern Minis, I'm amazed how many newish ones (especially Coopers and above) quickly find their way back to main dealers. Reliability issues, overly firm ride, lack of space (especially in the boot), a combination of all three?

Despite them being much bigger than the original on the outside, they still are small on the inside, even compared with the likes of the Mazda2 (which is far from being the most commodious of its type) or most other superminis.

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 18:51

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - Adampr

I'm a fan of the 'new' Mini and have owned three. The first generation were reliable but occasionally criticised for having a slightly primitive engine. That was resolved by the second generation using the Prince engine, which was much smoother and lighter but complete junk. As I understand it, the third generation uses a 3 cylinder engine that is used in a variety of BMWs and is largely reliable.

I imagine they still suffer from the various quality niggles that they used to.

The ride isn't quite as bad as sometimes made out, but it's very firm and not to everyone's taste. I think they probably get returned to dealers as they're being bought on PCP as fashion accessories and being replaced with a new fashion accessory at the end of the PCP term.

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Thu 29 Dec 2022 23:12

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - sammy1

I too have owned a number of MINIs, I currently run the 1.5 3 cylinder 136 BHP with the dual clutch auto.. It is very responsive both around town and on the motorway and gives excellent MPG. It is a 3 door as I think this design looks better than the 5. The fit and finish is as you would expect of a quality car by BMW , it is made in Oxford and MINIs have always been desirable cars. The BMW MINI has been around for some 20 years now and there are plenty of the very early reg cars still going strong

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Fri 30 Dec 2022 00:21

MINI Hatch - is it reliable? - Adampr

Just checked and my 51 plate, which I bought brand new and loved deeply, still has an MOT.

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