Thursday 8th May 2003

Grande Problem for MINI

Wake up and smell the coffee say US buyers

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[Guy Humpage]

On a recent trip to the States I was puzzled by the small fuel tank on our Yank Tank hire car, then I realised that the locals have to stop for a leak every couple of hours as they guzzle coffee by the litre.

[james]

I always thought it was dangerous to drink while driving, as you are both distracted, and not fully in control of your vehicle. I have heard of people in the UK being prosecuted for eating or drinking while driving.

If anything, the absence of cup holders in my car was one of my reasons for choosing it. We get enough crap ideas from America, without having to put up with spring loaded trays popping out from every crevice.

[johnnystorm]

Some of those yanks need a cupholder shoved in their crevices

[jc8542]

It gets even more amusing when read more about it!!!

From thecarconnection.com

For instance, the chief complaint among owners — J.D. Power solicits responses during the first 90 days of ownership — is that tall travel mugs don’t fit into MINI’s minuscule cup holder. MINI USA’s solution? They’ve already sent a specially designed travel mug to every owner with a signed mea culpa from Pitney.

Owners also complained about the center-mounted speedo — a MINI design cue the company wouldn’t dream of changing, Pitney said, as well as MINI’s harsh ride. A more robust oil in the shocks should cushion-sensitive Yankee tushies, he said, but winning the initial quality battle is tough for new brands.

[LathamJohnP]

I have a 2003 Mini Cooper S.

It has the worst build quality of any car I've owned (er, actually, apart from my Caterham).

After several trips back to the dealer, I still have a terrible wind noise problem over 60mph.

The interior plastic marks easily, and the ride is crap.

Not what I'd hoped for from a 21k car.

But at least it's reasonably nippy for a shopping car.

John

>> Edited by LathamJohnP on Thursday 8th May 13:35

>> Edited by LathamJohnP on Thursday 8th May 13:35

[chris.mapey]

LathamJohnP said:

After several trips back to the dealer, I still have a terrible wind noise problem over 60mph.

Have less beans with you breakfast John

Chris

[mark a]

John,

As you've bought the sporty version of the Mini the ride is harsh, that's what most customers wanted.


As for the complaints by the americans, I quite agree on the rear foglights. Driving in remote areas of the US in fog isn't very pleasant.

[sneakybastard]

£21K for a shopping trolley?

[al27]

That's right, buddy...FREEDOM fries!

[ultimasimon]

spose they will be wanting doughnut holder next...

[robp]

if the yanks are able to drive with coffee in a MINI without spilling it they are not driving it the way God intended.

(i.e. round corners quickly!)

[rhumber]

LathamJohnP said: I have a 2003 Mini Cooper S.

It has the worst build quality of any car I've owned (er, actually, apart from my Caterham).

Not what I'd hoped for from a 21k car.

But at least it's reasonably nippy for a shopping car.

John

>> Edited by LathamJohnP on Thursday 8th May 13:35

>> Edited by LathamJohnP on Thursday 8th May 13:35

£21k for a Cooper Mini S? you must have picked every extra option on the list ?

Rob, Seat Leon Cupra MY02 with Electric Leather Seats

[Roy W. Olivier]

Guy,

Fuel tanks are a function of government regs over here. We have smaller tanks than the same car in europe, for example, the new GT3 has a 100 liter over there and a 64 liter over here

Roy

ps. We drink coffee by the gallon

[Fatboy]

What are the regs to do with? Crash safety or something? Just seems a bit of an odd requirement (but that's the law for you)

[brabel]

I'm one of the Americans who is guilty of making frequent use of the cupholder in the MINI Cooper. Of course, I also jam a latte into the space frame of my Moulton bicycle. I spill a lot more coffee while riding the Moulton.

Across the pond here, the real news is that the MINI has fared poorly in the J.D. Power Survey of Initial Product Quality. Amazingly, Cadillac and Buick finished above BMW and Porsche this year. I suspect this says more about a particular demographic's ability to perceive problems; BMW and Porsche owners are pickier and more likely to find and complain about minor fit-and-finish issues. Buick owners take their car through the car wash, never really immersing themselves in the details of the car.

The only real issue I have with the MINI Cooper is its requirement of premium petrol to squeak out only 115 HP.