24th Mar 2009, 00:03

12:26, just get AAA. If you get AAA-plus, you get 4 free tows up to 100 miles each. Also, if you inspect your tires regularly and keep them properly inflated, it minimizes the risk of a blow out. During long trips, pack a spare (donut). But even then, these donuts are meant to get you to the closest shop to get a replacement tire.

1st Oct 2009, 06:14

I just have to say that since the car is only 1 WEEK OLD. I would hope you haven't had any problems...

I would not be relieved yet... Let us know how your Mini is doing after 6 months.

I love the Mini, but I also cannot bring myself to buy one due to the problems I have read about online. These things have LOTS of issues that need to be worked out before it's a reliable car in my book.

I'm sticking with SUBARU for its rock solid reliability.

24th Sep 2010, 22:12

I have a 2008 Cooper S. I've driven it for 2 years and I kept hearing a clicking noise when I turned the wheel. Finally, after taking it to Mini 3 times, they told me it was the axles and fixed it... effectively, the noise is gone. Some suggested it was the CV joints, but that wasn't the case. I have to say, I don't feel that ride is so rough, but maybe that's because I've gotten used to it.

I love that I can park practically anywhere and can accelerate faster than the other cars at the red light, being that it's so small and weighs nothing (of course, having a stick shift helps).

Apart from the steering problem (the clicking noise), I have had no other problems with it.

I used to have a BMW 328i and now I'm obsessed with small cars. Don't think I can go back to a big one.

26th Sep 2010, 13:03

Good for you. I don't know why people are obsessed with big cars. I'm a big guy (240 pounds) and I'm every bit as at home in a sub-compact as in a Lincoln Town Car (more so really, as I like to rest my arm on the door while driving and in our Town Car my arm wouldn't reach the door!!).

I now drive a Fusion, but am anxiously awaiting the awesome 240+ horsepower Ford Focus coming in 2011.