Yep, and that plant is in my State. Took a tour of the place & was quite impressed with the facility. Maybe the design of the SUV made there is the issue.

 

Some of the people there have good Minis... and people are much more likely to post when they have problems. I'm probably still going to get the car, but I will go into it with my eyes open.

Like I said, it will be a toy, not a daily driver. I wouldn't buy one as a daily driver based on what I read there, and since it will be under warranty for four years I should be OK.

 

I tested just the Mini not the S and for just 115 HP it goes. The only FWD neutral handeling car I've ever driven. And like you said I'm also waiting for people to get they'er RX8's and feed back.
Enjoy be safe and happy motoring.:D :D

 

rxeightr:

I bought my ML320 new in early 1998 and, while I have had few problems myself, I have followed the MB discussion forums about it for a good while so I know there are owners out there with lots of problems. You're right - I don't think it's the location of the factory that caused the reliability problems, but the prices they were willing to pay their suppliers. I remember reading magazine articles saying they had designed lower-quality components into the car in order to achieve the "pricing miracle" of producing a "true" Mercedes SUV, with AWD, a V-6 and 4-wheel-independent suspension for under $33K.

 

mini cooper S.
Well have fun with the car. So which one will be your weekend car the g35 or the mini cooper S.

 

No weekend car, none of them- more a situational thing. When it is nice out and I am going less that fifty miles, the Miata. When I am taking trips, just want to relax while driving an auto, or want to go real fast, the G35. The Mini Cooper S will be great because it offers a nimble Miata-like experience year round, hatchback utility, and it looks and feels fun! Really fun. I can't tell you how much fun that little car is...