Maybe something changed? Subarus used to suffer head gasket failures, and still suffer from this reputation despite the fact that it’s been fixed for nearly two decades.

I don't know about Mini, but I hope the new VWs are better than my experience.

My VW is admittedly 10 years old, and still under the Dieselgate warranty, but I've averaged 2 warranty repairs per oil change interval for 3 years now.

They haven't been able to figure out the cranks forever but does not start for those 3 years, two dealerships have tried now.

They are fairly expensive trips I'm glad to have warranty on. EGR, DPF, 4 sensors in one trip, etc. I'm almost to a new exhaust system and the CEL is on again.

Wish me luck! I went back and forth to the dealership 7 times before they put it back together right last time.

If that's the experience, count me out. It's the last one.

No idea on Mini but independent Volkswagen service centers are never short on work.

Indeed. I'm so surprised that it's hard to believe.

It's almost like the methodology is borderline pseudo-science. Many choices are irrational and unexplained. Several key models are missing from each brand's lineup. Tacoma? Ranger? They have Tundra and F-150...

My understanding is that the initial Mini models were made with Peugeot engines, which were underpowered and pretty unreliable. At some point BMW switched Minis over to use a Beemer engine, at which point quality improved dramatically. Mini has been on an upward trend since (as has BMW).

Anecdotally, someone in my family has a Mini with the BMW engine, and it’s been ticking along just fine. Maintenance is expensive though.