Hi all,
I have loved this car ever since it was introduced. My sister-in-law has one and I drove it for the first time. I loved how it drove. My only complaint is that it had terrible turning radius. I was sort of surprised about that.

From what I've heard, the first generation Mini's have had it's fair share of problems. If I were to get one, which years should I avoid. Also, I am a DIY type. How easy is it to work on these cars?

 

Terrible turning radius??? Maybe it's because I went from a pickup to a MINI, but I LOVE the turning radius.

Anyway... If you get a Gen 1, stay away from any MC's with the Midlands transmissions. They're poo. I think that would be 2004 and earlier, so try to find an '05 or '06.

Note: As far as I know, the MCS has always had a Getrag tranny, and they are effin' sweet! So if you're getting an S don't worry about the transmission.

 

Generally later is better, I have an 06 and the only issue I've ever really had was a failed motor mount but that's an easy repair. Get the newest one you can afford.

 

What ?? Terrible turning radius ??

Are you sure you weren't driving a miniVAN ?

The turning radius is incredibly small. I've had passengers in the car who said, "you can't make that t..... oh, nevermind".

 

If you are thinking an S read this, http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Non-S, then this http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

While the MINI is really maneuverable, compared to other cars with such a short wheelbase it's not as tight as it could be.

 

Compared to my 300ZX, my Acura Integra, or my 240SX, it's pretty damn tight.

Regardless, I think it's far from "terrible".

Maybe you're comparing to a classic Mini or a Smart car.

 

Buy one Join the dark side

 

I think, for someone who's never driven a MINI, they would expect a shorter turning radius. Because of the FWD, the radius is larger than a comparably sized RWD (if there is one). It's still pretty sweet, IMO.

 

, gotta agree...

 

I just picked up my Mini yesterday, and it lived up to all my expectations so far. I didn't think it had a horrible turning radius, it was certainly better than my F-body. The only way to make F-body make a U turn better would be to crank the wheel and smash the go pedal

 

Exactly!

Thanks everyone for the good info!