Hello Nam members.
I am looking for a city daily driver for my wife.It will be a used one with 30k-60kmiles. I am mainly looking for a small fun safe car, but value reliability very much. I come from Miatas and Subarus. Both have been extremely reliable and I beat the hell out of both of them, more so the Miata.

How is the Mini in terms of reliability?

I still haven't decided between Justa Cooper or an "S", I think she would do fine with the cooper. Does the mileage differ much???. I wont be doing any upgrades at all. I have the Stage II legacy for that and the track day Miata.


What you think are good areas to look in a used Mini. Apart from the usual ones. Any known weak points??

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to get the Mini and join the community at full. For know just a wannabe.

 

Welcome!

There is a difference in gas mileage between the Cooper and the S, I think it's like 5mpg. I drive a Cooper as my daily driver, I don't really feel like I need the extra power. Keeps up fine on club runs as well. But some people like it. I'd say have her test drive both and see what she thinks.

The 05-06s were more reliable than the 02-04s (there were some changes made in 05). I would say the reliability of the 2nd gens (07+) has been average. Some cars are great with no problems, some have been terrible.

Browse around this site, you'll find a lot of info to answer your questions.

 

Thanks ML

I checked and 6UL wheels from 949Racing fit Minis, GREAT!!!!

 

Yes i would say Just A Cooper will get better mpg and even better with a stick . Good luck on your search . Look at consumer reports it sealed the deal for me & test drive of course !

 

Well I would say mileage wise the "justa" is going to be better than the "S", as far as acceleration definitely the "S" but the "justa" is no slug and fun factor about even. Reliability possibly the "justa" slightly over the "S" but reasonable for either one. '07+ probably better than '06- with some of the improvements between gen.2 and gen.1. Whichever way you go I think you will be happy. What does the wife want, thats the really important question?

 

thanks guys,

For sure stick. I'm allergic to automatic boxes. I get horrible a rash.

 

I'd go for a '05 or '06. (I like the styling better than the 2nd gen)
I have a '04 MCS and average around 32 mpg.
No matter what you buy she's gonna love it and I bet you will too!

 

If you plan to join the club it is time to learn that

Mini refers to what's otherwise called "a classic", the vehicle produced from 1959 thru 2000

while MINI refers to the "new" one . . .

heading a post with the correct term can be significant .... there ARE people looking for Mini's with 30k to 60k miles!