Greetings from Brecksville, OH. I have been driving P/U Trucks for the past 15 years - I'm tired of them. Fell in love with Mini-Coopers after I saw "The Italian Job" and knew one was in my future and the future is NOW. I will most likely by a pre-owned Mini. Would some kind soul tell me which model years/features, etc to AVOID. If at all possible I'd like my first mini experience to be positive. Suggestions most appreciated. Thanks, Randy in Brecksville, OH.

 

Avoid CVT automatic transmissions, they were the only automatic offered early on, and the only ones for the Cooper. Later on, they offered the S in automatic, but it has a conventional auto transmission.

The CVT is notorious for not lasting that long and basically totals the car when it goes out.

You should look into getting an '05 or '06 Cooper S. But any of the early cars that are out there should have had it's issues fixed by now under some previous owner.

 

Thanks so much for the 'warning'. Is there anything particulary special about an '05 or '06 Mini other than it will be less expensive??? If I can prevail on you for a bit more info...when does the mini- get it's "big" service?? I know with Honda's and Toyota's it's around 60K miles when then timing belt needs replaced..usually can run between $500 -$1000. Are there any 'biggies $$' with the mini-s 's. Thanks!!!!

 

I can't say for sure about dealer maintenance, I do my own.

Over 8 years I've averaged 10,000 miles a year, but in the last 2 years it has been 20,000 per year.

Oil change every 7,500 miles
coolant every 3 years
brake fluid every 2 years
new drive belt every 25,000 miles
transmission fluid every 20,000 miles
fuel filter every 45,000 miles
grease hinges when needed, keep an eye out for burnt out bulbs, and replace all wipers every year.

The timing chain is said to be for the life of the engine. Supercharger's expected life is 100,000 miles, some have gone above 200k, reduction pulleys shorten the life. A dead supercharger would be one of the biggest things money wise. Maybe a failed powersteering pump too.

I have had to replace...
the thermostat since it snapped and got stuck open
right front wheel bearing because of my negative camber. (suspension mods)
I'm on my 3rd clutch, throwout bearing had failed on original, 2nd clutch (performance) fused to it's pressure plate. Current OEM clutch is 40k old and going strong.
Brakes were also replaced at 22,000 when the stock pads and rotors were shot, but I'm not exactly easy on them. I just replaced the Hawk pads with another set. I got about 60,000 out of them and the rotors (Powerslot) are good for another 60,000.

My lower control arm bushings are polyurethane now, the rubber ones would not have lasted much longer than the 38,000miles they were replaced at.

My oil pan weeps oil constantly, but this is because of the polyurethane engine mounts.

I don't think I missed anything, I'll add it later if I remember.

 

Geeez..I can't thank you enough for this information!! I am not mechanically inclined - I am a furniture maker. Yet again if I can prevail upon you, what, in your opinion, would be a 'good' used model year for a mini-s? And what are your thoughts on the mini dealers 'certified pre-owned vehicles' ? Thanks again, Randy in Akron.

 

A lot of people seem to advise towards the 05-06 years because it is the later end of the 1st generation and they seem to be solid model years. I have an '06 Cooper and it's treated me well so far, although I haven't had it for long. Knock on wood! Good luck to you.

 

OK, gang. I am really appreciating the info on this forum. The question now is..is the Supercharged flavor the way to go. I confess I like speed and acceleration, but not at the expense of $$$maintenance/quality. Maybe it's a trade off - I don't know. Thoughts most appreciated. Regards, Randy, Akron, OH.

 

Certified pre-owned would be a safe bet. These cars would have to have passed an inspection, and are usually offered with a basic warranty. Any kind of warranty could vary by dealer.

The supercharger (R53) whine is addictive. The turbocharged cars (R56) just have a kind of quiet whoosh. The R53, first gen, have a stiffer ride and more connected steering. The R56, second gen, have a softer ride but are still very capable. Your opinion on the interiors might come into play.

You'll just have to test drive each and make up your mind which you like best.

Although I have driven a few R56 MINIs, I don't really know much about their reliability or major issues.

 

If you go the supercharger route Gen1 '05 or '06 probably the safest, Gen 2 skip the '07 (possibe 1st model year woes) any year on is good, the turbo seems to be quite reliable, auto or manual transmissions are good. You will probably get some warranty left on these newer ones.