Hi Everyone,

My name is Mona and I'm highly interested in getting a MINI. I think it would be a great change from the family Hondas I have been driving, w/o compromising on gas milage. Manual transmission is not concern, been driving stick since I got my license and I love it! I drive a lot for work (500 miles a week) so comfort is important too. I joined this forum because I wanted advice and should post that in another forum.

Thanks for your help and intros in advance,
Mona

My question is:
Has anyone ever gotten a MINI NEXT Certified Mini Cooper? And what were the pros/cons to it?

 

Hi Mona.

I have 2007 MCS. I've had the timing chain tensioner, water pump and high pressure fuel pump replaced under warranty. That would be a pro IMO for getting a certified Mini. I could only recommend to ask what's been done to the car ie mods, services and have possibly have a mechanic loom at it. It also depends on what year and model your lookin at. There sure are a lot of info here in NAM that can help.

With all the things that had to be replaced, i have to say that this is the funnest car I have ever driven. Hope this helps a little bit.

 

Since you said "comfort is important too" you might want to find a MINI that does not have the Sport package which stiffens the suspension. Also, I'm told that the smaller the wheel the smoother the ride (that is to say the tires on 15" wheels absorb more than the tires 17" wheels). Lastly, many have reported that ditching the run-flat tires that come standard on later model MINIs has improved the ride so in this case a slightly older model MINI may be just what you want (I don't know exactly when the transition to run-flat tires was made).

Cheers.

 

Thanks for the advice. I test drove the MCS and the MC and did think the MC was a lot smoother.

However, I'm worried b/c the CPO MCS I test drove (mellow yellow) had a clutch replaced after 32K miles. Not sure who drove it before, but that is a little concerning. I drive a Honda Accord right now w/ manual transmission. 100K miles and no clutch problems. Any problems with your MINI's clutches?

 

I haven't had any problems with the clutch on mine and I'm approaching 40K

 

Mona, I read a few reviews that indicated there were clutch issues before I bought my new MCS. I asked the service guy, parts guy and salesman at the dealership where I bought it and of course they had never heard of any issues. At this point I am hoping that there aren't any problems. I have also driven several Honda's way past 100k with no clutch issues. Same with BMW's. I have a hard time understanding how these cars could go through clutches in 30k miles.

Best of luck to you,
Roy

 

Welcome Mona