I'm a new member, but not yet a owner. I'm looking to replace my DD with something a little smaller and better MPGs. I've owned a variety of vehicles, and seem to oscillate between small and large vehicles due to my size (6'4" ~295#'s). I've owned a '93 Honda Del Sol, then traded it in for a '95 Ford Bronco (fullsize) and I still own the Bronco, which is slightly modified. One of the biggest reasons for getting rid of my Del Sol - the top of the roof was at the same height, maybe a little lower than the hood of my Bronco. Idiots kept hitting the Del Sol because nobody could see it. The only way I'll get rid of the Bronco is when they pry it out of my cold, dead fingers. It has 4" lift, bassani headers, high-flow Y-pipe, 4.56 gears, ARB air lockers in both axles and 35" tires.

My current DD is a 2000 Ford CrownVic retired police interceptor (CVPI). While the cruiser still has plenty of life left in it, at 170k, I'm running into maintenance issues stemming from it's hard, first life. While it is relatively well built, parts do wear out and need to be replaced. I've seriously considered a MINI, but I'm not 100% sold yet. My wife and I are expecting our first child within the next couple of weeks, so that is another major contributing factor.

I've spent some time on this site trying to find the most common mechanical issues. If I decide a MINI is right for my next commuter, I want to know the more common problems and what might be done to prevent them. It also helps in case I decide to buy used instead of new. Here's a short list of the most common mechanical problems/issues I've found through this site (no special order implied):

• HPFP on <any> S model
• carbon build-up on <any> S model intake/heads
• death idle / timing chain tensioner and/or guides
• short life clutch (20 - 40k) / expensive to replace ($2k+)

Did I miss any of the major issues? I'm no stranger to forums, I'm a member of several vehicle specific forums, so I know a few extremely vocal member can try to skew reality.

I don't beat my vehicles and I'm no stranger to turning my own wrench. With a baby on the way, I'm really hesitant to even think of buying a MINI, but I really want one. I've taken a '09 Clubman for a test drive. It was a blast. It's amazing that I can fit, even with a sunroof - something really, really foreign to me, since most auto manufacturers build vehicles for someone < 6'.

If I "pull the trigger on a MINI", it will most likely be at the end of the year, or next spring. I can't really decide between "justa" and a clubman. I don't like the look of the countryman, so that's out, even with AWD. I don't really need the power of the S. I live in NJ, so we do see some snow, but if I really need to get around in the snow, I'll use Beast, AKA my Bronco. Which ever I decide, it will remain stock. About the only modification would be drilling a 3/4" hole in the roof to add a NMO antenna mount for a amateur radio.

I'm mostly looking for a fun commuter vehicle. My current commute is between 10 and 40 miles, one way, depending on which facility I'm going to - my employer has several. It will rarely be used as a family hauler, but a car seat is a absolute requirement - we already have a Chicco keyfit 30. I've already found several threads discussing which car seats fit in the MINI and which strollers fit reasonable well in the boot. No matter how I crunch the numbers, the delta in the fuel mileage does not justify the expense of added insurance and car payments - something I have not had in over 5 years.

So, I'm now looking for comments and opinions from the group.

 

Bueller?

 

I'm also a new owner, I went and bought the Base Cooper model. I drive 40 miles one way for work. I'm very happy with the Cooper so far.

I use to own a 94 Caprice Interceptor. It is hard to compare to the Mini, but both were fun to drive, except the mini easily gets 15mpg more than the caprice!

I bought one regardless of the issues. Right now I have a very shaky faith in any automotive car: motors have/are switching over to DI the technology, which is in its infancy. The Mini motor and current body style (cooper hard top) has been around since 2007 and most issues are well known, and you'll know what to do when they come along!

Any car is going to have it quirks. I know someone that bought a brand new GMC Terrain and the windshield cracked this summer. It wasn't covered under the warranty and he had to pay the $$$ deductible on the insurance to get it fixed.

If you want to try a Mini, find your local dealer and go for a test drive!

 

Thank you for the input. You have pretty well summed up what I was thinking. The CVPI has been fun, but it's been a lot of repairs due to it's age. I'm also tired of people driving really stupid around me because they think I'm a cop - even when I drive in PA with NJ plates, they still act so stupid, in ways I never thought was possible.

I did go for a test drive of the clubman and was impressed, however I think a base, "justa" Cooper will suit my purposes. I am probably going to wait until the end of the year or next spring - don't want to deal with a potential vehicle purchase with my first child due in the next 2 weeks. There are a few dealers in my area. I've already eliminated the closest dealer to me since they pretty much ignored me. I went to the next closest dealer for the test drive. That dealer was OK, but I'm not sure I would buy from them. There are 2 more dealers that are a little farther of a drive, so I might go check 'em out.

 

I got mine from Mini of Allentown. Just make sure you get them to include a pair of floor mats! I was quite confused when my new car did not come with floor mats, and now I'm waiting for a pair on order. I would have gotten them right at purchase had they mentioned it!

Although I did get a nice hat, and I'm pretty sure I've over-bugged my salesman at this point. So I can't complain, and they got me an interest rate better than my current bank would do!

 

I'm just over the Delaware River from north Philly, so Allentown wouldn't be too far of a drive. I might check them out when it's time - I wish that would be sooner, rather than later. Until then, I'll have to make do with the cruiser.

 

The two Millionth Mini just came off the assembly line today. Two Million in ten years is a lot of cars. Not as many as some brands but not bad for a little quirky car that everybody that owns one seems to love.

I just averaged 34.108 MPG on my vacation trip up to Maryland and back at 80/85 MPH on I-95. My seats are comfortable and my car was fun to drive.

 

you actually found a place on the I95 parking lot where you could get up to 75+ MPH? WOW! I grew up in the SF Bay area, so I know what real traffic is like - also driven in that other planet, helLA; so I can't really complain about the traffic near Philly.

34.1 aint bad ; at those speeds, I couldn't begin to imagine what my crown vic would get - probably half. If I keep my foot out of it, I can get between 20 - 22 MPG on the freeway. That's one of the bonuses for getting a MINI.

I need to buy a lottery ticket or 2. No need to win the whole thing, just enough to pay some bills and buy a new justaCooper hardtop.

 

My Caprice did 21-22 if it was all highway, and that was with an old *** LT1 5.7L motor. The Vic is a 2-valve 4.6, it should easily manage mid 20's on the highway!

 

I think you've got the bases covered.

The justaCooper avoids many of the S and JCW issues with the turbo engine and they seem to be pretty solid by the 2011-12 model years. That's why my wife went with a justaCooper; she wanted one that she can keep beyond the warranty period.

Good luck!

 

I think you know all of the major issues. If you get a Justa you don't have to worry about the death rattle.

I have had my Clubman since they came out in 08. It has near 80,000 miles on it. I have had 0 mechanical issues with the car. The only items that have been replaced on the car are wear items like brake pads and rotors.

I am in a similar situation to you. I just had my first child and I am trying to assess my current automotive needs. We also currently have a Volvo XC90 AWD that my wife drives. The car seat fits just fine in the Mini. I am trying to determine if it would be better to have a sedan than the Mini. The problem is that it seems that most other cars that I look at are not as practical for me as the Mini. Our Mini is paid for, gets 36+mpg city/highway combined, has relatively low insurance cost, has $0 maintenance cost till it reaches 100,000 miles, and has a lot of interior space to haul gear for its size.

You also mentioned snow driving. I do fair amount of driving in the snow during winter. I actually think that with the right set of tires our Mini actually outperforms our Volvo XC90 AWD in the snow. The main problem that I have with the Mini in the snow is snow pack around the wheels and ground clearance.

 

That's awesome, pretty sure my car would get 20-23mpg (probably worst) going that speed. Currently I drive on the highway to get to work every day. I'm averaging around 26-28 MPG in a mazdaspeed 3 (driving like a granny).

Like UNIXdude I'm also kicking around the idea about a mini and looking into its reliability. I've heard some horror stories but a lot of those seem to be gen1 issues. And most gen two issues seem to happen if you own an S model or an early gen 2 (07-09). I probably won't be going for an S, most likely stick with justa mini hatch or clubmen.

The good news, going this route I figure I'll save a good 700 - 850 in fuel alone. My car insurance will hopefully go down a little bit (maybe get 100 - 200). Oil should be the same, although I see mini is supposed to cover this for the first 36k/3 years, is that true? If so that 700 right there.

Not to mention tires will be damn cheap, figure I can buy a new set every year and still come out ahead with what I'm paying now (seriously), currently I'm paying 750 every two years (low profiles: expensive and wear out fast). Figure I'll be spending 300-400 every three years so in 6 years time I should have - 1400 saved. Maybe I'll buy some winter tires if I move back north, heck I'll still be saving money.

So in a 6 year time I should save, *drum roll* - 6600 - 7800. Holy Cow...

Still I'm also a little leery about picking up a mini. Stories of the 4k clutch replacement with epic BMW warranty battles still freak me out a little. Also hear there's a certain way you're supposed to drive the clutch, have to let out the clutch all the way then hit the gas. Maybe that might help, but still I'm second guessing myself about the plunge. And with used prices so high and the reliablity factor I might just buy new instead of used.

If I was smart I would just buy something like a honda fit, but I really like the mini and think it would be much more fun to own and drive.

Course I should mention I'm seeing the starting stages of a possible turbo failure, apparently it's very common in my current car and there's no guaranty a new one won't crap out in as little as 2-3 years. Best to sell now before it's a real problem not to mention an on going one. Currently it's only a filtration system (or so I'm told) still it's a high price to fix (700), not to mention just the yearly cost of normal upkeep. Oh and the turbo replacement is about 2500, yikes! I'm not even going to factor that stuff in, it needs to go. So far I feel like I'll be making a wise investment, although not the wisest but better.

 

I have a 2009 Cooper I purchased new and absolutely love it! I'm at 41k miles and no problems whatsoever so far (knock on wood!). I'm routinely getting 38-40 mpg so far. Based on my experience, I'd say go for it! Mine is extremely reliable. If you're mostly considering it as a family vehicle though (like a clubman), I'd hate to admit it, but you're probably better off with another vehicle. But if your goal is a fuel efficient commuter for you (that is also a blast to drive) as you probably already know from research, it is in the ballpark of a hybrid and for the price is a reasonable choice. I haven't heard too many horror stories about the 2nd gen MINIs so it looks like they've ironed a lot of the bugs out. I imagine the next gen will probably be even better. Hope you get one - join the club of passionate MINI enthusiasts!
Cheers

 

A Mini sounds to me like too little car for you. And it makes a much better enthusiasts car than daily driver, commuter, and family truckster.

My recommendation is that you look at at VW Jetta TDI wagon.

- Mark

 

I'd love to have a mini, and I'm fine with the small stature. The "big" issues with size come from everyone else. G/f thinks I'll lose the ability to haul stuff, which is true but I don't haul things, the most I've hauled in the past 5 years is groceries and maybe an IKEA dresser. My family back home thinks I'll be crushed during rush hour, told them not to be so silly, if anything I'll be more nimble and avoid being crushed by I4 traffic.

Not really interested in the clubmen, seems like a completely different car compared to the hatch. But I have kicked around the idea but only to sooth everyone else. I'd have done a switch-a-roo at the dealership either way.

Next step is actually sitting in one and driving in it. I think that will give me a good idea of what to expect. Right now it's all pictures and external views of the car, I'm sure it's different once you're in the vehicle. The only person who seems to like the idea is my dad. But he was a huge Honda Z600 fan, has about 4 of them (non drivable anymore).

 

Mini's are somewhat like UNIX.

- An acquired taste.
- Misunderstood
- Not mainstream for a reason
- Expensive to maintain
- Not for the feint of heart

Anyway, good luck in your search.

 

The Mini clobbered the large SUV.

The SUV is the one on it's side in the background.

The Mini is a pretty sturdy car and the passenger compartment is tough. The front is made to fold in to absorb impact damage to the occupants.

 

Wow, I wasn't expecting that. Just went looking for more mini cooper accidents, not bad.

 

Soon,

Many folks don't seem to understand my desire for small cars either. To me a big part of it is how much nicer small cars drive, in terms of handling. My car is mostly for commuting, but a MINI is plenty big for many weekend errands and trips with my SO. To me it is plenty of car, and the fuel economy is part of that. I try not to listen too much to what others think, especially if just based on their idea of driving enjoyment. I spend enough time in my car I want to enjoy it, and for me that means small cars (my 02 Civic Si was on the large size).

I'm getting real close to ordering a Justa.

Duane.

 

Thanks everyone ; this has turned into a good discussion. I really do want a MINI "justa", but I need to wait and need to make the cruiser last a little bit longer Some day...I will own a MINI.