Good Morning All, I just purchased a 2005 S convertible with 65K and am having a blast driving it, however, after reading many of the posts here I am wondering if I have made a mistake. Maybe some of you can reassure me that I have made a decent decision (or not)! Also, are there some recommendations of things I should check, replace, maintain immediately to make this a good daily driver? Thanks for your help!

 

Can't comment on the 1st gens but I have a 2011 Clubman and it has over 5000 miles on it and no issues so far. Only regret I have is not getting a Mini sooner.... I am sure others will chime in soon but remember the only ones posting about how bad their car is, is the ones with issues so have fun and motor on

 

The only thing I would be concerned about is if you have the CVT transmission, if not you are in better shape than most. What I would do, is contact a MINI Service Advisor and see if he/she can tell you what has been done to this vehicle, records are available. I would explain my situation and express your concerns. This way you have a better idea as to what to expect.

 

Buyer's remorse is normal. Once you get over the shine of the new toy, you start to wonder if you spent too much, if it was a good idea, etc. All your reasons for buying it in the first place are still valid, it runs great, and you like it. No need for remorse.

It doesn't hurt to have a trusted MINI mechanic go over it carefully. I might pay for that, just for peace of mind. Look around the forum, and you might find a mechanic in your area that other folks have vouched for.

Check your fluids (esp. oil) regularly, and enjoy your car! Even if it does cost you some repairs down the road, that would be true of any car you bought.

 

You do NOT have the CVT transmission since you have an S. The 05/06 S has a pretty solid reputation for being a reliable MINI. If you haven't already, I'd suggest taking it to the dealership and having them pull the service history. Have them do an inspection. This will be the best money you've ever spent, giving you peace of mind if nothing is wrong, and a heads up to any impending repairs.

Don't let a bunch of forum posts sour your new car experience. Most people come here to complain or look for a solution to a problem.

 

Let's see ...

1. Check your front strut towers for deformation.
2. Check your control arm bushings (mine were gone at 68k miles; kick the tire tread from the front of the car and see if there's any excessive movement of the wheel/tire).
3. Check your power steering fan to see if it's still turning on.
4. Make sure your serpentine belt is free from damage, and the belt is properly tensioned.
5. Check your rear lower control arm for cracks.

I won't sugar-coat it. MINIs have several failing points built-in from the factory. That being said, most people with a modicum of mechanical skill can work around them. If not, I suggest the Bentley manual and alot of patience. I've enjoyed my MINI thus far. It's the best car I ever owned (not hard when most of what you owned in the past was uninspired garbage).

 

i have a 05 s conv and love it.. normal maintainece n follow what other tell u to do... congrats n welcome

 

No offense to other mini owners on here, but it seems most if not all of the 'complainers' either came from a Toyota Camry or can't use a wrench to save their life. You'll see a handful of "I just replaced my oil...it took me 3 hrs and it wasn't THAT hard!!" threads that will really put my observation in perspective.

I hope that puts you at a bit of ease.

 

Thanks Everybody! I feel better about my decision now and am still excited about my new car. Following your suggestions I did discover that my right front strut mount is broken. The previous owner replaced the struts about 3000 miles ago. I'm assuming I should probably replace both the right and left while I'm at it. Also, is it dangerous to commute for a few days in this condition or should I park it? Thanks again for the wisdom, tips and welcome to the club!

 

+1
Check out http://soopercooperinfo.com/

Heaps of links to everything about MINIs and a growing list of independent BMW and MINI service shops.

 

Here's a good overview. http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Happy Motoring

 

New here and was wondering if someone could help me out.. I want a mini cooper automatic without a cvt transmission... which model years are safe? Also how do I tell for sure if it has a cvt or not? I've been trying to find stuff online but it's unreliable. Thanks

 

Easy: The CVT is ONLY found in 2002-2006 Cooper non-S automatics.

If you get a Cooper S of any year, ever, it will not have a CVT.
If you get a Cooper Non-S 2007 or newer, it will not have a CVT.

 

IF you are having a buyers remorse with MCS convertible....

Then what kind of remorse will you have if you have bought a 'stang convertible or that bimmer which surely would have costed two times more than what you paid for your MCS conv.

How about reliability?

Reliability problems you get with Hondas and Toyotas are no joke these days. They are CLEARLY not what they used to be. Stuck accelerator pedal (we ALL know this one for Toyota), Sludge in Engine (World Famous Toyota V6), blown headgasket (99% of Subarus gets this).... MPGs that's HALF of what the sticker says (Class action lawsuits for Honda), horrible warranty, etc etc.

If I am going to have reliability issues (You're gonna have one regardless)... I'd rather have it while driving an exciting car.

 

Thanks Carmichael! Just replaced the strut tower mounts on both sides as well as the control arm bushings, etc. Also ordered the Dinan strut tower support brace that they are discontinuing for about $125.00. Your advice was right on the mark!

 

Buyers remorse? Here's the bottom line; how do you feel after driving it? I bought mine 6 months ago after driving pick ups all of my life. I certainly went through buyers remorse, but I am certainly over it.

There are more peculiar things about this car than any auto I've ever owned. Yes there are design flaws and human interface issues. (I had to go on line and watch multiple instruction videos on the turn signals, radio operation, wiper operation - things that are easy and mundane in most cars), BUT, I loved driving the car every day on my commute.

I just returned from a 2600 mile road trip. 34 total driving hours and loved every minute of it. I am in love with this car. The best I ever could have said about any other auto I've ever owned was that I was satisfied, but this car is so great I forgive any of it's down falls. (and it doesn't hurt that my gas savings pays for more than half of the monthly payment)

Unlike most cars, ownership of a mini is best judged by ones heart, not your head.

 

Thanks for your response. I've had the car now for about three weeks and am still working out some of the used car gremlins that the previous owner just lived with. I am beginning to understand that these little cars are much more than just transportation and that is exactly what I wanted. I put new NGK plugs in it today (haven't done that kind of work for quite a while) and enjoyed the tinkering time - just me and my mini. I think I'm on my way to truly appreciating the mini for what it is.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond!

 

I can't say I ever had buyers remorse... the car I traded in getting my MINI I had plenty of remorse with that. As for things to look for most people have hit the nail on the head. I bought my MINI with around 62k on it and I never seem to stop putting money into it... some is for repairs most for mods. One thing to remember is when trolling through the forum seeing all these threads about issues people are having is mainly because no one starts a thread "My car drove as expected today"

 

6. Check your motor mounts as they are most likely cracked...
7. Check your ball joints...