Great site, looking forward to spending time here.

I am looking to purchase a 04 to 07 Cooper or Cooper S for my Wife which of course I will drive too. Can any of you offer some insight into what models and years are most reliable. Obviously, the S would be a real nice choice due to the power upgrade but is the base Cooper also a fun drive? I will buy it with a manual transmission.

Looking forward to hearing from the experts. (Great winter so far.....no snow!)

Rick

 

This is what I discovered the 05&06 are considered the most reliable for the first generation, most of the problems have been addressed. The 2007 is the first year for the second generation. Quite a few changes came about with the 2nd generation, ex. different engine, the Tritec was replaced.

 

Do you want a 1st or 2nd gen Cooper? '04-06 S have the supercharger whereas the '07+ have the turbo. I would avoid the '07 and go for '08 if you want a second gen car.

I see snow outside my window in Toronto!

 

I'd go for the '08, non-turbo. From my experience, the non-turbo is a fun driving car and gets better fuel mileage than the turbo model. It all depends on what you plan on using the car for. Either way, you'll have a lot of fun with it.

- Jan

 

Thanks for the reply's. This is a third vehicle for our family......Daily drivers for us are Toyota and Honda so you can tell I like the reliability.

The Mini would be a weekend driver and a car for my son who is 18 and newly licensed to get around as well. Of course he wants the S. I too like the S but just interested in the fun to drive ratio and reliability at a reasonable price. If it is really worth the $$ I will spring for the S I will, but if a "justa" with a sports suspension is a fun and reliable driver without being too under powered that is OK too. I know this is subjective but your thoughts are appreciated.
Given the choice between an 05 or 06 S and an 07 or 08 justa, which way would you go?

 

IMO the S has definitely got more power but I think the justa has fewer mechanical issues.
I hear, stay away from an 07 but that's what I've got and I'm happy with it (it's an S). Sure, I've had to do a few things to it but I see just as many 08's on here with the same mechanical issues such as timing chain and thermostats leaking. Mines all fixed and doing fine.
You need to test drive a few and that should make your mind up.

 

Love your car, the color is the one I like most, and the tasteful mods look great. I think your suggestion of driving the two is real important. Likely, I will look at 05 or 06 S. If you know of anything I should look out for in these models let me know. Will look for less than 60,000 miles and may buy in the US.

 

Check around the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket for oil leaks. Look at the coolant tank to make sure there are no leeks. You can tell if it has a white residue around it. Look in it also for oil.

IMO I would look for one with little or no mods done. This way you can have fun doing them yourself. Plus chances are it might not of been abused.

When you do find the right one you will know it by your smile on your face. Also when you sign the dotted line to buy it, you also agree to WAVE at your fellow MINI's.

 

Great advice thanks. I am mechanical and do almost all my own work on my vehicles so not too worried about valve cover or oil pan leaks if they are due to the associated gasket. I have owned BMW's and am familiar with tank coolant leaks having replaced one. Again not too big a deal. More concerned about oil in the coolant and other major engine issues. Is there an issue with head gaskets or warping of the head?
Agree about the mods....will look for a virgin for sure.

Would like some opinions on "must have's" for options if you have any.....thanks

 

For an '05 or '06, also check the power steering lines. There tends to be some seepage of fluid from the return line. It eventually needs to be replaced.

 

From what I've read, the "05 is one of the better years. Newer generation minis seem to have their difficulties as well.