I'm looking to replace an early model Miata because of a sciatica problem. I have been giving serious thought to a Mini. To keep my price within budget, I am looking at cars in the 100K mileage range. I want to get a stick and a convertible. I've looked around on this forum for ideas and input but wondered what issues I may have to deal with in a car that is north of 100K. Not 150, but let's say 105-110K

What is an expected clutch life? I know that it's a very loaded question with many variables but I know that Miata's are known for many miles if driven right. The one I just sold after 8 years of ownership was most likely on its original clutch at 156K with no sign of problems.

I've read about mushrooming shock towers but that doesn't seem too much of a problem to fix. I know that the Mini is more like a BMW than a Toyota in the cost of parts and service department and I don't expect to get a good set of tires for $150 either like I could for the Miata!

What is the lifespan of the convertible top? Are they relatively easy to replace? I did two on my Miata and they were pretty simple.

I'm aware of coking/carbon buildup but it seems to be primarily on the S models and they tend to be out of my price range anyway.

 

Hey guys it's a 1.6L 16V car. It is selling for £600 is that a reasonable price for the mileage it comes with? And i am looking to buy a first car is 100k mileage to much on a 2003 Fiat Stilo?

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I'm looking at a 200k Mini, so by comparison you're getting in at low mileage!

 

Why did sciatica force you to ditch the Miata? I think the ride on a mini is just as stiff, and the clutch is heavier - for a first gen, the opposite is true for a second gen.

 

No experience with life span on the MINI convertible tops but I do know a few people with BMW convertible. Since the tops are made by the same manufacture, it might be safe to say the life span might be comparable. The friends I know are on the same top after 13 years, and not garage kept.

 

The seating position is the issue. In the Miata your legs are straight out with very little room otherwise. I have an '01 Dodge Dakota and a '11 Subaru Outback and both of them are decent drives from their seating positions. The Miata was practically straight out legs and put pressure on the wrong places. After 2-3 hours my right leg was aching and trembling from the discomfort. I always promised myself that the Miata would stick around till I couldn't get in and out of it. That never became a problem. Staying in it for longer than an hour or so did.