So my first new car was a '92 Camaro SS. Kept it for 7 months. Second New car was a 2001 Mazda Miata. 3rd new car was a 2004 Mazda Miata. Most recent Miata developed significant electrical problems at 300,000 miles. My mechanic's not able to identify the cause. Given financial restraints, I went looking for a used car and ended up with a 2002 Mini Cooper S. Wow! Now, this car only has 70k miles and has clearly been somebody's baby, but it looks great, drives great, sounds great. Hatchback in silver. I'm having a blast with it. Only problem I've found so far is that--for some reason--AM radio reception is nonexistent. FM is fine.


Loving this Mini! When I was stationed in the UK, I bought an old, beat up mini, but this is several generations beyond what I drove back then.

 

Hello from Arizona and welcome. I've owned two Miata's in the past and just bought my first MINI (2013 base hardtop) two months ago and I'm amazed at how well this little beast handles. You're in for many miles of smiles.

 

Thanks! In addition to my addiction to road cars, I also ride a Harley. I'm stunned at how well my 02 Coopet S handles. I've had the car 3 days and have already overloaded the tire pressure sensors, though the car never faltered. Nice to see the sensor reset within a few miles.

 

Welcome, these cars are such a blast to drive, indeed!

Only 70k miles on a 2002? Nice find!

Sorry to hear of an issue that sidelined your Miata...still...300k miles! That's pretty good service, anyhow. My MINI replaced my long-serving '96 Miata M that I picked up off lease in '99 and was my daily driver for 13 years. "Only" 180k miles though!

Lots of good info here, many, many Gen1 owners who love these cars.

 

Welcome to NAM, enjoy the ride...

 

The Miata succumbed to "random misfires, all cylinders." Compression's still great, but it frequently drops from 75 mph to 45 with no warning with the flashing "pull over and get a tow you moron" light. Mazda can't diagnose it, neither can my local mechanic. RIP, Miata.


Still loving the Mini, though this evening--driving west into the sunset--I noticed severe pitting causing glare on the windshield. I'm guessing the low height combined with the near-vertical windshield makes this a chronic problem.


I think I'll try an abrasive glass polish (I have an orbital sander/polisher.) If that doesn't work, I'll just replace the windshield. Anyone know if there's an aftermarket windshield less prone to pitting?


If not, I see somewhat frequent replacements.