Hello folks.
So, how to introduce myself..........
I dont own a MINI.......... yet..............
Without getting into the hows and whys and the thought process behind it all, yesterday they wife and I found ourselves at a MINI dealership. I am a fairly big guy, and I was really surprised how comfortable I was in one.
So now we are tossing around the idea of actually getting one........... or maybe two. (his and hers)
We looked at new ones and used ones, but we didnt test drive one yet.
So I am here for some info and insight into these nifty little cars.
Some questions I have are concerning reliability. Have read some things online and I am curious if these cars are reliable enough to be daily drivers. I do know how to turn a wrench, but its not my favorite thing to do, so I dont want to have to spend all my free time working on a car to keep it running.
I have two routes I can possibly take. Buy brand new, or buy used for cash. We looked at new ones and boy were they nice, but we also looked at a special edition 2013 model with 33,XXX on it, I really liked it and I just might be able to pay cash for it after I sell a travel trailer, motorcycle, and truck.
So, what are youre thoughts?

 

I assume you're looking at the hardtop?...

New is the best way to go if it fits your budget. The dealer treats you well during the warranty period...loaner cars, etc.

As for used...if you're buying from the MINI dealer a MINI NEXT CPO is a good option.

For a used car check the car's options on the VIN decoder: www.bmwvin.com

These things are a lot of fun to drive...good luck to you.

 

Thank you. Im getting lots of info from the sight. It looks like they have a number of problems that vary between car to car. And a couple annoying problems that are well known and documented but easy to fix. I wonder why this hasnt been addressed by the manufacturer, or is it purposefully designed to fail?

 

Avoid these, unless you get a good price on the car. Also, only buy one of the following if you're comfortable with doing your own repairs:

2007 – 2010 R56 S model (N14 engine)
2009 – 2010 R57 S model convertible (N14 engine)
2008 – 2010 R55S Clubman S (N14 engine)
"Factory" JCW thru 2012 (N14 engine)

Also avoid the - Gen 1 MINIs with the CVT.

Most of the bad press relates to these models.

 

Thank you for that info. Definitely looking at '13 or newer.

 

I bought a 2015 this past January. It's a MCS hardtop. Had a couple of little warranty issues that have been sorted out. It is my daily driver and it feels as reliable as any other new car to me (Japanese, American, etc.). It feels very well put together and handles great. Only 10 months experience, but I would highly recommend. Thinking of buying another one for my daughter's first car.

 

Welcome to NAM and good luck on your search! If you're wanting to go with an R50 or R53 you can always read the buyers guide here with some detailed information about common issues with those specific years. Otherwise, stick with an N18 MINI if you can. 2011+ MCS. They still have their quirks though, but if you keep up on the maintenance and fix things that need to be fixed you should be good to go.