Hey people, new guy here! I'm currenlty thinking about trading my current vehicle in for a Mini. I'm a little concerned that all the Mini's on ebay have low mileage and was wondering if there are any consitent problems with these vehicles. This leads me to three questions:

1. Is there certain model years I should absolutely avoid?
2. Do you think the used Mini's on the car lots are "lemons" and were traded in becuase of this?
3. I like to keep cars for awhile. Is this a reliable car (i.e. how many miles can expect to get out of this ride)?

Thanks for the help!
JJ!

 

I would avoid any 2002-04 cars. In 2005 the Cooper gear box was updated. While at my dealer last Saturday I almost bought a 2004 IB/W Cooper They wanted $19,999. The car had Premium & Cold weather packs, wheels from the Sport pack and Cordoba Beige and Black Seats. It had 7,500 miles as a demonstrater. A new 2006 Speced similarly would be $21,200. That means not even 10% savings on a two year old car.

If all you can afford is used then go ahead, but for just a few dollars more.... NEW!

 

Thanks for the info. I really want an MCS but, like I mentioned, the resell is unbelievable on these cars. I just don't have time to take a car to the shop everytime there is a minor problem with the potential of getting worse. I currently have a Nissan that is completely trouble free, and I don't want to buy a mini that constantly gives me problems. I simply want a fun and reliable car that I can enjoy driving w/o spending a fortune. I think the MCS really fits if the reliability isn't an issue.

JJ