Hello everyone, I am looking to purchasing my first mini, just not sure which year or model I want. Most likely I will have to go with the MCS, since I am use to drivng a Mustang GT. I have been browsing the board for a few days now and finding alot of useful information. However, after browsing I have a few questions for now.

1. What years are better than the others(with the newer BMW designed)? I have reading and it seems that alot of people have some troubles with certain years. I am really wanting to find something as reliable as my current car (61k and not a trip to the dealer).

2. For those who have major components replaced, such as trans, etc. Is it true that you can't just get the particular part like a belt to replace, you have to replace the whole trans for example?

3. I am not trying to put the mini down or brag about my car. I am just curious since I was surprised about the gas mileage in these. Are you guys really only getting around 30 mpg? Now I know that its a performance car, but I drive a V8 and average 24 with mixed and about 28 on the highway. Don't get me wrong, its still good mileage just thought it would be better with the smaller engine.

Thanks for the info.

 

Hi and Welcome to NAM. will leave most of your questions for other to answer.

A new BMW MINI has recently been launched in Europe (the R56) and will sonn be available in the US. Whilst similar in shape (very slightly bigger) the MCS has a new 1.6 litre turbo charged engine as opposed to the 1.6 supercharged in the current model. This give slightly improved power and torque but also lower emmissions and better fuel economy.

Of course, the R56 is only available new and you don't say whether you are in the market for a new or used car.

Whichever you chosse they are great cars and lots of fun.

 

I have a Mini Cooper (non-s). It's a 2006. I have not yet found 1 single manufacturing defect in the car. I have about 6k miles on it and I've had it since July. I can't speak for other MINI's but I can tell you that mine is EXTREMELY high quality.
Also, not to knock your Mustang GT, but the MINI is in a completely different category in terms of quality and innovation. I have a C5 Corvette as well and the MINI is 10X more refined and thought out than the C5. In my C5, there is a lot more cheapo plastic, squeaks and creaks. Additionally I don't think that the seats are as good in the C5 as they are in the MINI (yes I have the sport seats in both cars). What I think you'll find, and my overall point is that the european cars are much more robust and efficient designs. I have a friend with over 100k on his MINI and the thing looks as good as mine does and it still runs strong.
My avg MPG on my MINI is 31.3 so far and I run it hard. If you don't think that's much better than your 24 MPG in your Mustang on a good day, then just wait till you pass by all those gas pumps. You'll realize it then.
I've always either had American or Japanese cars. My last car was a Honda and the MINI even seems better quality than that! It's much quieter too inside. I have to admit that surprised me.
You'll realize when you buy a MINI that they offer a level of refinement and quality that FAR surpasses that of your Ford (I'm sad to say that, but it's true).
Good luck in your journey to find a new ride. If you choose a MINI, I doubt you'll have any regrets.

 

Welcome
I had an '02 Indi Blue MCS that I traded for an '05 Mustang GT. I missed the MINI so much I traded the Mustang for an '06 Pepper White S. The '02 wa great but the build quality seems to be much better than the '02 -- no rattles. I think in general the 05 and 06 hve less troubles [mid model refresh]. I am not aware of any such qirks as needing to replace major components due to smaller issues. Although I have heard that once you replace brake pads, you'll need new rotors. However, there are many others in the group that can more intelligently speak to these issues. The Mustang GT does have a lot of raw power and is fun to drive but IMHO not nearly as much fun to drive as the MINI --- especially on the curvies

 

If you have ever driven a go-cart, Remember that feeling.Everytime i get in my baby i have that type of feeling. What ever you choose Cooper S or cooper you will love it.

 

Thanks for the replies and the info. I agree that my mustang and the mini are two different machines and offering different driving styles and quality levels. When I bought the mustang, I went with something that was fairly inexpensive and had the extra power to burn (I grew up around big american muscle cars).

I haven't had an opportunity to drive one yet, but I have sat in one and was impressed with the overall room that I felt I had and the interior design. I was figuring that the newer models would have most bugs worked out of them. Plus never owning a foreign made car, if there would be issues getting parts for something like the mini. Thanks again for the info, and I will keep looking around.

 

Hey MiniYJ,

you really, really need to drive a few Minis before you go any further... They have a very distinctive feel and for me, extremely addictive. I had an '03 MCS w/out problems and am now driving an '06 MCS JCW. The MCS had pretty good gas milieage. My current JCW isn't so thrifty on fuel, though. Most folks automatically think that Minis are super high mileage econocars. I think of them as econo go cart race cars, but had no illusions of seeing high mpg ratings.

The '07 should yield better mpg figures than the current models. Good luck!

 

I agree - Don't think "American Muscle Car", think "Ultimate Driving Experience", and then go drive one or two, and you're getting close . . .


Good Luck.
"Addicted Beyond Reason"

 

Yeah, I plan to test drive one soon. Only problem is the closest mini dealer is about an hour away and my current schedule I can't really get away that long to go do that for fun. Saw one on my way to work at a used lot, going to try to stop by sometime to look at it. As for the driving experience, I am not even going to try to compare it to my current car. I am expecting to "experience" (as you guys say) something different than what I am used to. i like the looks of the car because its unique from the outside, and the interior seemed to be quality materials and fit.

Thanks again