Hi all...

I am about to put in my deposit for a Cooper on thursday. I Love the car and have test driven it a few times and can't find anything that I don't like about it. I also love the fact that it is one of those cars that is somewhat of an icon. I am about to trade in a wrangler so I am used to driving a car that instantly makes you part of a club. I just wanted to know what owners thought we the problem points with the car before I went ahead and dropped the cash on a new car. Can anyone help me out?

 

Its addictive-ness . But in all seriousness, MINIs have their quirks, check around 'MINI Talk' for the more common stuff. Don't expect to see many BIG problems with your Cooper. My 03' I bought used, and I can't find anything in it's service history of any major issues with it. The only thing to worry about is the windshield, they tend to stress crack. So if your insurance has a part in the policy that makes the deductable on replacing glass cheaper (some companys have this) you should seriously look into it. MINIs are rather solid cars, but like I said, they do have their quirks, but then again, thats what makes a MINI a MINI. Also, welcome to the world of MINI! What are the specs of your almost new baby? (Color, Options, Etc.)

 

British Racing Green with a white top and mirrors, Nav system, Harmon Kardon audio. Black cloth inrterior, anthracite dash 5 speed manual (as if I needed to say that...), Dynamic Stability Control and Xenon headlights.

 

Well, assuming that you're in the general DC area, feel free to come to the DCMM breakfast at Tate, or even stop by the tint & graphics party where there will be a bunch of us hanging out and we'll tell you everything you ever wanted to know (and probably a bunch of stuff you didn't! ) about MINI!

As for problem points, while you'll read on this and other forums about the occasional horror story (but you'll get that with any major purchase), the '06 MINIs are, as far as I know, generally trouble free. The biggest common complaint, as far as I know anyway, is the occasional rattle that takes a bit to chase down and solve by a dealership.

Which model are you purchasing, and what are some details (ie, Cooper, Cooper S, cabrio, auto or manual, etc)?
Edit: nevermind, you answered above! I got distracted while writing this post, and it took me a while to save it!

You'll also get more info if you make a post into the MINI Talk or 1st Gear forums!

Good luck, and hope to see you part of the 'club' soon!


-Paul!

 

nice color choice , mine is the 1st car on the left in my sig

 

My biggest regret was not getting the cold weather package and the convenience package. I got the sport and premium and I wish I'd stepped up to the other two. My wife got it on hers and for the less than $1000 I should've added it.

You'd get the heated seats, automatic rain sensor windshield wipers, automatic headlights, etc... When reselling the car (unless you're gearing it up for sport, which it doesn't look like you are since you're getting the Xenon headlights...) it might be nice to have the added options.

I did get the aerokit, which I love the look of.

Problems I've had - I'm on my 3rd windshield in less than 18 months. Screw in runflat tire (but thankfully I only paid $20 for a repair instead of replacing the whole tire as the dealership might have you do), my LSD groans (known 05 issue) I need to get the new oil when I take it in for service.

My wife's MINI had the early '05 issue with a squealing/squeaking belt, also had an issue with a tire/screw, her door handle stopped working (I think a parking attendant couldn't figure out the double pull/release and ended up just pulling as hard as he could on it and busted it).

That's about it - mostly quirky stuff, nothing majorly mechanically wrong.

And they are an absolute blast to drive!

john

Just my opinion.

 

Come and see owners and their cars with some age to learn the most you can. Just as Paul! said come to the upcoming events.

 

You mentioned a 5 speed so I gather your getting a MC and not MCS. As you do your looking you will find the older MC cars had a trans problem. The newer cars (05 and 06) have a trans made by a different company. Ford uses the same trans in a higher HP car so I am hopeful. I like the color combo.

I had a 87 AMC Wrangler. The ride with runflats should not bother you - if you are buying a new MINI and it has 16" rims it has runflats. The windshield issues are about the same. Rattles about the same (unless you drove the rear seats, doors, windows, roof and everything else removed).

If I'm correct about the MC not MCS and your are getting a new MINI, you may think about the SS+. SS+ will give you same suspension settings as a MCS. Those settings lower the car in the rear a bit, give you uprated springs and struts all around, and larger sway bars. This is a nice option if you want to track or autocross your car. If you don't think you will be doing either of those the stock car is just fine, and the handling bits can be upgraded later should you change your mind.

In my Wrangler, I once went 25 days with out the roof during a DC summer. The rule was if it rain was forcasted overnight or in the for the morning drive to work the roof went on. If it was not raining when I woke the roof came off before the drive into work. Afternoon rain - well thats why someone invented rain coats.

Visit the DC group. Another good place to see MINIs in action would be at the autocross Sunday (the 8) at Fed Ex field. I have a BRG/Silver MINI with Sport, Primium, Cold Weather, and SS+. If I am running my MINI car (I am hoping to get a drive in a rwd car - just for a change) you can have a ride.
John DaCrema