So I'm kind of on the fence as to what to buy, right now it's either a '04-'06 MCS or '04/'05 Civic Si, obviously the MCS is more fun to drive and has loads more character, but i can make the Si more fun to drive. I'm just wondering how much approx. it would cost to keep a MCS on the road each year.

So if you guys don't mind i was wondering about how much you guys spend on maintenance each year on your MCS's and if you could list what year your MCS is as well?

 

The good thing about the Mini is the free maintenance program for 3 years/ 36K miles but they only do the bare minimum.

I can only quote the DIY prices when I do my own work:
oil change $45
brake fluid $12
Front brake pad $120 (not OEM but much better)
Rear brake pad $100 (not OEM but much better)
Brake sensor $20 front
Brake sensor $20 rear
Front rotors $90 ea (OEM)
Coolant $20 (OEM)

 

yea unfortunately all the cars in my price range don't have any existing warranty

 

It's high. Very high. Best to do your own work or find a competent indy mechanic who knows Minis.

It's not a car to keep past the warranty period for the fainthearted...

 

This might be a stretch, but the problems that Mini's have, are they usually just caused by the hot underhood temperatures? or is it more than that?

 

The only problem that I know about related to underhood temps is the second gen hood scoop melting on the MCS models, which you aren't even looking at. If you are talking about part failures (and I know these are fighting words here, but I'm going to say them anyway), the MINI statistically has more issues than a Honda. If you are asking about wear items and regular maintenance, most of the MINI services cost more. If funds are really tight, get the Civic. If you can handle the extra maintenance bills, spring for the MINI. Not sure how to even quantify parts failure expenses since it is really the luck of the draw with both cars.

 

to put in perspective, i asked if the only issues were because of high underhood temps because i'll have a bit of money after the down payment and i'm wondering if there's any "preventive" maintenance as far as aftermarket parts go that i should spend the money on.

 

Ive read that MINIs are very reliable. Common issues are the power steering/supercharger etc going bad (which costs alot)

everything else is just wear and tear

 

well i've already found a couple aftermarket fixes for the power steering and i think the supercharger can be fixed with a electric water pump.