I am looking at becoming a mini owner! I love these little cars, however, everywhere I look it states that they are "money pits" Can anyone sway
me to think otherwise. I really want one but want to do my homework.

 

Time to do a lot of reading of the info already here and form your own opinion. Use the search function too.

 

Well, that being said, I think they are high maintenance :( I am trying to find anything to tell me they aren't just so I can feel good about the investment! How long have you had yours? Do you love it? It appears they are a passion and love for many but that being said very expensive to maintain. That is what I am feeling?

 

Remember, as you read this site, folks have a tendency to talk about what went wrong, not what went right. I had a 2002 R53 that I sold recently which gave me fine service for years. Now I have and R55S that I truly love. Pinch myself each time I enter it and think what an amazing job BMW has done. Nothing is more fun [period].

 

You will always have to compromise when buying a vehicle. Went it comes to a MINI you will inherently have more maintenance if you drive it more spiritedly. The same goes if you get an S as apposed to the base models because there are more moving parts.

If you don't want to do maintenance on your car more than once a month then look for a boring, less fun vehicle like a prius.

 

That is great to hear! Yes, it seems like their are lots of negatives on here, would love to hear more positives! The one I am looking at is a red/white MCS 2003. 73,000. I took it to have it checked and it will need a clutch soon...YIKES. they are expensive. 1,700 does that sound right? Also has a small steering leak and oil pan leak. Doesn't have to be fixed immediately but on the list. I LOVE THIS CAR! I really want it and have to discuss further with the seller/friend tomorrow. Just don't know what to do. I am looking at this car to drive as my regular car...not just weekend. I live in Atlanta.
I appreciate your thoughts....I have been reading a lot all over internet. Thanks again

 

How much are they asking for it?

 

I just bought my '11 MCS over a month ago and I love it. I agree with AllWhite, most of what you read here will be what was wrong or how it is not reliable. Those of us that are truly enjoying them don't write to much about the good times we are having in them.... I switched from an F350 p/u to this and it was well worth it.....

 

They are asking 9,400....it is the S leather seats, climate control, double sun roof (whatever they call that) Is adorable car as they all are! Red/white top and trim. he is thinking about what he would take knowing the clutch will need to be replaced within 0-8,000 as the mechanic says as well as the small steering fluid leak and small oil pan leak. One set of brakes will also need to be replaced within 5,000 according to the mechanic. I was going to offer 7,500 knowing that it has about 3,000 work to be done on it but I don't think he is going to bite. Maybe I keep looking? Just like knowing who owned it etc.

 

F150 to a mini! Wow that is a BIG change. I currently have a E350 Mercedes....wish I had the answer on getting this adorable car!!! I have been spending hours trying to figure it out, reading and reading!! As someone said, you can find more negative than positive which is disheartening.

 

7,500 is a much better price for all the work that needs to be done. If he doesn't go for that they just keep looking.

Despite the work I did on my car, the amount of friends that "came" with the car, the amount of smiles it puts on people's faces, and the how much fun I have driving it, far surpasses anything else.

 

You are the second person that has told me that their MINI makes them smile every day! That says a lot in itself! Thank you for your responses and I will keep you posted. I think you are right. 7,500 or keep looking!
Stay tuned! Smiles!!!

 

Yes please, keep us updated!

 

Minimichelle,

I would recommend that you have a far amount of $ reserves available before you dive into this car. With this car, you just never know.

And another way to keep a good focus on cost is to limit the aftermarket mods on the car. Lots of aftermarket stuff can be quite expensive with some rather questionable benefits.

 

I forgot to tell you that my Mini puts a smile on face every day that I drive it, heck even when I don't drive it, it puts a smile on my face. I really like the car alot and that ain't sonething simple for me to say. I have only owned trucks my whole life and never thought I'd be driving one of these Mini's but got to say it is fun to drive. I think you have gotten solid advice, 7500 or keep looking.

 

Think about the Mini Next program vehicles. They at least have a warranty and service is included. You might not get the vehicle for $7500 but you surely get piece of mind and a vehicle that will put a smile on your face. I just ordered my 2012 CM absolutely knowing what I got myself into. The smiles and the miles. I can't wait.

 

Okay...well he turned down my 7,500 offer so I am back on the look. If anyone knows of a nice Mini for sale in the Atlanta area please let me know.

 

what is the Mini Next Program? sorry I am not aware of this.

 

Look in the marketplace section, cars.com, craigslist, maybe even ebay?

I found my car on craigslist.

 

Certified pre-owned MINIs from MINI dealerships.

 

If you are handy, you can save some by doing your own oil change, filters, and some basic stuff like that. Mini repairs are definitely more expensive than Honda, Toyota, etc. Are you wedded to the extra power that an S has? If not, stick with the base Cooper; according to Consumer Reports they are less problematic than the S.

I looked for a trustworthy mechanic to check out the used Minis I was looking at; that gave me a lot of peace of mind of what might need to be done. I did end up getting new, but that's another story.

Good luck.

 

My MINI has only failed on a few occasions to put a smile on my face. When everything is in working order its the best thing since sliced bread! I've had 7 cars and this one has had more problems than any other, but has also been more enjoyable to drive by far

 

Remember those Salvatore Feragamo pumps that you were looking at and DIDN'T buy: Remember how you felt after that.
Get the MINI.
ISAMIN

 

I think it's 2017, why are you digging up 2011 threads today? Time machine warp?