I bought Ridley four years ago from my friend's brother. He had 22.5k miles and was a 2005 MC. A few weeks ago I picked him up from the shop in Pittsburgh (new shifter cables) and while leaving the city a woman pulled out in front of me, giving me no opportunity to avoid a collision. It took a week to talk to the insurance adjuster to see if they were going to total it, and then I had a week of thinking they were fixing it, and then found out the guy who did the estimate missed some stuff and it was a total loss. Talk about the emotional roller coaster! Especially since I've been agonizing over getting another MINI or something like a Honda that is cheaper to repair when problems arise (we paid $6k in repairs the past year). We're getting a pretty good check from the insurance company, considering I put 75,000 additional miles on him in the last 4 years.


Anyway, my parents have agreed that they will help me get a new MINI (I just moved back home several weeks ago). We live in central PA.

I thought I'd see if any of you had advice. I've driven quite a few different MINIs from P&W's loaner fleet, ranging from 2007-2011, Cooper and Cooper S, Clubman, automatic and manual. And I always preferred the way my 2005 MC handled and responded (steering, shifting, gas). So I was considering getting an '06, like this doppelganger:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...acktype=usedcc

But I was a little concerned that it had 3 owners in 1 year and had the "Stabilizer bar replaced" listed on the carfax.

I have always loved light blue MINIs, so I'm leaning towards finding one of those. This one is listed at P&W:

http://www.miniofpittsburgh.com/Vehi...-PA/1444860343

And of course there are several more listed for sale on cars.com. I figured I'd ask around and see what others have to say about things like the pros and cons (and reliability) of different years.

 

Are you considering an S or JCW model?

 

Not particularly, but I'm not opposed to those if the price is reasonable

 

Sorry about Ridley.

While these little cars seem to get totalled with most front end collisions, seems to me they protect their driver and occupants like no other car on the road these days.

2011/12's have the new N18 engine with BMW Variable valve timing grear. Bit more HP and somewhat smoother IMO. If the cost is an issue look into the Mini Select loan.

 

If you're worried about repair costs I'd try to spend a little extra and get something with a warranty. Otherwise, I'd go with an '06 MCS if you want to keep the same handling feel as your R50, and you'll get a lot more power to play around with.

Good luck!

 

I wasn't going fast, but the airbag did deploy. My only injury was a burn on my thumb from the airbag. MINIs really are tough little cars- the tow guys were chuckling a bit about my little car totaling the SUV (I hit the driver's door, and they said the way the frame was hit it would probably be totaled). In the spring I was hit by a guy who ran a stop sign; he hit the back corner of my car (I was turning left in front of him). The plastic wheel well was bent, and there was denting/scraping of the metal and bumper- but a chunk of his car fell off, so I liked to think Ridley won that encounter ;-)


drewstermalloy - one of the downsides of getting a MINI with a warranty is driving 3 hours to the closest dealer. :-/

 

I will say, I bought my almost completely loaded 2008 Non-S with 37000 miles on it for $15000. The car sold for $29800 when it was brand new. I have had no problem at all and now have 59000 miles on it. Buying a well maintained used one could be a very good move and save you signficant money.

 

Thanks for your input everyone- I called down today to see if the blue 2007 MC was available and was able to put down a deposit. Now it's a matter of getting my dad down there, since he's helping on the financial end. With his work schedule he'll probably have to wait til Saturday, but I'll be out of town. . . so I might return to a MINI in the driveway! *Excitement* And of course the car needs a name - I have an idea, but think we need to officially meet first ;-)

 

I too have a 2008 non s and it has been extremely reliable. I read somewhere that 2008 non s have that reputation. Good luck and sorry about the accident.

 

I'm proud to introduce Caspian, my almost-new 2007 Oxygen Blue MC :-)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47070268@N03/6433694877/

Named "Caspian" because the color reminds me of the gorgeous blue waters of Narnia.

 

Congrats. You will have so much fun with that car.