I am very excited about joining the Mini Cooper S club in the next couple of months, but have a concern. My 2000 Honda Insight was not a highly sold and sout-after car, not attractive to thieves at all as its a "boring economy car."
However, looking at the popularity abd infinite parts available to the Mini, just how popular is it to thieves and how "theft-proof" is it? The 2004 convertable I test drove a while ago had a laser-cut key and i was wondering whats the chances of my future pride and joy being nicked?
I never had to worry about it with the Insight, and when I had my tuned-up CRX, it had a Clifford for security.

 

I've never seen any Mini rank highly on a "most stolen" list. The cars that habitually make these lists are high-volume compacts (e.g., Civics), mid-size sedans (e.g., Accords, Camrys, Altimas), full-size pickups, and SUVs. All these cars tend to have long, high-volume production runs which breeds a lot of demand for parts, parts that can be shared and used in dozens of years/models. And you occasionally see high-performance or luxury spinoffs of mainstream cars that are popular with thieves - cars like the Integra which shares parts with the Civic or the Escalade which shares parts with Tahoe/Suburban.

Boutique, relatively low-volume cars like the Mini aren't generally targeted. That doesn't mean they don't occasionally get nicked, but you don't need to worry like you would if you owned a Civic.

- Mark

 

Check out this site: http://www.nhtsa.gov/apps/jsp/theft/index.htm

I don't think you have much to worry about.

 

I've never thought about a new auto purchase with this process in mind.
Having to think IF the auto would be likely to be stolen before Gand would seem to take the joy and such out of the equation of buying and owning a new auto.
But then when I did buy a new auto, I purchased the required auto insurance to go along with it.
If by some chance it should go bye bye in 60 seconds, there would always be another to take its place.
Not attempting to be rude, but imagine the process of thought before having a child. More intense, loads of more possibilities, and easily replaced.
Kinda of out there, but the bottom line in my advice to you, grab the auto you want and start enjoying the ride.
We all motor on with our MINI's..........and don't forget the pictures, we love MINI pictures.

 

Funny you should say that. Many in the MINI community complain about how limited the choices are, compared with other brands.

 

I would say you are more likely to be struck by lightning.

 

I would suggest lightening up a little bit and not worry. That's what insurance is for.

 

Thanks guys. What factroy anti-theft equipment does the Mini come with?

 

Zip. Unless you spring for the optional security system.

 

I'm pretty sure all MINI's come with the engine immobilizer, which means it's not going to start unless it recognizes the chip in your key(s).

My understanding of it is, the only way to steal a MINI without the key is to tow it away on a flatbed...

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...mobiliser.html

 

That would be nice if true to all Minis. I'm not trying to be a worry- wort, just something to think about when buying a new car, especially when buying one for the soul-purpose is customizing and pleasurable driving.

 

All of them have the immobilizer, maybe the security system includes a siren.

 

I would worry more about smash and grab than grand theft auto because MINIs are tough to steal by driving off with it without a key.

 

I have the security system on my 2006 R52. Don't think about it much and have never had a theft attempt - but the system does have a cabin motion detector that arms a short time after locking, even with the top down. Once at a family reunion my sister in law tried to simply drop something on the seat with the top down and the alarm went off.

It does feature a nice flashing red light on the end of the turn signal stalk which I assume is meant to dissuade potential intruders....

JZB

 

Thanks guys, I feel more secure now about buying my Mini. Now the question is what year?

 

A-I was comparing it to my Insight.
B- I was talking about aftermarket parts. Dont know anything about factory parts. Look at all the carbon fiber you can purchase for the Mini.