Inspired by a recent is the MINI reliable thread, got me thinking: "what us the most reliable MINI."

What year, what spec, what drivetrain, etc. Also, providing your reasoning would be most helpful!

 

I'll throw in mine with 04-05 R53 with the gertrag six speed and the same for the R52 except being made for a couple of extra years.

 

My '13 Justa hardtop automatic is approaching 15,000 miles and has been absolutely flawless. Not even a rattle.

 

My 03 r53 manual. Has 121,000 miles. Never had one problem until a few weeks ago when I had to replace the left axle.

 

From a dealer employee standpoint... R53 manual. The only things I ever see on them are oil leaks and power steering pumps/lines but the pump recall should fix that. Otherwise they really do seem bullet proof. I am considering getting an R52S with the manual as a weekend toy because they have held up so well.

 

Another vote for the R53. My particular SupaCoopa has had the thermostat and clutch replaced...in 10 years. That's it.

My vote for least reliable Mini goes to my 08 R55. It seems I'm replacing something every other weekend.

 

I've been researching the hell out of this lately, spoken with mini mechanics etc. It's almost unanimously the 05-06 R53 6 speed.

So I just bought exactly that.

 

Love my '05 S with 145K. Had to replace serpentine belt, harmonic balancer, expansion tank and battery above normal care for the 70k miles I've owned it. No leaks, nothing else going bad...yet. Clutch probably next spring.

 

I'll add my 2008 R56 base with 6 speed manual. With 105,000 miles: a thermostat, water pump, vmr sensor, rear shock bushings (warranty item). In 8 years that's pretty good. My 2012 base with 6 speed manual and 34,000 miles ........nothing. Both have been good cars.

 

I'm biased: the R53 six-speed. Of course, I bought that model based on my research, budget, and the experience of those at Mini Mania and NAM!

 

After all my research, facelift R53 - and that's exactly what I went looking for .. and got.

 

Mine 03S. Just did a rebuild after 365,000 miles, before that only replace wear items, and of course mods. Replaced supercharger once, alternator once. Original clutch was still good at 365,000 miles.

My dad has on 05, a lot more problems.......

Luck of the draw really. That said I wouldn't get anything newer than an 06

 

Wow, that is amazing. BMW MINI should do a TV commercial on you car. Can you post a picture?

 

Have a bunch in the rebuild thread here....

 

Great thread, should be required reading/viewing for anyone tackling more than tuneups and basic repairs. The MINI looks in VERY good shape!

 

This thread influenced me on purchasing a 2005 R53 last week.

 

Awesome! You're gonna love it!

 

Thanks, it is in pretty good shape. It'll be around for a lot longer

 

That's great, please post a picture!