hello!

I am considering purchasing a 2013 Cooper S hard top.

Everything seems to be in line with my needs, but honestly I'm a little freaked out by the reliability horror stories that are seemingly all over the internet.

Are these things as unreliable as it appears?

Also, I live in Arizona, how do Minis cope with the heat?

Does the A/C hold up?

Thanks!

 

Hi Spyderdog,
There are horror stories on most makes and Models. The bigest problems with Mini Coopers are the crap CVT automatic transmisions in the gen 1 cars and poor engines in some of the gen two cars. I am here to tell you, I sell Mini Coopers and have had very few serious issues with them. poor maintenance seems to lead to more problems than anything else. Full synthetic oils are a must, radiator service and inspection is a must, timely air filter replacement is a must, brake service is a must and all of this is true of most cars on the road.
Make sure to get a car that has been maintained well and is in good order. You really don't want to buy other past owners mistakes. Having some mechanical skills will save you dollars in maintaining a MIni.
Again, start with a good car first. You can tell abuse and neglect. Stay away from them.
With that being said, I have two personal Mini S models and get a rush every time I drive them (almost every day).
If you don't know what to look for in a used car, get help from someone who does.
We hope you score a nice Mini S and find the joys that we have found with these cars, that drive like they are on rails and scoot through the curves like nothing else you have ever driven.
Best of luck!

 

Minis in good order, will nave no issues in Az. There are many there doing their daily job. Which is driving, that makes the old young and the young feel real life!

The AC kicks ***, when it is properly maintained.

 

We have a 2012 MCS and live in Phoenix. No problem with the heat, AC does a good job keeping up.

Just keep in mind, Minis are a a European sports car. They are expensive to maintain and repair, think BMW, Porsche, etc..

 

ive owned a jaguar for the last 5 years. cant imagine maintenance is much more than that.......

 

is there a big difference in reliability between the gen 2 and gen 3 cars?

 

I've had 3 R56's. Reliability hasn't really been an issue with any of them. Small parts break here and there but nothing has really been that expensive so far (knock on wood).

 

I have a '13 base model (justa). It is naturally aspirated while the S and JCW are forced induction. The base model is more reliable. My car has been 100% fool proof since new.

Also, I live in Tucson and the car is great even in the summer months. Good A/C.

 

I have heard that most of the Justa's (Gen 1-3) have been very reliable (aside from CVT and the N14 engine).

 

If you want near bullet proof reliability buy a Corolla. You'll be bored to death driving it around, but it'll be reliable. Mini's can be very reliable... see above comments, and 2013 or newer should be fine if it has been maintained. That's the key. One of the most fun cars you can experience and they are totally smile inducing.

 

after owning a jaguar for 5 years, the virtues of maintenance are not lost on me.

interesting that you mention Toyota. ive had 2 of them and they were both unbelievably awful. my first one caught on fire in my driveway for no apparent reason and my second dropped a tranny at 80k had never ending electrical issues and burned through a set of brakes about every 18 months. i will never own another toyota. my jag has been infinitely more reliable

 

good info!

thanks!

 

The 2013 should be the best of the gen2 hatchbacks so find one that has been maintained more than factory recommendation (minimum engine oil every 5-7k and auto tranny oil drain/fill every 10-15k), and has had the oil solenoid replaced. Low mileage is better, of course, as there are other items that might give issues after 30k.

 

Spyderdog,

Since you're in AZ, I'll assume local or within reasonable driving distance to Phoenix and surrounding areas? With your stated concerns, I suggest buying Certified PreOwned (CPO) from an authorized MINI dealer. After not finding what I was looking for private party on Craigslist, I bought mine from MINI N Scottsdale last May as CPO with 17k miles (nearly 19k now since its not my daily driver). Although an end of series 1st gen MCS is what I originally sought, instead I bought a primo end of series 2nd gen MCS. Those eligible for CPO extended warranty are quickly disappearing, however I see the mentioned dealer has (3) low mileage 2013 MCS hardtops in inventory. I won't post links to them but a few mouse clicks will get you there...

 

im not looking anywhere but CPO. Ive been very happy with both mini NS and mini of tempe during my now frequent visits there. both seem to be excellent dealerships

thx!