We are thinking about buying a used MINI Cooper for our college age daughter. Asking advice about what are the best years, should I stay away from turbos, and we need an automatic because she doesn't know how to drive a stick. Please someone tell me if there are certain options we should seek or stay away from? Also, how far will these cars go? I see a lot for sale with around 90k miles on them. What maintenance needs to be done on them at that point? (Is there a reason people drop them at just under 100k?) We've owned several BMWs and know they'll go over 200k miles, so just want to know if the MINI will do that.

 

How far they go is all dependent on how they are looked after. These are NOT drive'em and forget'em grocery getters. I've got well over 100K on mine, it goes to my main wrench every 5K miles for a 'turn your head and cough' session. I check under the bonnet every week and only hand wash (MINIs and drive thru car washes do not play well together). There's guys on here have well over 200K. 1st thing to look for in finding a good used MINI is the absence of the N14 engine which means nothing from '07 to '10. Ask for service history and a pre purchase inspection.
When the deed is done, pictures are required. Without pictures, it didn't happen.

PS: When she gets it, find a reliable independent BMW/MINI shop. Do not take it to a dealership for service. A local MINI club or help from the forum can locate the guy you want.

 

Meh, if she is going to drive an automatic, just get her a nice Honda Civic. Better MPG and way more reliable.

 

Welcome, how much money are you going to put into the buy? That helps steer you into the right years/models, etc.

Ignore the anti-automatic nonsense posted above me. It is a fun car with an auto and some of us get to a point in life where the joy of shifting isn't a big thrill anymore. As to the reliability factor, well MINI isn't really the best bet by a long shot.

 

We found a 2012 s with 100000 miles on it it drives great needs shocks has a lot of road noise, hes asking 7000 What are your thoughts

 

I sent two kids to college with Civics and Corollas. Why? 1. Because they are bullet proof and defy the typical neglect 2. Because they are more cost effective to purchase, maintain and operate and 3. I had few if any headaches with them, which was well worth its weight in gold. Don't get me wrong, I adore the MINI but a MINI is unlike the appliances. You have to pay attention to it. If it is consistently flogged and neglected, then expect added expenses down the line. If I had kids that understood, appreciated and could focus on these basic concepts of caring for a MINI, then I might consider the purchase. Good luck.

 

^ this..

 

Not to mention you can get a toyota or honda fixed anywhere.

Some shops don't want to work on Minis.

If kids are in a different town, the last thing you want to do is have it towed because it won't start, etc.

 

Teach her how to drive manual.

 

If your set on getting a Mini, avoid the S (turbo). Keep in mind, these are European sports cars. Stupid expensive to maintain and repair.

 

everything I looked at seems to be a turbo. is there a difference between S-turbo and a Cooper or copper base 3 cyl or 4 cyl that also seem to have a turbo or they all the same?

 

First thing I would do is check to see if there is a MINI dealer and/or independent service place near your daughter's school. As mentioned here, many service places don't want to work on a MINI, or don't really know much about it.

Example: I had a 1997 Saturn for a couple of years recently. Any chimpanzee can work on it, parts are readily available and cheap, the engine bay is very accessible. I even did some work on it myself after watching some YouTube videos. I had a good service station work on it, then my local Firestone (which was within walking distance of home).

There are entire states without MINI dealers, and many areas without MINI specialists. For simple work (brakes, oil changes, air conditioning recharge, stuff like that) I would take my MINI to a Firestone center; otherwise I would go to a specialist. Even the battery could throw a typical serviceman off. When my 2007 R56 would not start in downtown Philadelphia, I had to have it towed about 10 miles to a suburban dealer for repair.

That said, take a look at some deals that MINI has on the Oxford Edition (if you are looking at a new car):

https://www.miniusa.com/content/mini...d-edition.html

Great pricing on the configurations that most people want

 

 

Pictures!! We need pictures. To quote and old member: "Without pictures, it didn't happen".

 

Hmmm, college age girl ... my recommendation has always been a old Checker Cab, built like a Tank and will run for hours without oil, or coolant ...

Best of Luck and Motor On!

 

I would get an n16 engine automatic. 2011+. )r Just get an F56/F55/F57 2014+ so you have a warranty or CPO if you worry.