Okay, so my R60 is going to cost more to repair than is prudent, or at least more than I care to spend after what I have already spent.

I absolutely love MINI and would truly love to get another. Unfortunately I cannot afford a new one at this time and need to make a decision asap. I am looking at a 2005 S at $11,500 or a 2009 Clubman S for $9,995 and various other vehicles that are probably a more sensible choice. My heart says MINI, my head says Honda. I commute 50 miles a day and my job does requires travel in the region so I put some miles on my car and need something reliable and hearty.

I absolutely adore the 2005 but am concerned that for a daily drive it may not be a good choice in this situation. My mechanic has done the work on it and assures me these R53s are hearty little buggers and it will hold up. That they are one of the most desirable of the Gen1s, will only appreciate in value.

So, first question, in general, is that true?

Next, if I am driving it that much and through our northeastern Ohio winters do those statements hold up? And, with that what would be best steps to have it as a daily driver, keep it protected during those winter driving months so the value is retained?

Next, I am intrigued by the Clubman but hear that they have clutch issues as well and at 62,000+ miles the one I am looking at is probably coming up on that needing a replacement. Anyone have feedback on this as far as is it a forgone conclusion that the clutch will need replaced in the near future or is it just a know problem that may happen sooner rather than later?

Any other opinions as far as which would be the better option for the situation, would other years or models be a better choice, or should I just buy something else and leave the MINI for later (My soul would weep)?

I know there are a lot of other factors that you don't have and I won't hold anyone to anything, just looking for opinions from the folks that drive these lovely little things and have gone through all the ups and downs.

 

I would steer clear of the 2009 Clubman S, it will have the N14 engine, which was the worst of the worst. The R53 should be mostly trouble free, but you'll still be driving a 17 year old car. If its had any life in the winter prior to your ownership, maintenance will be a bear due to rusty bolts and fasteners.

If you can swing the little bit extra cost, look for a 3rd generation F56. The newer cars really are MUCH more reliable than the earlier ones. You should be able to get into a 3-door S for just a little bit more than that R53, and you'll have a MUCH better car to drive around.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the reply and the info on the Clubman. There's just so much information out there and I'm in a spot as I have to get a replacement. Currently driving in a pretty precarious state need info quick. I do trust my mechanic but he's a gearhead and works on MINIs all the time so has a slightly different perspective. And in any case it's always good to get a second opinion. Thanks again for the information. I appreciate it.

 

Okay, so I have it kind of narrowed down. My first world problem is I cannot seem to find a 2014 mcs with manual transmission either in my price range or 2014 or newer. There are a few automatics in that range that tick all the boxes and are much nicer than most of the manual ones that are higher priced (we are talking $3000 - $4000 difference). There is a good assortment in my price and year range of the non-S variety that are nicely equipped too. So, my questions are as follows (I know some of this may just come down to personal preference but I do like informed opinions)

I know HP wise the S is definitely the way to go but, is the standard still zippy? My fear is the standard MINI Cooper will not have that oomph when I go to pass that I am currently used to.

Opinions on the Automatic\Steptronic transmission <cringing inside>. Is it good, reliable, responsive? Anything I should look out for on these? Only thing I saw was a problem with it indicating it was in ark when it was not and a software upgrade appears to have fixed it.

My biggest concern with Automatic I've never learned\mastered drive it in the snow. Down shifting to Low 2 or 3 works ok but these don't seem to have that, just Park, Drive, Neutral, and Reverse. Not sure if the Steptronic will help with that as I have been told if you do not shift when it thinks you should it will do it for you (Baby Skynet anyone? LOL!). Just looks like a future of slippin' and slidin' in anything remotely slippery.

Any clear advantages, improvements, disadvantages, new problems or fixes between 2014 and 2015? I've read so much conflicting information on reliability, problems, performance, etc. that I am not sure what to believe. I'd rather poll a community of users and get the really scoop on this. Although even here there is varying information so... But at least it is filtered through actual experience instead rumor.

Any other experience based input would be welcome.