I am writing this to give those thinking of a MINI, one person's perspective on MINI ownership.

In June of 2009 I ordered an S Convertible six speed for my wife to use at our second home in Florida. We took delivery in the middle of August. I paid a little over $30,000 which was about a $2,000 discount including dealer added accessories.

During the first year we drove the car about 4,000 miles. After semi-retiring and moving full time to Florida, we drove the car about 19,000 miles more over the next two years. Mostly it was used around town but did include a couple of 2,000+ mile trips. It proved to be very reliable and comfortable.

During that time, the car was serviced three times by the local dealer, on an annual basis, included in the free maintenance program. Around 7,000 miles it experienced the high pressure fuel pump problem which required four trips to the dealer before it was repaired. They simply refused to believe my diagnosis.

At 14,000 miles one of the side scuttles came off the car and two of the rear clips for the convertible top came loose. These were promptly repaired after ordering parts. At 20,000 miles, I had to replace the original tires. At 23,000 miles and 72 hours after the maintenance period expired, the front brake pads had to be replaced. After much discussion, the dealer paid the labor as a goodwill item and I paid $168 for the parts.

After paying for the brakes, I sold the car to the dealer for $19,000 and purchased a new MBZ E350.

All in all, I thought the experience was very satisfying. The car was a blast to drive, returned good fuel economy, and was very reliable save those few incidents described. The overall cost was reasonable. My only complaint would be the lack of any flexibility at the dealer level regarding maintenance and the high cost asked for any needed repairs or replacement parts.

Just one consumer's thoughts. For the fun quotient, I would highly recommend the MINI!

 

Glad you enjoyed it while you had it. Motor on

 

You sound like a "glass 1/2 full" kind of guy. Some wouldn't be as positive about the experience. Good for you.

I know that MINI is marketed to upscale younger buyers, but it really is a great 2nd car for retirees.

 

RR, I am retiring in 4 months and ordered my MCS last week. Sold my motorcycle (99 Honda Valkyrie Interstate) last year because of too many close calls with cell phone happy drivers on the interstate. I thought the MCS would be a great transition ride.

 

I went from my Suzuki to a Can Am, feel 100% safer. This old guy is having nothing but fun on the roads of west Florida.

 

CanAm, great choice too.

 

Glad you enjoyed your MINI and good luck with your E350