Hi all,

i am currently looking to purchase a 2013 Mini Cooper S to use as a daily driver, i have a long commute and plan on doing ~30,000+ miles/ year. I recently took one for a test drive and it was FANTASTIC fun! however i do have a few questions.


i have heard in general turbo charged cars are inherently less reliable than non-turbo cars, from what i understand this is largely due to people over-tuning the turbos, causing excess wear. now i know the stock MCS comes with a relatively moderate tuning (11PSI w/ 14PSI overboost, if i recall correctly) and i do not plan on altering the stock tune. now i have heard the MCS is somewhat less reliable than the base Mini.......is this because of the tuning or is it largely due to other issues?


i also have questions of overall reliability. now i have heard stories of 1st gens being problematic, however would it be a fair statement to say that 6 yrs into the 2nd gen, most of the major issues have been worked out? or are there still issues i should expect? ......im fine with small stuff like harmless rattles and interior lights not working.....im talking about stuff that will adversely effect the driving of the car.


and about the transmissions choices. i know most everyone recommends the manual transmission, and while i technically know how to drive a manual, i have almost 0 hrs behind the wheel of a stick.....i did test drive the automatic, and i really liked the manual override.... essentially what im asking, leaving the machismo out of it, is a full manual really much better than the auto, and why?

and if the manual, i have heard the earlier minis had issues with the manual transmissions, have those by and large been fixed by now?


i know this has been long, and ive asked a ton of questions....but if you can help me whittle them down it would be MUCH appreciated!

 

Hello and welcome to the craziness. I would say from talking to tuners that have worked on these cars, I would recommend staying with a Stage 1 or close to it, IF you tune for more longevity. Now onto the manuals(clutch issues), I would go with an automatic but from what I've heard people with 13's don't seem to have an issue. I got my automatic because I don't like multi-tasking(which I need to stop and pay attention to the road). But I've realized my purchase was justified since the MINIs have had multiple clutch issues since 07'(turbo models). It's your choice in the end, hopefully that helps a bit.

Good luck!

 

I drive a stick shift by personal preference. I like the feel better, and also the acceleration is always (slightly) better than an auto (unless you've got a DCT, but that doesn't apply here).

Automatic transmissions are generally less reliable than manual transmissions as well. I do know that BMW used to have issues with their automatics, and I personally don't trust them beyond 100,000 miles. An automatic transmission is inherently more complicated than a manual, which is another reason I like manual. The less complicated, the less possibilities of something breaking.

The best thing about having a Mini for a daily driver is the included maintenance and service package. There are very few brands that can come close to touching that. For not much extra, you can extend it too if you decide to keep the car longer than the included service period.

The MCS R56 is at the end of its life, in the good way. BMW's engineers have had many years to get it right - and I believe they have, which is why I'm taking the plunge and getting one. I fully expect it to serve me well for years to come.

And remember too that most people will go online to complain about something going wrong with their cars, and (generally) not to praise it for working as expected. So there's always a small bias to consider. Of course, a whole bunch of negatives is a bad thing...

My wife has had a standard Mini, and she loves it. I quite enjoy it too - even though it doesn't have anywhere near the power I am used to (coming from an older M3), it is still fun and has great spirit. It also hasn't given us a single problem. If you don't need the extra power, and you're just using it to commute - the base Cooper is a great way to go. It's not FANTASTIC fun, but it is REALLY REALLY GOOD fun. Lol. If you get it with a stick shift, you'd have improved performance over the auto (and save $1000 on top of that). Plus, better mileage to boot. We haven't had a single issue with the car, and we've had it nearly a year now.

I think that either way you go you will enjoy it.

Oh, and one more thing with the service - I'm not sure about your local dealer - but if/when our Mini needs service, we call up the dealer and they bring a loaner car to us (it was a 128i last time) and take ours back to the dealer. Then they re-swap once it's all done. All included! I love it. (South Bay BMW in Torrance, CA).

Best,
Chris

 

Welcome (we hope) to the MINI community.

I'll leave the answers to the questions you actually asked to someone else, but since I got my MINI last year for the same purpose and the same reason (daily commute vehicle, although I don't drive as many miles as you do), I decided that my #1 objective was economy. As a result, I ended-up with a base or "justa" rather than the S, and with a manual—basically the most economical model they have. I've not had it long enough to comment on durability, but the manual tranny is nicer on the MINI than anything else I've driven along the way.

I turn on the Sport button and drive it hard on weekends, but during the week, I do tend to baby it a little to eek out every MPG I can. As a result, I get nearly 38 MPG according to the OBC, and a bit less based on manual calculations.

My attitude is that for a car that is so bloody freakin' fun to drive to give such incredibly good economy... Well, it's an overwhelming win.

I don't know your reasoning for picking the S, but I'd only offer that the justa is nearly as much fun to drive. No, it's not a little pocket rocket, but it's hardly a slug.

I did have an S from the dealer as a service loaner (during regular maintenance), and I certainly get the appeal. It's hot! My current plan is to add a second MINI to the family in the next year or two, and it'll be an S or JCW when it happens. But it'll also be the car that's for weekend fun—not the daily commute.

Just my two cents. Whichever you choose, and whatever your reasoning, I'd be willing to wager you're in for a really fun time of it.

Enjoy.

 

IMHO
Reliable? It is NOT a Honda. You have to be an active owner.
Unless to need the power, get a Cooper. It will stand up to your high mileage demands better than the S.
MINI Ss are not over tuned, but are less reliable than a Justa.

I love my MINI!

 

thanks for the replies so far!

to kind of clear up a few questions.

my main reasons for wanting the turbo are:

1) the sound, i absolutely love the "VRRRRRR-PSSSSHT" turbos make.....and dont even get me started on the crackle....

2) the boost in HP isnt necessarily needed, but it is much appreciated, especially when overtaking people on the highway.....and for fun weekend drives.

3) i am looking at trying out some track day events( nothing hardcore), and ide like something with a little more performance.


i dont really plan on doing many mechanical modifications.......i plan on installing an oil catch can and perhaps an upgraded air intake....other than that i dont plan on getting too crazy (.....if i can help it)

also, keeping up with regular maintenance wont be an issue....i enjoy getting my hands dirty and i like to think im apt enough to perform basic maintenance, and i also work somewhat close to my mini dealer.

i also do plan on getting the 100,000 mile extended warranty.


i also realize its not likely to be Honda/ Toyota reliable....but i do need to be able to count on it to reliably get me to work(60 miles each way) daily...........regular scheduled maintenance and the occasional hi-cup wont be issues.....but i cant be waiting roadside for a tow truck on the reg.

 

BTW, turbocharged cars tend to be less reliable because they are more highly-stressed and more complex (more moving parts) than their non-turbocharged siblings. We have seen this in the case of the MINI, where some parts that are specific to the turbo systems have had problems. (Oil line, the aux coolant pump, etc.)

From the sound of it, the S and JCW cars are slightly less reliable than the naturally-aspirated Cooper. I would guess that they tend to be driven harder as well.

While a lot of the issues with the earlier cars seem to have been dealt with, we are still reading here about the "death rattle", thermostat housing leaks, and a few other problems. They may not be as common as they were, but they definitely still happen.

From the sound of it, the current crop of auto transmissions is very good. The CVT from the 1st-gen MINI was not so good, but those are many years in the past.

I don't have a 60-mile commute, but it can easily be an hour each way if traffic gets bad. I picked a "Justa" Cooper for my daily driver. Still puts a smile on my face almost 18 months later.

 

I've mentioned this in another post recently, but will state it again.

If you want a vehicle that is dead nuts reliable, you need to stay with the very mainstream and high volume cars such as a Civic, Accord, Corolla or Camry. People buy these cars because they are excellent appliances. The trade off for dead nuts reliability is the sedate, uninvolved driving experience.

I've left behind /traded off a nearly new BMW 3 series coupe, late model Porsche 911, two Boxsters and other pocket rocket type cars. My current, base Cooper is hands down the most fun car to daily drive that I've ever owned. This slow, cheesy, stripped econobox is a f'n hoot.

"It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow". Been there, done that, it's true.

 

Search the forum for postings about clutches. I have read several where MINI claims abuse for clutch burn outs at low mileage.

 

You all keep mistaking reliable with trouble free.

My MG Midget was NOT reliable. I never knew if it was going to start, or get me where I was going. When it had an issue it was usually fatal, and you were stranded. That's why you always carried a box of the usual suspect parts in the boot.

My 2010 MCS is completely reliable. It starts, and gets me where I want to go. That doesn't mean it's been completely trouble free. It has buzzes and rattles, it's had warranty work done. But NOTHING that caused it to stop running.


It probably wouldn't be my choice for a 30K mile/year commute. (especially if most of those were boring highway miles.)

But that's just me.

 

I think that all the low mile clutch problems were only on the Countryman S All-4, the small Minis are fine.

 

I have a base 2012 Cooper Hardtop as you can see on my signature. It is my daily driver to school but I recently crashed it, its getting repaired in the shop now though. I have already put 9400 miles on the car and its been with me since July 1, 2012. What I think is its fun plus its manual so that makes it 2x better imo. Anyway I never had one single issue with the car (except the accident). Very fun car but I can tell you after about 8 months of driving it, I kinda wish I got a Cooper S because I feel like im opting for more power. I think whether you get a Justa or the S model it will still be fun. Hope I helped.

 

Amen!

 

There have been others. Lots of talk about MINI calling it abuse and not wear, so they will not cover it. Others saying MINI will only replace it once under waranty.

 

That, and my parts list below, is why I am blowing off the extended warranty/maintenance plan.

My thoughts about the Justa-v-S issue is this:

If you buy an S but are so scared of the turbo, you will forever drive in fear and will be miserable not matter how fun. If you really wanted the turbo but were scared and bought the Justa, you will live in regret every time you see an S.

 

I would like to thank you all, i think i have decided to go with the MCS!

you all have saved me from having to buy a Prius( literally, if i coundnt find a car i liked, the prius was my backup choice)......

im still undecided on Standard or Automatic.....ill have to take a standard for a test drive when the weather clears up and see how the two compare.

thats the information i was looking for, thank you!

i dont have a huge problem with having to stop at the dealers every once and a while or get my hands dirty occasionally......to me thats part of the price you pay for having a fun performance car.

i just didnt want to get a car that would have to be flat-bedded everywhere causing me to miss work or be stranded on the highway.

 

I thought of this thread today when I stumbled across the following:

http://www.miniusa.com/ManualUp/

Enjoy... Unless you already made your decision, anyway.

 

as a matter of fact i have already made a decision, ive decided to go with the manual!


after the test drive i was still a undecided......but after mulling it over for a few days i decided the standard was the better choice. i thoroughly enjoyed driving it much more than the automatic.

and with any luck, i will be driving it by this time next month.

 

Sweet! Keep us posted, and congrats.

 

an update for those interested.

I took ownership of a Brand new 2013 chili red MCS today!

it drives FANTASTIC!......although i am still new to a standard transmission, and getting it out of Boston traffic was a tremendous pain!.....

im afraid i did a number on the clutch trying to go up an ridiculously steep hill, the car smells pretty badly of burnt clutch.......however ive been assured i did no major damage, and the car seems to drive fine

but once i got out of the city and made it onto the highway.....man....that is a seriously fun car to drive!


but the absolute best part of the car is the noise it makes.......from the turbo BOV to the crackle and pops when you get off the gas



and while it was to dark to get any pictures by the time i picked it up, you will definitely have plenty of pictures by tomorrow!

 

Glad you like it! I just converted to a manual MCS too. It was a bit frustrating at first, but I'm having fun with the car now.

 

Congrats on your purchase!

Just passed 50K trouble free miles on my 09 Justa-Cooper. Love that 6 Speed. Got the 100K maintenance plan...I've got a lot of work to do to get there before 2015 haha. It has needed nothing but gas and oil changes so far. These cars aren't without their little nags(squeaks?) but as long as you remember you're not driving a $35K BMW you can get past that and enjoy the unique fun experience that is MINI.

I was really looking hard at the S when I bought mine, but remain firm that I bought the right one for me. Sure the turbo is fun, but I haven't missed it. I drive mine swiftly, very often, it has never missed a beat, and I still get 35+ MPG!

 

Pictures!

ill try to get some better ones when i can find a place with some more room.

 

Awesome!

 

I had a chili red/white Justa for a little while, I really like the color combination. Your car looks great. People forget that you can get away with bright colors on these small cars, and they look wonderful.

Enjoy your car and have fun.

Mike