So I have a 2012 Mini Countryman S with 78,000 miles and a RPM stage 2 tune. It has an upgraded Intercooler, catless downpipe, second cat and resonator delete and a borla axle back exhaust. I bought the car for $9,000 last year with 70,000 miles. So far I have put new tires on it $588, replaced a air intake hose $120, done the tune and additional equipment to make it work $2000, Exhaust $600, and just had the turbo and valve cover replaced for $1,900. The car has had numerous problems since I’ve got it and I’m in it $14,208. The car is also still having problems after the $1,900 I spend but that’s in a different section on the forums.
My question is are these cars actually worth all the trouble? I’ve loved owning it but it just seems like a complete money pit of a car. Any advice or input is appreciated.

 

It's luck of the draw. As many on the forum have written, these cars aren't like Toyotas with respect to reliability but some have a lot more problems than others. If you are interested in doing some of the work yourself, you can save money. I do it mostly because I enjoy it but the savings are a nice bonus.

I would argue that when calculating the cost of ownership, you have to separate repairs/maintenance from optional modifications. And all cars are going to need tires no matter how reliable they are. Still, it can be frustrating pouring money into a car. At what point to stop and move on is a tough question.

 

In my view, if you are unable to do some of your own mechanical work and dont have deep pockets then maybe a MINI isn't for you. You have to really love a car to keep it when you are pouring far more $$$ into repairs etc than the car will ever be worth. Your 2012, along with the 2011's, seem to experience far more problems than the new versions so its up to you to decide whether its time to unload it before it bankrupts you.

 

Ok thank you both for the advice I really appreciate it all.