Sorry for yet another noob question, guys...

What issues crop up as the miles add up on a Mini Cooper S?

I have heard about cooling issues, power steering pumps going south, transmission problems, etc.

I suspect that these things are the exception (since you guys obviously love your cars!) but how common...and how expensive?

What are the costly maintainence intervals? Timing belt/water pump, etc?

Thanks!!

 

A couple searches ("high mileage", and "100,000") showed nothing unusual... clutches, tires ,windshields, power steering pumps (get a guard),

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=100%2C000

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=high+mileage

 

I'm at about 80,000 miles and so far.......nope, not going to say it everytime a sports commentator says that a player is shooting 100% free throws, the guy misses the next shot.....nope, not going to say it but read between the lines

 

Hello MRGTX, I see you are looking at a MINI to keep your Miata company. I have a Miata also & they compliment each other very nicely.

This site is a lot like Miata.net. Good folks & lots of good info.

My 06 MCS only has 32,000 miles so far, but it has been absolutely bullet proof...knock wood.

My advice to you would be to buy the newest MINI you can afford. IMO the build quality got better as time marched on. My pick would be an 05 or 06.

Good luck with your MINI search.

 

80,000 Siverback miles is the same as 100,000 for more normal folks.

 

Good news, guys. Thanks for the input...

I hope those of you with problems aren't being quiet!

 

Yeah, I recognize you from Miata.net! No surprise that there is overlap. I totally agree that they're perfect stable mates... The Mini is solid, secure, can actually carry something bigger than a basketball, the Miata is great for sunshine and fresh air...both are ferocious in the curves and have tons of personality.

 

People with problems rarely are quiet about them.

Take some time & do some searching. There is a lot of info here. I lurked here for 3 years before I finally pulled the trigger. Why did I wait so long?

 

Not to hijack the thread, but two other MINI/Miata owners really jumped out at me. 03 MCS and 04 MX-5 are in my garage!

My MCS has 50K miles on it and so far no problems, though the serp belt is starting to get cranky. I understand it is costly to replace--no surprise since you can't even see more than an inch of the thing. Does anybody know if they have to drop out the subframe to replace it, or take a bunch of parts off the top?

 

104k + miles so far on an '03 MCS.
I have replaced the belt twice, to be safe. ($50 total)
The fuel pump went after 102k +/-. ($250)
On third windshield. ($400 total)
The clutch wookies a little now and again, but hasn't faltered.
Driver's side power window motor is out ($150? not sure yet)
Passenger side xenon unit is on fritz ($???)

Plus brakes, tires, etc.

dan

 

I haven't done it yet, it's on my to do list. I believe if you pull the right front tire & remove the plastic fender liner the serpentine belt should be there staring back at you. Now what to use to release the belt tension is yet to be determined by me. There is a tool available, but I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to.