I've had my 03 MINI Cooper S for almost 5 years now, when I got it had 60k, and now has around 160k. And you know what's awesome? Besides normal wear and tear, a control arm bushing here, a oil gasket there, and this morning I had one of the front bearing hub's replaced, it's been very low maintenance! I've not had clutch problems since I had it (I make sure the press the pedals down all the way and shift smooth), I haven't had major engine or suspension problems, it's been a great car. It runs like a charm now, gets taken to Way over at Way Motor Works when I can, and it's been taken care of nicely. Right now, I don't have anything I know of on it that needs to be fixed or replaced. I'm extremely happy with my MINI, and just wanted to post it up for those that wonder how long they'll last if you take care of them, and if they'll nickel and dime you to death. Thankfully, mine hasn't, and I don't plan to get rid of it anytime soon.

 

Great to hear! I'm at 135k as of yesterday, and don't have any plans to change cars for the foreseeable future. I can't say my experience has been as trouble free as yours, but that's because I went the abused and cheap fixer upper route. But since I intend to keep the car at least another 100k, I'll get my money back on those parts eventually

 

Indeed! It really is great to hear of others on this end of the lifespan.

 

As a first time Mini owner as of April 19, it's good to hear how many miles you guys have put on your Mini's with very few problems. I plan to keep with the regular maintenance, drive it year round with a set of winter and summer tires rotated every November and March.

Unless someone tells me different, I have put in 91 and 93 octane gas and changed my own oil with Mobil 1 Synthetic European 0-40. I am not a mech or gearhead but I think I can do the basics to keep my 09 S running that many miles.

My past buying habits show I'll never make that many miles with making a trade, but like I said....this is my first Mini

 

I have had mine for 82,000km...bought my MCS in May of 2006. The only issue so far was a malfunctioning thermostat replaced under warranty...overheated in the McDonald's drivethrough but at least I had some food to eat while waiting for roadside assistance .

 

I have 110K on my 04 MCS still running strong with only 1 set of brake pads, original clutch and suerpcharger. When things start to need replacement I will get it done the right way as I want to get another 100K out of it.

 

You don't believe in gremlins do you or did you knock on a very serious piece of extremely fine wood?
Outstanding performance from one tough l'il motor. Congrats!

 

Mine hasn't been too bad....2 motor mounts (upper and lowerone), need new CABs, passenger floormat airbag sensor (not fixing), leaky power steering hose, oxygen sensor replaced under warranty...50k miles.

...wow nevermind I take back what I said at the beginning hahaha

 

If you haven't been too hard on your MINI and drive lots of highway miles then you should be OK minus the normal electrical problems common in English cars.

But if you've done performance driving, tracking, driving schools, autocross or rally cross then there can be lots of wear and tear by year 6. Lots of worn out suspension parts and wear on the engine.

100K miles should not be too tough for most MINIs.

 

Great thread,Thank you to all those who posted...., keep them coming : )

 

Bought mine used with 57K on it. It now has almost 67K and only two issues, timing chain and leaking thermostat. Outsdide of that it's been great. Plan on keeping it until it or I die.

 

I'd really like to hear from more of you who've pushed past 100K! I've been comtemplating purchasing a Mini for about 3 months now and I've come very close to pulling the trigger...last night I could have ordered one and gotten $1500 off at my local dealer...but I commute 110 miles round trip 5 days per week and I guess i just can't get past the fact that my service plan and warranty will be up in less than 2 years. By the time I've finished paying it off it will have >150k miles on it, and I'm concerned that I'm going to be paying for major repairs while I'm still paying it off.

More tales of many miles of happy motoring would be appreciated!

 

NinjaTurtle,

I'm about to go through 107k miles on my 2008 MCS. Under warranty I had a trunk latch replaced, chain tensioner replaced, and heat exchanger replaced. I just recently DIY'ed my chain tensioner again so I could get the latest/greatest version of the part. With some discounts I had, part was only $5, but would normally be $65 from the dealer. That has been the only repair cost I have incurred thus far.

When I had it in for the recall, they checked things over and indicated I have a minor valve cover gasket leak and a minor turbo oil feed line leak. Nothing urgent on either one and my plan is to eventually DIY them.

My commute is ~70 miles round trip each day. Depending on your driving style, you may be able to squeeze out some more life than I did on things like brakes.