My 2006 mini has 125,000 on it. No oil leaks. Changed Harmonic Balancer,Serpentine belt,T-MAP,Sensor. That's it. Runs strong.

 

I checked it out today. the body is a little worse than described but still not bad enough to put me off. It ran very well and seems mechanically stable. They just had it serviced at a mini dealer 2 months ago with paperwork. Drive train all feels tight and new. Suspension is stiff and the steering wheel has no play. They also replaced a wheel bearing last year.
It's an older couple and they don't drive it much because they have 4 cars. Stored every winter. But they've only had it 3 years so no telling before that. Considering the condition of the body though I'd say it's been driven in the winter but not much.
I took some video of the engine. Seems kind of noisy but I don't know what they should sound like.
https://vimeo.com/user88112136/revie...230/ffb6e0a294

 

Your have a lot questions there partner. My son has my 2006 MCS with an auto transmission and we have spent a lot of money and time working on that car the last eight years. It has 156K miles on it but we have maintained it well over the years. I can give you some general answers based on my experience and what I have seen and read.

• The 06 MCS has a better reliability track record than most Minis and is certainly the best of Gen 1.
• Its a 12 year old car, the mileage isn't too bad but after 12 years any rubber parts and bushings are in need of replacement regardless of a cars make. wear items on any car are going to wear and have to be replaced.
• Pay attention to the list of common problems. If they are not there yet, they will be
• If you are a good mechanic there is not that much about a Mini that is scary. If you arn't much of a mechanic and have to take it to a repair shop (be it dealer or otherwise), don't buy it unless you are willing to part with major money. My son and I joke that regardless of what is wrong the cost is always $1K or more.
• Biggest challenge with repairing a Mini is getting it in the air. It has no ground clearance and is so low you cant use standard ramps. I have two sets of ramps and can't use either of them on the Mini.
• For most car purchases I have a standard 440 rule. Don't buy a car over 4 years old or with over 40K miles - that way you are pretty sure you are not buying someone elses problem.
• Whatever you do have it checked out by a Mini dealership for about $150. They will tell you all the things that are wrong and at least then you are buying with your eyes open.

Now, having said all that, my son and I just spent $3.5K to give our MCS a new lease on life. Why? Cause it runs like a bat out of hell with that supercharger and handles much better than the newer Minis. Its a classic and more fun to drive than any replacement car he can afford.