So I love minis, ever since my first test drive of a 04 cooper s i was sold. However, i find horror stories online with many drivers talking about how they pend more time in the shop and paying pricy bills. So my question is do any of you have high mileage minis that have not had many problems??

i am currently looking at an 07 cooper s with 73k miles on it. It is certified by carmax, and i think i can get some type of warranty on it. Should I go for one with this high of miles?

 

It's not the mileage, it's the inherited maintenance that comes with it. Some have been extremely diligent on changing oil more frequently than the MINI recommended (pfft!) interval, making sure the timing components are taken care of, and severe carbon-build-up on the intake valves hasn't occurred.

Yes, there are plenty of horror stories, some costing out of pocket over $5K-7K or greater due to poor negligence, misunderstood ownership, or a combination. Searching the archives of the "stock problems" sub-forum will give you a big crash course of what can be expected, what can be prevented and other details of the like.

For the record, I've only had a battery failure and some window logic issues that haven't costed much in term of money, but time of dealer handling is something to be discussed.

- Erik

 

I have done all my own repair except for the HPFP replacement under warranty.

In 70K miles my 07 has seen this:

New water pump - Common failure - Poor plastic designing - apparently for $26k they couldnt afford to put a metal one in.
New thermostat housing - Poor plastic designing - another cheap out be MINI
Timing Chain Tensioner - Common failure/replacement - Another design flaw
HPFP - Common failure - 10 yr/120k mile warranty.

Basically every common failure an R56 can have.. I have had.

 

The gist of the story goes like this: pre-07 models had more troubles than the post 07 models.

It's rumored that the 07s still had some bugs in it that were resolved in the 08s and beyond.

All in all, the later model MINI coopers (non-S) are considered above average in reliability according to consumer reports (generally speaking). Other MINI models have average to less than average reliability in repairs.

It's because of what I just stated that we went with a 2012 MINI Cooper. I really wanted a MINI, but also wanted reasonably high reliability.

So far, loving my choice very much!

 

I'd echo other's comments. Get the newest MCS you can afford and try to determine as best you can the maintenance habits of the PO. Run away from any car you don't think has been well maintained, no matter what how low the mileage or how good it looks.

I love that MINI provides a maintenance plan both with initial purchase and extended with optional purchase. That said, it seems that their recommended maintenance schedule is optimistic at best. I'd bet the farm, if MINI weren't paying for a lot of the maintenance either with original purchase or maintenance contract, their recommendations would include more frequent oil changes, and maintenance checks. Then again, if the dealers made the rules you'd be in for service every 2K miles. Of course, I am "old school" and many on this forum would disagree with me.

I have had my 11 MCS since March and have over 10K trouble free miles so far, and lovin each day with it more thant the last. BTW, I change my oil & filter and rotate my tires every 5K miles.

 

I wouldnt worry about it, if general maintenance has been done on the car it should be fine.

Just learn to work on your car yourself and you will save yourself a lot of money and gain valuable knowledge about your car.

Or if you have money to waste you can have the dealer do everything for you.. but that takes the enthusiast out of a car in my opinion.

Unless its something extremely major like a motor failure.

 

I've been quite fortunate in that my 2010 MCS has been very reliable. The only time I've had it in the shop was for the routine 12-month maintenance. I changed the oil myself at 5000 miles, the dealer changed it again (oops) at 6400 (12 months), and the car has suffered none of the regular issues reported throughout this forum... no HPFP problems, no regular rattles, the sunroof works fine, no timing chain noises, no hood scoop warp, etc. I just drive it and love it!

That said, the car has a pretty easy life. I commute a very short distance through town, and although I get it out on the highway fairly regularly, it never gets thrashed. Maybe if I drove it harder I'd expose some weak links, but so far, no...

Spridget

 

My 09 in 34,000 miles has had both front and rear brakes replaced and last week carbon removed from valves. All of which I was told was normal for a MINI with this mileage. So I've really had no severe problems but needs for constant maintenance.

 

Other than maintenance items, my 04 MCS with 103,000 miles has needed a new radiator, radiator fan and upper motor mount only. It's been a great car.

 

hmmmm to me it just seems like playing a little bit of russian roulette. But it is a mini cooper s so i am game. Lets play this game. I could either get a porsche boxer with 70k miles on it or a mini copper s with 70k miles for a few grand more. I am thinking the mini cooper s. I would never get a porsche unless its the 911. Anyways i will hopefully be back on these forums with pictures and questions for cheap places for mods. I know ill want new wheels, tint, vinyl racing stripes, exhaust, and some things to deck out the inside.

 

Very few problems with our 08 at 67k

 

Update I am getting a 2008 MCS with 51k miles from carmax for 18k. I am getting their maxcare warranty. So I think I should be fine. What mods should I get?? I am thinking a sprintbooster but I am nit sure if that is worth the money.

 

Have you considered a Hyundai. They have great warranties.

What kind of mods... ? What!?!?

Get the MINI and take care of it.

 

What's specifically outline in their "maxcare" warranty statement?
I'd have them bring it to a MINI dealer and with the VIN, pull up the maintenance history on it.

- Erik

 

they have a fairly good warranty. The deducible is different depending on what plan you get, from $300-$50 and then they take $50 off it if you go to a carmax for the repairs. Which i would cause there is one near me now, and one near my school i am going to in winter. So that is good. But it covers a good amount like the engine, transmission, turbocharger, and what not. Doesn't cover wear items like clutch and oil, but that is expected. I think it is a good deal.


And to the person criticizing me for wanting mods.

A mini is like the driver's own art piece is is an extension of who they are, i want to make it who i am. I want to get stripes i can relate to and i want to customize it how i want it. You don't get a mini for just a car, you get a mini for a driving experience that will leave you wanting more after every drive. Hyundai does have good warranties, but i am not really fond of their cars. Driving to me is about joy, fun and the open road. I want a mini and i want to make it my own.


Thanks,

Hunter (ging)

 

oops