hows it going everyone?
I'm sure I'm going to get pretty biased opinions here lol... how are minis in general? I'm coming from a lancer.

any known problems/issues for certain years? what companies offer quality aftermarket parts mostly suspension an engine. how is the service side i.e. oil change and what not? expensive?

thanks,
im also looking to get into a S not sure if i wanna go new or used

 

Helix and Forge for intercoolers
Mini,Defenders of speed and DDM for intakes
Mini Akrapovic and invidia for exhaust
Akrapovic and way motorworks for downpipes
Rmw,waymotor works and alta for ecu tuning
Bc racing,Kw,Bilstein and many others for coilovers
Koni and Bilstein for struts and shocks
NM,texas speedworks by way motorworks for springs

Change oil every 3000-5000 miles

 

Go test drive one and see if you really like it. If you do then buy mine. Save you about 6 grand off MSRP. Low miles.

 

or buy mine -- I have a coupe on order

 

Of course you are going to get biased opinions... It's a MINI forum...lol

Welcome, have fun. Like most other internet forums, there is a search function, and this forum even has a stock issues and problems subsection. I suggest you go have a look.

As for problems? I've owned my car for almost 2 years. It's about to get a new hood scoop due to warping. I just installed the factory heat shield ($26) and I'll see how that works once the new scoop is installed. (under warranty no cost other than new clearbra, which kind of pisses me off, but oh well.)

other than that, there have been ZERO issues. The car is flawless. Others have had the engine grenade (catastrophic failure) within 20 miles of delivery, so go figure...

All manufacturers will have some issues with new cars. I hope you get lucky like I did.

Known issues:

Carbon buildup on the intake valves. (use a oil catch can if you get an S)

clogged oil lines associated with the turbo oil supply. Change the oil more frequently than the factory's insane 16K mile interval. Check the oil level often...(if you can figure out how to read the STUPID dipstick...)

Crappy ride... Due to runflat tires and basically crap stock shocks. Replacing the stock shocks with Koni or Bilstein's GREATLY improves the ride.

Interior rattles... Just the nature of the cost cutting. They have to try to save money and weight somewhere.

As for new vs used... Having a 4 year, 50K mile new car warranty is appealing. But I'm sure that having any potential used car purchase inspected by a independent MINI shop would turn up any real lemons. Just exercise due diligence. (carfax, ask the MINI dealer if they have a service history, get to know the previous owner... You aren't just buying the car, you are buying the prevoius owner too...

Well, theres some things to chew on. Motor On...

 

You asked about the reliability of a MINI. I have 104,000 miles on my '04 MCS and have had to replace the radiator, fan and upper motor mount. Everything else has been maintenance -- brakes, oil changes,struts,tires and filters. This car runs as strong as the day I bought it. Well maybe a lot stronger with the Milltek catback, 15*pully and CAI. This has been and will be a very good MINI MCS.

 

Change the oil every 4k miles. I prefer Mobil 1. Change the oil yourself! Get the filters at Waymotorworks.com the ones from autozone, etc... Don't seem to fit half the time and cost $28 a piece!!!! I think dealer charges like $100-$150 for oil change. Filter $10 and Mobil 1 $25. Do it yourself and take that money and buy some aftermarket parts =]

 

Like someone above said. Drive one. The rest will work itself out. It is a BMW product so it will cost more to maintain, but if you do it yourself it is only marginally. Not all companies make MINI aftermarket parts, so it is my opinion that they cost more too.

I put up with it all because I love what this car can do.... make me smile EVERY time I drive it.

 

Changing the oil per the manufacturers recommendations is just fine. Be sure to keep an eye on the oil level by checking often and topping off if necessary.

 

Being closely involved in friends and family getting MINIs and my own experience, I'd highly recommend buying new, if it fits your budget. MINIs are fantastic used vehicles, they hold up very well if you take care of them, and they maintain high resell values. However, buying new will get you exactly what you want (a staggering number of customizations), 3 years of free and friendly maintenance, and a MINI Cooper fresh off the boat.