Considering a pre-owned 2010 MINI hatch, 29k miles, auto. Pretty much a base MINI. The issues with the S models have made me consider the justa.
Are there issues particular to this model? Anybody have miles of trouble free use?
I've owned Gen I MINI's and enjoyed them very much.

Thank You

 

I have 115k trouble free miles on an 07 justa auto.

 

That's very encouraging.

I hope there is more feedback.

Thank You

 

I have almost 56,000mi. on my 2008 "Justa" Auto and lovin' every mile of it!!

 

have you ever changed transmission fluid? what have you done til now?
how often do you change engine oil?
I have 77k 07 justa auto however, now I have big problem with rough idle.. even dealership can't find out what the problem is...

 

I'm at 50K miles trouble-free on my 09 Justa 6 speed(knock on wood). The transmission still feels like day 1 too(to the best of my knowledge haha).

 

39000KM on ours and no issues.(6 speed)
I replaced the rear sway bar bushings in 1/2 hour a few weeks ago to get rid of annoying rear rattle.
Now not a single squeak.
Total spent 11 bucks a piece.
Had brakes serviced a year ago.

Going to invest in DDM or K/N CAI, and Piaa yellow fogs, but thats it.

 

Take a look at

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...right-now.html

Note that Hstanfield has over half million and still going!

 

I changed the transmission fluid in November. Look in the R56 posts. The best way is to get the VW tool and fill it from the bottom. Make sure you order a new plastic standpipe.
I did not change the filter. But it made a huge difference in the way it changes gears. I used toyota type IV fluid. It can be done without even jacking up more than the left tire. I changed 2 quarts four times (partial drain and fill method)

 

every 10k? did u do it urself? how much it will be if i go to service shop?

 

Just curious, What does the service manual recommend regarding changing the transmission fluid on an automatic? At how many miles or after how long?

I have an 09 Justa, pretty much loaded with most options. No problems. Only have 24,000 miles on it. I change oil annually which is about 6,000 miles. Change brake fluid every other year.

 

I don't have a ton of experience since I just bought my 2013 1 month ago but we are doing a lot of driving. I had huge buyers remorse because I didn't get the S. The key word there is had.......After driving this now for a month I can honestly say I am pretty darn pleased with my Justa. I got it loaded including Toffee Lounge Leather, H/K and Sport, 17 " wheels infinite spoke, and pano sunroof. More but those were the key items and they didn't have an S available and didn't want to wait. When I need the extra help (which is not usual) I hit the sport button and that is more than enough. I am not sure why people complain about the "rough ride". I came from having an infinity Qx4 and felt like I was in a boat. I like the precision of the sport and don't care if anyone likes sitting in back or not. Guess what, if they don't like it they can hitch with someone else. That way you don't have the extra weight to eat up your MPG. I don't think the ride is rough for a little car, works for me and I like the tight steering. No complaints so far. Also, would not want to live in Phoenix without a sunroof, it has a real dark tint and I will be happy to park in the shade and walk further if is an issue. I really like my little Justa and now I don't make it feel bad anymore because it isn't an S.

 

Owner's Manual considers the Auto Transmission Fluid, don't know about the Manual, to be "Lifetime", but I'm not in that same mind set, I want to keep Molly running as best I can, so I'll have hers changed in April @ 5yrs. Old, I've never been one to go by mileage, it's easier for me to remember 6mo. or 1yr. which comes first.

 

That somewhat long sentence confuses my old brain. So, could you explain which comes first, 6mo or 1yr?

 

I have a 2008 Justa, 55,000 miles (90,000km in Canadian ). Bought new, quite a low-spec hatchback; only one option package (cruise, MF wheel, auto headlights, auto-dim mirror, auto wipers. Love the cruise, MF wheel and auto lights - could do without the rest.). 6 speed manual, 16" wheels with run-flat tires.

I've done a brake job (did it myself, very straightforward and easy), new tires (bye-bye run-flats ) and regular stuff like oil + filter changes and brake fluid (every couple of yrs.).

In almost 5 years of daily driving, my MINI has been mostly trouble-free. A few minor faults, most covered under warranty and not worth mentioning here. All the big things - clutch, gear shift, handling, engine, interior, bodywork - all still in great shape. I love my standard "pleather" seats, comfy and dog-proof and they still look great.

IMHO, the base Justa hatchback is the best MINI of all. I've never once wished that I had gotten an "S" instead. My Justa has a sweet balance of handling, braking, and acceleration that few other machines can match. Yes, the turbo has that kick-in-the-pants acceleration when you floor it, but at a cost - more complexity, more weight, lower fuel mileage, less reliability - and it has a fake hood scoop. I HATE fake hood scoops!

I really have only one regret. If you live in Canada... get the heated seats! I didn't, and I regret it every -20 C winter morning.

_________________________________________________

 

Im sure the S is great in its own right.
Before we bought our "commuter" car we test drove both.

Day to day driving the non S is what we chose.
We too have similar specs, Xenon are amazing.

We both love it. We don't even have sport button but did add DDM CAi.
Swapped out fogs for Piaa yellow as it rains alot in winter in Vancouver.

NO REGRETS. Many S around where we live, yet no envy.

Any of you who have skipped the S, don't have regrets, and just enjoy your fab sports car!!!

 

My '08 Straight Cooper (never felt the nickname 'justa' did this car any justice) has 71K. Water pump just started leaking. Seems to be a fairly common issue with any Gen 2 MINI (maybe even Gen 1's although I'm not sure on this) since the water pump is made of plastic. BMW seems to have realized their mistake and just came out with an aluminum one. Mine arrived yesterday.

My only other issue was a head unit that hummed, but MINI replaced it under warranty. This water pump is on my dime so I'm not having the dealership do it.

The rest of my experience has been fantastic! Whenever I get an S as a loaner I can feel the weight difference - love how nimble the non-s is and the gas mileage is consistently 32-35mpg and I don't drive like grandma!

 

Is the Timing chain issue just with the early R56 Mini Cooper S models or do the Justas have the same issue?

 

Weight difference? Lol. Twenty pounds?
I had a 2010 justa. Now have a 2011 S. Night and day.
And to the next post, yes, my justa had the tensioner replaced, under warranty, at 24,000

 

This is not a thread to slam s owners.
U have your section.
I'm glad u like your s.
Yes, they are different but to imply an S is better....
Really.
It's not. Nor is the Cooper better.

They both have great attributes and suit their intended buyer.

 

The weight difference between an auto S and a Straight 6-speed is a couple hundred pounds...

 

I use to own a 1970 MGB.
We had a great comradery.
Flashing lights at one another, etc.

For the most part this forum exudes that attitude regardless if you own a 2003 cooper or a 2012 cooper (S or not)

But I do sense a little but of attitude from some S owners who believe somehow they have a better car?

A mini is a mini. Some faster, some with more comfort creatures.

Have fun!

 

Here is a quote from Edmunds car review:

"Up until this test, we weren't interested in anything below a Cooper S. Now we realize the base Mini Cooper is indeed a hot hatch — less the hot engine.
"

 

You know, I don't actually see this very much at all. I once had a JCW owner comment on how he liked the handling of his old non-s over his new MINI. Granted, the subtle differences between MINI models are lost on most, but when you know, you know... Know what I mean?

Most of us will go on and have a blast with every other MINI owner we can find regardless of the model they chose. A small few won't. Their loss.

 

Some owners.
I'm not trying to stir the pot.
Honestly, no offense intended, as it may go both ways.