Questions about Mini Coopers

lihpster

lihpster

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I need to buy a used vehicle, just an economical commuter car. Have noticed more than a few Minis in my price range. For those who have owned them, how are the maintenance costs? Any big services that I should be aware of and at what mileage are those scheduled for? Any other problems or potential problems I should be aware of? Like the look of them as they are a bit more sporty than other brands/models in that range. Any advice will help. TIA.
 
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Run away as fast as you can. There are WAY too many MUCH better choices in the inexpensive small car market to consider a Mini Cooper.I won't even work on a customers as they are such a nightmare. Some like them..but it is said..there is an a-s-s for every seat. They are cheap for a reason..;)
 
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I've had some friends who owned them and they didn't have any desire to get another one after it was gone. I remember one guy complaining that just driving down a bad road with some pot holes or ruts in it would cause damaged to the front suspension and steering. I will say for a small inexpensive car I rented a Hundai Elantra a few years ago and drove through Alabama and Florida and it seemed very refined for an economical car. My wife said it was as smooth and quiet as her Infinity.
 
The original Mini was a low priced simple car-with some odd features-for basic transportation. It's still got the odd features-like the instrument cluster in the middle of the dash-but reliability isn't a strong suit from what I've read. The sporty image was built in club racing in the UK and elsewhere with modified cars. There's now a works performance version.

I had my first-and last-British car over 50 years ago.
 
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If you value your life I’d not be looking at Mini-coopers! You will however save on a casket if a severe accident happens. Seriously though there many many better choices!
 
Have a long time buddy who always wanted one, and finally found his "dream car". After about 2 years of the never ending nightmare he sold it, and bought a Toyota .
 
First off, I have and love a 2009 Mini Cooper S convertible, turbo, 6 speed manual. It is my daily driver in the mild weather months, have taken it on numerous road trips. I feel I am a better driver in it because the size and manual shift make me more aware of the road around me.

BUT!!!
They are not for everybody. If you are considering one, drive it, get the service records, carfax etc. You need to have a dealership or independent shop that knows how to work on them. Most places can't figure out how to get the hood open much less change the oil.

For most people a better choice is a Honda Civic or Toyota Corella.
 
rockquarry said:
That's probably right. If a British vehicle doesn't leak, it's out of oil.
Click to expand...

My dad was an auto mechanic. He disliked British vehicles. At 19 I found a red Austin Healy Sprite. It was a low price. I drove it and wanted it really bad. I told my dad I was looking at Austin Healy Sprite. He said "I have 3 questions for you." "One, how much money is in your checking account?" "Two, how much money is in your savings account?" "Three...how big is your tool box?". He said "Keep looking". I didn't buy it.
 
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