Questions about Mini Coopers

[LVSteve]

Early Coopers had dreadful problems with carbon and oil in the intake tract and on the back of the inlet valves. Guy at work had one. At some point changes were made to alleviate the issue, but don’t ask me what year. Thing is MANY models of direct injected gas powered cars have had the same problem. The turbo F-150s are so bad that everyone I know who has owned one has replaced the PCV with a catch can.

 

[DWalt]

The reason the UK doesn't manufacture televisions is because they couldn't figure out how to make them leak oil.

The reason British drink warm beer is that they have British refrigerators.

 

[Dave_n]

The reason British drink warm beer is that they have British refrigerators.

And the only reason for cold US "Beer" is that the taste buds in the drinker are paralyzed from the first mouthful. Dave_n

 

[fordson]

All I can say about the Mini is that my granddaughter wrecked two of them……..no one was hurt but they were totaled.

 

[BC38]

I rented a mini-Clubman on trip to a family reunion. Put about 400 miles on it and LOVED driving it. Peppy, surprisingly roomy, cornered like a slot car, just all around fun to drive.
I thought I might consider one as a replacement for my wife's Kia SUV. Until I read the reliability reviews from KBB, and Edmonds.
Hard pass. I'll stick with Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, or Honda.

 

[pawngal]

I rented a Clubman on trip to a family reunion. Put about 400 miles on it and LOVED driving it. Peppy, surprisingly roomy, cornered like a slot car, just all around fun to drive.

Very true! The Mini Cooper is a "driver's car" I have 2 trophies from racing mine in a local Autocross. I like to drive and have previously owned 2 AH Sprites, 3 Series BMW, and a MG Midget. And a way long time ago a '57 Vette.
If all you want is a smaller car to get from one place to another it isn't the car for you.

 

[LVSteve]

All I can say about the Mini is that my granddaughter wrecked two of them……..no one was hurt but they were totaled.

I know many won’t want to hear this, but most modern cars stand a good chance of being totaled in a heavyish wreck. It’s inherent in the design of the crash absorbing structures.

 

[lihpster]

Thank you, folks! I got my answer. Looks like it's back to Honda and Toyota. I appreciate the feedback. Nice to have crowd sourced reviews from people with no agenda, one way or another. The only person I know who has one has a 2020 model and loves it. Of course, since it replaced a Chevy HHR it was bound to be better. But a single data point does not a good study make. Thanks for taking the time to respond. I truly appreciate it.

 

[JMD999]

Yup Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Mazda

 

[Faulkner]

You know, I don't recall ever making a traffic stop on a Mini-Cooper.

 

[Dave_n]

When the Mini-Coopers first came out I was a final year grad student at the University of Sussex and the coast road ran just outside the gates. The Sussex Constabulary used two types of cars as "sucker bait". The first was a Mini-Cooper where the only external difference from a Mini if the paint scheme was altered, was the 2 inch diameter exhaust pipe. The other car was an MG Sprite. In both cases, young good looking female "members of the constabulary" were the drivers. Once over taken at speed, the "Pseudo-police cars" would accelerate past the speedster and the rear number plate would then read "Stop POLICE". Unfair to young males? Dave_n

 

[grover99]

I know many won’t want to hear this, but most modern cars stand a good chance of being totaled in a heavyish wreck. It’s inherent in the design of the crash absorbing structures.

Also the high cost of parts and labor to fix one. I put a small dent in the front fender of my 22 Toyota. The cost to repair was 22% of the total value of the used car.

 

[Model 19 6"]

A good friends wife bought one had it about 2 yrs. Called him one day and told him car quit running. When he got it towed to dealership they found out she never changed oil and engine froze up.

 

[bgrafsr]

Speaking of Mini Coopers, I watched the "Italian Job" last night.
Good movie, but a little farfetched. Mini Coopers for the win.

 

[03hemi]

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.

My son has one and it gets great gas mileage! But,like already said- run away as fast as you can!
He just spent $3k on new motor mounts, his in in great shape too.
They're BMW's so the parts are expensive, no aftermarket to speak of and you have to find a place that can and will work on them, also very pricey. He can't wait to sell his when he graduates and goes to work.
Was used, low mileage and great shape when he bought it too, that alone should be a warning. lol

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The reason British drink warm beer is that they have British refrigerators.

ANd before you bring in your Lucas electrical system car to be serviced you need to circle the car counter clockwise three times, bite the head off of a chicken and pray to Lucas, prince of darkness to favor you with a successful repair

 

[Hair Trigger]

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.

Look for a nicely kept 3rd Gen Mazda Miata (currently in 4th Gen production). They are pretty bulletproof mechanically, get great gas mileage, handle very well, are fun to drive and have a large aftermarket for performance improvements if you're so inclined. 3rd Gen cars were from 2006 to 2015, so pricing would be reasonable, and since many are bought as second or third vehicles, mileages on them are usually lower for their age.

I owned a 2nd Gen (2000 model) for 8 years from 2009-2017 and only sold it because it was getting more difficult for me to get in and out of due to my age and arthritic back issues. I drove mine as a daily driver and modified it heavily for performance, it was a 4.5 second 0-60 car. AFAIC, the 2nd gen is the best looking and along with the 1st gen is the purest in terms of a true sports car, they were early enough that there is less electronic "doo-daddery" than the 3rd and 4th Gen have. The 3rd Gen car has a version available (PRHT) with a power operated hardtop if you don't want a softtop car.

 

[Dave_n]

Look for a nicely kept 3rd Gen Mazda Miata (currently in 4th Gen production). They are pretty bulletproof mechanically, get great gas mileage, handle very well, are fun to drive and have a large aftermarket for performance improvements if you're so inclined. 3rd Gen cars were from 2006 to 2015, so pricing would be reasonable, and since many are bought as second or third vehicles, mileages on them are usually lower for their age.

I owned a 2nd Gen (2000 model) for 8 years from 2009-2017 and only sold it because it was getting more difficult for me to get in and out of due to my age and arthritic back issues. I drove mine as a daily driver and modified it heavily for performance, it was a 4.5 second 0-60 car. AFAIC, the 2nd gen is the best looking and along with the 1st gen is the purest in terms of a true sports car, they were early enough that there is less electronic "doo-daddery" than the 3rd and 4th Gen have. The 3rd Gen car has a version available (PRHT) with a power operated hardtop if you don't want a softtop car.

I picked up a 2013 Miata club version with 800 miles on the clock, owned by a "snowbird" who hurt his left leg, so could not use the clutch (6 speed on the floor) and Mazda A/C to boot!! Currently has 26K and the PA exchequer gets annoyed as I do <3000 miles per year, so no emission test. My standing comment when asked "am I not scared of having it stolen when I have the soft-top down?" is "any car thief needs to be 50 plus" as none of the locals can drive a stick shift. Dave_n

 

[45Smashemflat]

British cars need you, more than you need them…. (Triumph Spitfire owner)

I can’t speak to the BMW minis, but most British marques are for folks with the desire, money, and mechanical skills to keep them running. They are fun, if you like spirited driving coupled with constant wrenching.

 

[Dave_n]

British cars need you, more than you need them…. (Triumph Spitfire owner)

I can’t speak to the BMW minis, but most British marques are for folks with the desire, money, and mechanical skills to keep them running. They are fun, if you like spirited driving coupled with constant wrenching.

Actually you spelt the last word incorrectly!! It should have been "wenching!" Owned Spitfires in the UK and in the US. The last word as I spelt it is correct!! Dave_n