Need Information on MINI COOPERS

[dubiousONE]

I know, wrong forum, but.. any e90post members own a MINI COOPER as well?

I've been thinking about puchasing a used MINI COOPER, but I don't really know too much about them. Are they reliable cars?

Can anyone tell me what their experiences has been with MINI COOPERs? Any known problems or issues? What should I be concerned about? What should I be aware of? What problems arise after 40K, or 60K miles?

How much does an oil change cost? Inspections? Average maintenance cost?

I'm thinking about the base model, not the supercharged one. Is the automatics any good? Or are they more problematic than manuals?

Your input is appreciated. Thank You.

[VTECaddict]

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/

[rc'Z]

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/

+10 if these guys don't know it, it's not worth knowing!

[mmmmQuattro]

Hey, I've got one, but it has only done about 30,000 km, so I can't really comment.
Only problem it has had has been the thermostat housing leak, which was partially covered by warranty.

[GUNN IT]

My girlfriend has it, it's Supercharged, 6MT. You would think that it's underpowered, but it got some kick to it at every gear shift. Shifting of gears is notchier than my E90. Handles really well, would say just like BMW. If you aren't a big guy and want a around town car then Mini is a good choice, and way cheaper than 1 series. You can find a Certified Pre-woned for about $18000 - $20000 with around 20,000 miles.
My girlfriend's has about 60,000 miles. She had it for 3 years and no major problems. On idle there is some enigne noise, I kept on asking her to get it checked out but she's lazy. Car runs good though.

[BzzzBom]

I have a 2005 R53 with many performance mods including CAI, exhaust, pulley, throttle body and custom dyno tuned. The car is awesome but I may need to sell it. My new house does not have garage space.

[HVYWGHT]

I have a 2004 Cooper, 5spd manual. It is an unbelievable car, very chuckable, quick, always brings a smile to my face. Never left me stranded, regular maintanence plus one random problem. This was a steering rack that went- the seal leaked all of the fluid; however this was after driving from NH to Chicago in a blizzard through Indiana with lots of snow/ice and the low ground clearance of the Cooper. I have just over 65k amazing miles on him now.

For the first gen, the 2005-2006 models are your best bets. The Cooper S for those years is supercharged and the whale from it as it spools is addicting. Also, those model years had a lot of tweaks. Stay away, far away from any 2002 or 2003. 2004s are pretty good, but get a service history. The 05-06 standard coopers have a getrag manual versus the '02-'04 midlands (UK Rover) manual which can be troublesome (mine's been fine). Standard Coopers '02-'06 also came with a CVT which is very problematic. The getrag 6speed manual on the supercharged versions is great and '05-'06 supercharged cars were available with an Aisan 6spd auto.

The second gen came in 2007, I'd avoid that model year. 2008-2009 is much improved without any major issues. The Cooper S is also a direct injection turbocharged engine. All MINIs '07 on have 6spd manual and auto transmissions. The base engine is light years ahead of the first gen base engine. My dad has a 2009 Cooper and it has a much better ride than my car, although a little was lost in the update in terms of instant steering response. there's a sport button which quickens the steering and helps a bit. It's closer to a FWD e90 versus the first gen which is probably a bit more involving than a stock e90. At least that's how I feel after driving my '06 325i for a few thousand miles.

motoringfile.com (USA based) is really good, and so is mini2.com (UK based)

hope that helps. MINIs are wonderful little cars. Just too little for the pending baby, so it was a great reason to go and find a 325i!

[gonzo]

A year and a half in my MCS and not one complaint. Just under 17,000 miles.

IF I really dug to find a complaint it would be the A/C tends to struggle a bit in the extreme heat we have here in Dallas. And that is only when I have someone in the car with me and have to open their air vents. I keep them all closed but one otherwise.

I took a 300 mile, each way, trip and I did need a good stretch when I got out. The seats are firm and the leather ones may have more cush than mine...

The car could also bring about what I paid if I sold today. Good and bad for your situation.

Of all the cars I have had this one easily wins my best bang for the buck award.

Pop the back seats down and it has a good deal of cargo room when I need it. 6'2" and I have plenty of head and leg room. I would like an armrest but they cover the center cup holder, which is the one I use.

A JCW will be next for my "run around" vehicle.

g/l

[Yes2m3cs]

We love our 2009 Cooper S

18k and no problems.