I know that a number of you have purchased Mini Coopers and I'm considering adding one. I'm looking to buy new and probably will go with an "S" hardtop.

The "big" thread about Mini purchases started in 2008 and most seemed to like the car back then.

Thoughts? Warnings? Must haves? Must avoids?

 

It is a fun car that is relatively economical. A good commuter and probably the best handling fwd car imo. I prefer the feel of the earlier BMW R53 Mini Cooper S with the supercharger vs current R56 with the turbo. If you want one new then go for the Cooper S hardtop. It is even better with the JCW package buts gets pricey.

 

Loved the car, but hated the way I was treated on the road. Many seemed to view the mini as a slow obstacle. Both the wife & I were dangerously cut off on many occasions. This factor alone led us to sell the mini S. Both of my children cried at the sale as they loved the mini... but I will not compromise their safety. Angry SUV or Truck vs mini.... no thanks

 

I have a 2006 convertable Cooper S that i lease to a client.
As much as id hate to be seen in it, it is cool on the inside and just an all round fun little car.

FWIW, I am told that the Supercharged years are the most trouble free examples.

 

Wifey bought a new 2006 S.
50k trouble free miles.
I'd have one if couldn't have the 993.
"Best car I've ever had" she says.

Gordo

 

I'm driving on the track so much that I went for a Mini JCW Clubman for a commuter. Absolutely love it. The JCW pack really adds a lot of fun to driving and even in sport mode I get 30 MPG. With the Clubman the rear seats fold down and I can put my bike back there. It does get pricey but the fun thing is you can really personalize these cars. Great in the snow too.

11 RS Mexico Blue
07 RS Orange
98 993 Cup
98 993 C2S
77 911S
09 Mini JCW Clubman

 

We bought the first run that came into the US back in 2002 sight unseen. Fun car and surprisingly roomy ergonomics. Unfortunately, no standard trans for my wife so I had to settle for a CVT.
We still have the mini and it runs great after 11 years.

 

Concur that the '05-'06 supercharged MCS were the best years but any MINI is better than none. My '05 MCS has seen 8 years of track duty and, beyond normal maintenance and upgrades, have only replaced a thermostat due to a bad gasket and a leaky crank position sensor O-ring. Our MINI GP's are incredibly responsive, fun and comfortable. techsis is correct, though. You have to be a very defensive driver in a MINI because you will get no respect. They'll pull out in front of you, tailgate or try to intimidate. Sadly, women driving SUV's are the worst.

 

I just picked up a new '13 Hardtop S last month. Pricey with all the options, but a blast to drive. Boost is on at just 2K rpm. Once you get past the front wheel drive, you start to have real fun. Also, loose the run-flat tires, they are really poor.

I heard the the only difference in the JCW motor is the programming. Does anyone have any info on the difference between the S motor and the JCW motor?

 

R56 oil consumption (?), maybe better explained as "lack of checking" level issues. Friend who has an independent service shop/quasi-high end used car sales mentioned a couple of weeks ago that they're getting them in regularly now with broken chain guides from said low oil level. ~$2600 to change out the chain and guides + oil pan pull to fish out all the shrapnel.

(Apparently the manual says there is a low oil level dummy light? Friend says there is no such feature.)

Other friend with a BMW independent shop concurred by saying BMW has good will waranteeed some of these failures. Also, they revised the consumption spec on ALL BMWs to 1qt/750 miles except the M cars. THOSE are now within spec consuming 2.5 qts/1K miles...................

 

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but didnt the early years have (auto) trans problems? I had heard this from more than several (female) owners.

 

Yes, the CVT should be avoided. When they go bad out of warranty, they'll cost more to replace than the car will be worth.

 

MINI is a great car and very DIY-friendly. Handles well and easy to get around town. You'll enjoy it!

 

My wife had one for about a year. She loved it and I thought it was a blast to drive, especially on some curvy back roads.

If you can swing JCW do it, drove one and it was worth the premium. Buy used and you will do well on resale too.

 

Sold mine to get a Cayman S, but I miss it all the same. Fun to drive and a blast at the track.