| My first mini which was an 01 plate cooper had a few major things go on it in the 18 months that i owned it. It had only done 10000 miles aswell!
The drive shaft snapped one friday evening preventing it from moving anywhere.
The windscreen wiper motor broke meaning i couldnt drive in the rain until it was fixed .
I had other minor problems and recalls, but wasnt too bad and everything was sorted under the extended warranty and didnt stop me from buying another 2 minis after.
My second 2006 mini i had no problems with, but i only had it for 6 months and my current 2004 mini i am hoping will not cause me problems, but it will be too early to tell as i have only had it a week so far. | 
