Purchasing a used MCS

[bakerjam]

I'm new to the forum and being a resident of the GTA I was wondering about opinions and knowledge of a used MCS as I am looking into buying one. I've been told that newer is always better (obviously) with the MINI. Now I really can't afford a brand new model, so I was looking at 2005 and up.

What I'm looking for from the forum is actual user experiences. Things such as problems, and maintenance to the costs of such repairs, paint/rust problems, mileage, or differences between model years... basically anything you can think of as I would like to know all before I make this decision.

Thank you, and hopefully your responses will aid in my decision to be a MINI owner!

[beken]

Other than a few nit picky problems when I picked up my car, that was quickly resolved under warranty, my car has been great fun to own and drive. It's been dirt reliable.

There was a windshield issue with the early models but that seems to have been resolved. The issue was any small rock chip/pebble that hit your windshield would crack it. Doesn't seem to be happening anymore.

There is a reason why MINIs hold their resale value so well. They have turned out to be pretty good cars even over the long term. You are doing well by asking questions and doing some research before picking out a used car. One good place to look might be the problems threads in this forum. Not that everything in that thread is a problem but not a problem for all MINIs. Some of the issues are one-offs. But you might spot some trends and would be good to ask questions with more specific issues. My hedge is that the vast majority of MINI owners have not had any major issues with their cars.

Good luck and hope you find the car you're looking for.

[CLiVE]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken (original)

My hedge is that the vast majority of MINI owners have not had any major issues with their cars.

I don't believe this is true. I have had nagging electrical issues, engine noise, rattles all over the place, clutch issues, both front wheel bearings replaced at only 30K kms, on my 4th windshield now, drivers door lock problems, and have had the techs mention to me themselves that they have seen lots of strange problems on MINIs and there are build quality issues especially on the first few model years. It is the luck of the draw. Mine is finally problem free after 4 1/2 years. (problems went undiagnosed for years, and finally they were magically found once my warranty ran out....at my expense).

I have heard much worse stories than my own also.

I agree though, if you are going to get one go for a 2005+
Other than the fun factor, I would have trouble recommending a MINI to anyone.

-end rant.

[works4me19]

I had an '03 Cooper CVT that had quite a few problems. Most were fixed under warranty and the dealership was fabulous. I had one electrical problem that caused the whole car to be torn apart, after warranty, but MINI Canada and the dealership absorbed the majority of the cost and the car ran flawlessly after that (June 2006) until it was traded in on an '06 Cooper S Competition Edition in January of this year. Despite the problems I encountered with the first car, I recommend a MINI.

Check the service records on the car. If there have been a LOT of things fixed under warranty, maybe you should walk away from that particular car. Drive the car a few times to make sure everything feels right. Try to buy a car from the dealer. I know it will be more expensive but the dealers have MINI Next, a used car warranty programme. It will be worth it for the peace of mind.

Mileage: My S is getting an average of 30mpg and that is driving in Vancouver rush hour daily. The Cooper got about 34-35mpg.

Maintenance: I have the oil changed every 5-8000km, despite what the computer says. It just feels better to change it before it gets ugly and it adds to the resale value of the car. I believe as of 2006 basic maintenance was included but I'm not sure if it was 2006 or 2007. I gladly pay for the additional oil changes I have done.

Canada has the MINI Classic, a basic, low option MINI at a lower price but still with the same warranty and fun factor. We also have the Cooper, and the Cooper S, super charged up to 2006 and turbo charged for 2007 forward. I suggest going to a local MINI Club event and picking a few brains. Maybe even catch a ride with someone on a drive. Then check out your local dealer, or more than one if you are lucky enough to have multiple dealerships in your area.

Hope this has helped.

[MiniDD]

If you are looking at a supercharged model 05 and 06 are the years to go for. Most of the bugs were worked out by then. Take your time and know what you are willing to accept for options. The 07 with the restyle is a matter of taste. A MINI is more than a car, it has personality. My 05 has been trouble free except some flywheel noise and weak battery.

[heli_guy]

Hi.

I have owned two Mini's an 05 and now an 08 clubman. Both have been trouble free so far. The only issue I had on my 05 was the O2 sensor went, and a couple of door rattles (but nothing major). So I was happy with the car (I guess so, since I got another one ).

There are always lemons with any car. But I don't think they would have such a good resale value, and good sales if they were all crap like Clive's. . .

my 2 cents. . .

[CLiVE]

Quote: Originally Posted by heli_guy (original)

Hi.

There are always lemons with any car. But I don't think they would have such a good resale value, and good sales if they were all crap like Clive's. . .

my 2 cents. . .

Mine just needs attention. And now it is trouble free finally!
I don't think it is the reliability that keeps the resale value high...it is the fact that it is an "enthusiast" car that attracts attention across many generations of people. Seems everyone has a story about a MINI they used to own, or a friends MINI, etc.

For the record my Land Rover was more reliable. .

[bakerjam]

Everyone on this forum is very friendly and helpful thus far. Thanks!

I don't think I'll beat reliability with my current car (98 Acura 1.6EL...with 250000 km!), so I'm really interested in this car because I want to finally own a car I would love driving, and not just a ride that gets me from A to B.

[heli_guy]

Then I think you are in the right place

[CLiVE]

Quote: Originally Posted by heli_guy (original)

Then I think you are in the right place

Absolutely. Own one for a while....then go back to an A to B car once the novelty wears off.

[beken]

It takes awhile for the novelty to wear off. My car still generates grins. I find myself constantly looking for excuses to just go out and drive.

[Stella 25]

I think it is the ability to "sustain the novelty", that makes Mini a desirable car.

Starting from new, by the time you select from the various pre-packaged options, then select a colour scheme, select a rim type and size, interior options and maybe add some decals and now the chances of having two identical cars on the street is pretty small.

Now when you see a Mini in the parking lot, on the street, on a run or a big weekend get together you find yourself studying the cars to see what that owner did to make this car their own, and you think I could something similar to that but with a difference.

You now find yourself back at the Mini parts department or on the internet searching through all the OEM and after market parts that are available to make your Mini even more unique and you have caught the "mod-bug".

It is what you make it and speaking from experience I don't think you will be going back to an A to B car anytime soon.

[MiniDD]

I only drive my MIni in the summer time so the novelty doesn't ware off. I get bored of cars quickly but I don't think I'll get bored of the Mini. It is a life style car not a ho hum daily driver.

[CLiVE]

We'll I've had mine 4 1/2 years....and that is the longest I've ever owned a vehicle. (~10 vehicles in the last 10 years). When I first got my MINI people would point as it went down the street as there were very few in the city, and ask me questions about it at the gas station, etc. That novelty has somewhat worn off as now I see at least 4 or 5 on my commute to work every day.

[bakerjam]

Quote: Originally Posted by CLiVE (original)

We'll I've had mine 4 1/2 years....and that is the longest I've ever owned a vehicle. (~10 vehicles in the last 10 years). When I first got my MINI people would point as it went down the street as there were very few in the city, and ask me questions about it at the gas station, etc. That novelty has somewhat worn off as now I see at least 4 or 5 on my commute to work every day.

That's surprising considering all the money that you've dumped into repairs for your MINI. Must be worth it.