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Ok...Hi all
been reading here for a while. Had many original minis and some great times years ago but things have changed and I no longer wish to crawl under cars or visit an awkward dealer for that matter.
The thing is my next new car shortlist includes a Cooper S and for my needs its a perfect fit....BUT....being a car enthusiast I am only too aware of the many complaints and problems relating to Minis. Every car has a moaning web site or forum if you look for it but the thing that bugs me is that I haven't tried...I've just heard from other owners...and the press. (not saying mini2 is such a site!)
So what's the deal? If I buy a used 04 S or New S am I likely to avoid most of this bad press or do I have to accept that Mini ownership may involve a degree of hassle?
I am open to advice as I have successfully run a 96 clio from new into the ground with no problems (despite THEIR bad press) and been very pleased (except for the ignorant dealer experiences of course but that goes with car ownership it seems!).
I love the drive, the looks etc...but...convince me if possible esp UK owners.
Had my S from 02 after owning classic mini mayfair, pickup, Cooper & ERA Turbo , before moving onto Rover 200 coupe & BMW cabrio.
My S is fantastic - I had not regretted the move for 1 day. & will be getting another
It seems that most of the build quality issues and niggles of the earlier cars have been addressed in the newer models. However, no-one can say that you will not have the occasional gripe. e.g. dash rattles or the odd squeak here and there. You take a leap of faith buying any car, new or used and I can only say that the mini is a very rewarding car to drive, own and live with. They are imbued with a character and charm that most modern cars lack.
Take the personal touches that many owners take the trouble and expense to add, the fact that although they are plentiful on the road now they still carry an air of something that is not just transport. As for the S. If a test drive with the exhaust popping and the whine of the charger in your ears doesn't convince you, nothing anyone says will sell the car to you.
Not to mention TLC.
One of the greatest things is the community surrounding the mini. Interesting, helpful and like minded. Most of them right here.......even if most of them are nutters.
Buy it!!!!!!!!! (You know you want to. )
I drive nothing else, despite being touted just about any Beemer except M5 or M3, nothing works like a MINI for enjoyment, camraderie and sheer fun for what it costs. Now go and order one tomorrow, and if you need help with the the spec, theres a Speccin thread somewhere here just waiting to screw with your mind and wallet
don't worry I still know how to smell petrol (had a mini 30 with full cooper conversion, the biggest twin SUs etc. and others) but I can easily sign a cheque on toxic fumes (driven MC, MCS and JCW) so I wanted to listen to my other side (the one that has to go on business every day ...yawn) otherwise the pleasure is lost for me....at least until I can afford a BMW and a mini.
We're on our 4th new mini now - we have his and hers cooper S/cooper S Works - and they are great. Very few problems recently, few early on.
Why have you heard about Mini niggles - well, Mini is the big success story motoring wise so far this centuary. The car is more than 3 years old now, yet is still regarded as a class leader and many people want them.
So - you have a success story. For every success story in the UK these days, you have 20 people trying to do it down. Its how we treat British success generally.
Also, because of its BMW connections, people have extremly high expectations for this little wonder, and if some little rattle gets on yer ****, well, your going to be vocal about it. And yet if any other car manufacturer except BMW produced this vehicle, it would be hailed as the very best car ever made by that manufacturer - can you imagine if Rover had had the bottle to do this on their own? It would have saved them. But they couldn't.
I drive 80 miles a day in my Works - and I get the same buzz out of it as when I first got in it 2 years ago - what other affordable car would have still been giving that feeling?
If you get a wrong un, we'll support you and advise you right.
I got my mini back in November, a new MCSC fully specced and a pretty penny too.
Here are my Pros and Cons!
Pro -
Handling and grip is absolutely awesome.
Great style
Great build quality
Has the BMW feel of materials
Performance does not dissapoint
Can handle track days very well
Not too flash and won't upset the neighbours. Mine love it
tlc servicing
Depreciation is good. just take care on choosing your spec! ie don't spend too much
Cons
FUEL CONSUMPTION (This takes some believeing)
Convertible quite rattly and noisy
Hard ride makes this not ideal for longer trips
Space really is limited. This is very much a second car!
So to conclude, if you are after a pocket rocket that will provide you with driver excitement this could be the car for you. Having done a track day in mine I can see I will hang on to this car for a little longer than the 6 months I was planning to keep it. As for cheap motoring this isn't. The fuel /insurance and purchase price see to that. But as a car I believe it is without equals and with out spending £30k plus I do not see a car that I would change it for. GO ON TAKE THE PLUNGE
YOU CAN ALWAYS TRADE IT IN IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT. Some one else wil love it and you won't lose a mint!
well I really don't know what to add after some of the amazing posts in here, I guess that shows the love for the car, just like the old mini
You'll still get a wave in the MINI, you still get a grin when you look at her, and you'll get those moments when you throw her into a corner where you want to scream and laugh as loud as you can.
I am on my second MCS this time a cab, having previously had 3 classics and a bit of a break. You can make these cars as much fun as you like, you can make them individual, you can upgrade, you can mod, but the main thing is it is a MINI and you can't get it out of your blood
as much fun to drive as a classic to drive, but with comfy seats heater and large spacious boot( everything is relative). Also don't have to explain your choice of car to every Tom **** and Harry in the street.
I had huge hesitation before buying my 03 MCS 1.5 years ago. I had owned an Acura before, it was utterly bulletproof and I had concerns about all the complaints I'd read.
The MCS has been great. I'd do it again in a minute.
As someone else said on this thread, part of the reason you see so much about problems is that the MINI community is so strong, people just don't have this level of passion around any other car I've seen (not that I'm an expert). I think you're right, all cars have their forums where people talk about problems, but the reason you don't have to seek out that forum with MINI is because ultimately people just love these cars so much.
I can honestly say that every single time I get in my MCS I feel lucky to have it. Ditto for when I see it in the lot, and the waves, stares, comments never get old. There's no other car I'd rather have.
My suggestion, just do it. You won't be sorry. And, as someone else aptly pointed out, if you decide you don't like it, you won't take a bath on the trade.
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Convince me 
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From The Other Side of the Pond 
