MINI2

Snuffleupagus · Oct 11th, 2006, 04:31 AM

I've been idly pricing various Coopers without really intending to buy, but (unfortunately?) I've come across one I really like the looks of that's priced especially conveniently... The only thing that much concerns me is that it's a 2002, and on these forums the general consensus seems to be that Minis don't really come into their own in terms of reliability until 2004 or so. How do 2002ish vehicles honestly seem to stack up compared to other cars? When they do break after warranty, are they considerably more expensive to repair at a dealership/elsewhere than some Chevy or Nissan? Is the Midland gearbox as much of a problem for manuals, or is that mostly only an issue for CVTs?

I am somewhat obsessed with Minis. I've never even driven one, and it'll blow most of my savings to buy this one -- but dangit, my car is a twice-wrecked piece of crap that everyone makes fun of me for driving, and I ain't saving for nothing... If I do succumb to temptation and make the irresponsible choice, I'd like to know what I'm truly getting myself into in terms of future costs.

Sejanus · Oct 11th, 2006, 05:17 AM

I don't think the 2002's were that much of a problem. I had a few minor issues the first year or so and one electrical problem that was a bit more signficant, but even that was an easy fix once they figured out what the issue was. Since the warranty expired 16,000 miles ago the only issue has been a bit of radio static.

15LSP · Oct 11th, 2006, 08:05 AM

my mum has a 2001 mini and to be honest it is in much better condition than the younger cherished minis I have seen at the BMW dealers. I have just bought a 2001 mini myself cos i was so impressed with my mums. . No problems whatsoever, dont believe everything you read!

JD Cass · Oct 11th, 2006, 08:33 AM

The missus runs a 52 plate (so had it for 4 years now) which I borrow a couple of days a week. Had a few small niggles with it, Cd player, driver window stopped working, driver door hinge, but nothing major.

Have to say its great fun to drive, a little under-powered but the handling easily makes up for that. I had a Cooper S a couple of years back and regret changing it. Go for it!

burns863 · Oct 11th, 2006, 09:04 AM

I have an 02 plate Cooper. Only had it 6 months but had no problems at all. Not one fault

AprilWhine · Oct 11th, 2006, 09:51 AM

I think the most troubled year in the US was 2003. But be sure to run a carfax.

Rakey · Oct 11th, 2006, 10:45 AM

the only major issue on pre-facelifted Coopers was the gearbox failures, on the manuals

SamHarrison · Oct 11th, 2006, 11:21 AM

i have had my 51 plate cooper for 18months.. no problems AT ALL.. no wait.. sorry... maybe i have had just one or two... hmmm or is it more..

Oct 11th, 2006, 04:31 AM	#1
Snuffleupagus MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Local Time: 05:25 PM Posts: 5 Offline	How bad is 2002 Mini reliability, really? I've been idly pricing various Coopers without really intending to buy, but (unfortunately?) I've come across one I really like the looks of that's priced especially conveniently... The only thing that much concerns me is that it's a 2002, and on these forums the general consensus seems to be that Minis don't really come into their own in terms of reliability until 2004 or so. How do 2002ish vehicles honestly seem to stack up compared to other cars? When they do break after warranty, are they considerably more expensive to repair at a dealership/elsewhere than some Chevy or Nissan? Is the Midland gearbox as much of a problem for manuals, or is that mostly only an issue for CVTs? I am somewhat obsessed with Minis. I've never even driven one, and it'll blow most of my savings to buy this one -- but dangit, my car is a twice-wrecked piece of crap that everyone makes fun of me for driving, and I ain't saving for nothing... If I do succumb to temptation and make the irresponsible choice, I'd like to know what I'm truly getting myself into in terms of future costs.

Oct 11th, 2006, 08:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
JD Cass MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2006 Local Time: 11:25 PM Posts: 38 Offline	2002 Cooper The missus runs a 52 plate (so had it for 4 years now) which I borrow a couple of days a week. Had a few small niggles with it, Cd player, driver window stopped working, driver door hinge, but nothing major. Have to say its great fun to drive, a little under-powered but the handling easily makes up for that. I had a Cooper S a couple of years back and regret changing it. Go for it!

Oct 11th, 2006, 09:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 03:25 PM Posts: 16,007 Offline	I think the most troubled year in the US was 2003. But be sure to run a carfax. Global Moderator

Oct 11th, 2006, 10:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rakey Four Candles? My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hardware Shop Local Time: 11:25 PM Posts: 49,680 Offline	the only major issue on pre-facelifted Coopers was the gearbox failures, on the manuals The only problem I have is knowing which one to drive?
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Oct 11th, 2006, 05:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sejanus MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Sacramento Local Time: 03:25 PM Posts: 4,325 Offline	I don't think the 2002's were that much of a problem. I had a few minor issues the first year or so and one electrical problem that was a bit more signficant, but even that was an easy fix once they figured out what the issue was. Since the warranty expired 16,000 miles ago the only issue has been a bit of radio static.

Oct 11th, 2006, 08:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
15LSP Bertie Mini Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: nr blackpool Local Time: 11:25 PM Posts: 91 Offline	my mum has a 2001 mini and to be honest it is in much better condition than the younger cherished minis I have seen at the BMW dealers. I have just bought a 2001 mini myself cos i was so impressed with my mums. . No problems whatsoever, dont believe everything you read!

Oct 11th, 2006, 09:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
burns863 The Muffin Man Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hadfield, Derbyshire Local Time: 11:25 PM Posts: 1,619 Offline	I have an 02 plate Cooper. Only had it 6 months but had no problems at all. Not one fault

Oct 11th, 2006, 11:21 AM	#8 (permalink)
SamHarrison Javelin Sam Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Essex Local Time: 11:25 PM Posts: 213 Offline	i have had my 51 plate cooper for 18months.. no problems AT ALL.. no wait.. sorry... maybe i have had just one or two... hmmm or is it more..

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