The base Cooper engine has proven more reliable that the turbo S engine. Take it to a reputable mechanic & have it looked over before you buy. If you let us know where you live we may be able to point you to a reputable MINI mechanic.
I'd guess the low miles are due to it being a 3rd car that was just a toy. Be aware that you can not ignore maintenance on these cars. Oil changes every 5,000 miles with synthetic oil & OEM filters. I would have the transmission fluid changed if you get it. These are fun cars, but require more upkeep that what you may be used to.
Good luck & welcome to M/A.
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Crashton Club Coordinator
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wmwny Well-Known Member
Welcome to M/A!
What Chuck said about the MINI is true, but it won't break your bank if you keep it maintained. 34k is not a lot of miles for an 8 year old car. Your dad appears to believe the Consumer Reports garbage about MINI not being reliable. If that's so, then why do I have 3 MINIs that are regularly driven? All cars break down now and then, but maintenance will keep them on the road longer and without qualms about reliability.
I have 2 MCS automatics and one MC cvt. The MCS automatics have NEVER given me a problem...70k [bought used in 2012] and 120 k [bought new in 2006]. The Cooper was bought used in 2004 and has 66k. The cvt tranny gave out at 60k and I replaced it [BMW has replaced ALL the cvt trannies with automatics during Generation 2]. The MINI you are checking out has the same automatic I have in my 2 MCSes, so you need not worry about cvt woes.
All the above said, good luck and happy motoring! -
Thank you for the responses.
We are in the Smyrna Ga, im hopine there is a good dealer nearby. Showed this thread to hubby and I think its a releief to see something decent about these cars. It's a really nice car, we are negotiating pricing now. The only concern was the bar that covers the motor to drop the top was missing on the inside.
Thanks guys! -
wmwny Well-Known Member
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wmwny Well-Known Member
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wmwny Well-Known Member
Even so, it's pretty fun and lots of people drive there...especially during Minis on the Dragon [www.minisonthedragon.com].
I hope you come up and show us all your new ride as you introduce yourself.