Mini Cooper reliability
 

I'm thinking about purchasing a used mini cooper, not sure on the year or model yet (base or S), but from 2000-2003 most likely. Just wondering how the reliability is for these cars? any known issues? Thanks in advance!

had a used 02 cooper w/ sports package

hmm lets put it this way...i got to know the richmond mini service center people very well cuz i went there 3-4 times a month for small things here and there (eg. steering column clicks, 3rd gear vibrates, rattles coming from every corner, seats creak like a mofo, center toggle switch console shattered...like literally to pieces)

last but not least my warranty at the time expired sept 9th 2006 and the car could not start on Sept 10th 2006 12:06am

but yea other than that it was a great lil car! oh and cooper S have cold start issues (can't start when it gets cold), hmm let see...the windshield is prone to cracking cuz the glass was thin and sits too upright...

and they started production in Canada from 2002

i own a 06 cooper w/ soho package for almost a year, none of the stuff happening so far, the car runs great... but i heard theres few transmission issue for early 02-03 models...

From what I have been told by a few friends is not to purchase anything 2003 year and lower. I would look for something at least 2004 and up.

My '03 has been dead reliable. The first month however, an a/c hose popped off. But that was fixed under warranty. No problems since that.

Thanks for all the info guys. the reason i would go for a used 2000-2003 was because of the cheaper price tag but i guess i have to re-think it now. did the transmission issues only apply to 02-03? therefore, 00-01 are okay? thanks again

they changed the whole transmission part starting on the 05 and up MINI (I think).. the earliest is 2002

So.. 2002-2004 have different transmission and crank wheel then 2005 and up.. oh the gear ratio also changed on the 2005 and up MINI...

my buddy has a 02 mini. his tranny literally blew up on him. according to the dealership the gears blew up. dont ask me how but thats what the technician said. luckily my friend was still covered by the warrenty. the replace the tranny with a new one

try and get the 07' cooper S if possible
build quality improved and shifts are silky smooth

also it uses a peugeot engine instead of the chrysler engine
it used in the 06 and below

the only thing 06 and below cooper S has going for them is
the engine backfire noise when you lift off throttle

the new ones are definately smoother than the previous models... the AT tranny on the old models shift hard and are ridiculously loud.

i drive these things at work, so i would know.

thanks guys, i guess i have a lot to think about now

one more thing...
I have a 06 MINI Cooper and so far I have lots of small problems.

Nothing major, just lights showing up on dashboard. You need to go to dealership to reset it (which will cost you if you don't have warranty)!

Few problems I had so far:
Rear wiper was too noisy
Excess engine noise
Interior rattle noise
Leaking cooling fluid

MINI Richmond does provide good service but you need one week advance booking for courtesy car (I guessed tons of MINIs have problems as well).

how much is insurance costing for you guys?

When I was under 25/26 yrs old it was about 200 a month. Since Ive moved to Ontario and brought the car with, its now 150.

with RoadStar discount, you are looking at the same rate as Honda Civic.. maybe just a little bit more.

I am paying the same rate as the Honda Civic. (I know since I upgraded from Civic)

fahimster... do you play on Seattle APG CS Source?

just renew mine... 16xx a year with roadstar discount... and the 10 years driving

Hey, no i don't. are you talking about counter strike? good ol days haha

There's a guy on the server I play with, goes by the name fahelium. Seemed a bit too familiar. Sorry for going off-topic on ya, btw!

any more stories from anyone?

yea.. i always see really hot asian girls driving cooper at UBC!
I'm down for any of those chick.. haha. but the best one would be the chick that drives the blue cooper with white stripes..
not sure which year and model..

haha.. thats my story..

i was originlly debating between the 08 cooper s and an GTI, at the end, i got the GTI.
I went to test drives both cars and the cooper s just wasn't great. even with the new transmission and turbo charge..nah, it still shift crazily hard still. plus, my bf works at a mini dealership and i've heard too many bad stories about mini maintenance

hmmmmmmmmm

My friend, Mini Cooper 2002, was at Mini in Richmond at least once a month. Engine problems, wiring problems, all that.
The new Mini's are way better, I would go with an 07 over an 02 if I were you

I have a 05 cooper and I considered trading it in for a GTI when they first came out. Decided not to in the end, the fun factor in mini is >>>>>> than GTI. It's a great driver's car, but not a very good passenger car :p The only problem I had was the coolant leaking a while back, but the warranty took care of it nicely. I had a 07 courtesy car and surprisingly, I liked my 05 a lot better, in terms of noise, transmission, and overall appeal. Two friends of mine purchased used minis (02 S & 06 convertible), and they haven't had any problems. Plus, GTI drivers don't wave at each other on the streets :lol Mini FTW!