Anyone drive a MINI?

[CorvallisBMW]

I worked at a dealer for a while. The first gen are definitely inferior to the second gen in terms of reliability, performance, fit and finish, interior quality, basically everything. I would highly recommend the 2nd gen Cooper S, nice car. I'm not a fan of FWD cars and torque steer, but my own personal prejudices aside it's a nice car. Though honestly I would not hesitate to buy the extended warranty on any new BMW or Mini because of the ridiculously complicated computer systems that literally require dealer service for any work.

[shiftbmw]

Ah, well I'd be looking at a used early one most likely. I'm looking for a "beater mini" essentially. Just something inexpensive to put a shit-ton of miles on.

I'm not a big fan of torque steer or FWD either, but as long as it's fun to drive. It doesn't have to win me races, just entertain me. I also don't fit in a miata, and haven't found other cars that really fit the bill that are in my price range.

[Sepp]

A friend of mine, as an '06 S, and he loves it.
No problems at all, very reliable...and blast to drive.

I'm 6'0", and had a ton of room in the car.

[shiftbmw]

Oh yeah, and how are these to insure? I can't imagine insurance being too bad.

[Sepp]

The major factors are if it's an "S", or not....if it's on a lien, and your age.

[lcoleman]

I am 6'4", and fit in the Mini with mucho headroom to spare. I wear size 14s, though, and the footwells are too small for me to work the pedals properly. Major disappointment, especially considering I can work the pedals in a Miata (NA only, not NB). That's probably what I'd choose over a Mini. Before the inevitable comment--just face it, people will think you're gay either way. :?

[Dozyproductions]

perfect color scheme for this car. Also, black everything looks nice.

[RainierHooker]

I have the S and wouldn't think about going back on my decision...


I love it and so far I haven't had any real problems with it. It did go back to the dealer for the afore mentioned cold-start timing chain noise, but I really think that was an issue of the thin as heck 5W-30 oil that the dealer uses more than anything. Things are a bit cramped to work on and I'm not a fan of computer-controlled everything, but thats prettymuch not an option on any new car...

[Erik]

perfect color scheme for this car.

^ Correct.

[av8drvr]

actually I have changed a few burned up fans though

and the weakest point on all minis is the thermostat housing-- IT WILL LEAK!

I just changed a friends thermostat and housing on her 06' Cooper S with 40k on th clock, it was leaking like crazy. It took me an 1 1/2 hours start to finish and I am really slow when it is A) a new (to me) car and B) not mine. As expected the longest part of the job was getting everything else out of the engine bay just to have a shot at it. Not difficult at all, though. I drive it every chance I get, the steering is just crazy quick which makes it a ton of fun around town. Pelican Parts is starting to get a good inventory too, which helps the DIY cost. Fun little car, but in the end FWD kills it for me as far ownership.

[619E30]

Thanks for the info guys. I haven't yet sat in one of these or driven one, but planning a drive on Sunday.

I can answer this myself once I sit in one, but how's the headroom? I'm 6'2"...


Also, how do these fare with higher mileage? I'm looking to keep this relatively cheap and probably won't be getting a low mileage example. I'm not expecting E30 build quality, but then again nothing could be worse than an E36...

I'm 6'2" as well and there is plenty of head room. And seats can be adjusted to sit lower, if desired