My daughter really likes these cars and I have driven them and they are fun little skate boards. However I also know that they have some annoying maintenance needs.
So is there a modern mini that has relatively pedestrian maintenance needs. Since it is for my daughter performance is not important in this discussion.
The plug in electric one..
I found a 2009 S with 74k for $1200. Thinking I should pay now and sort it out later. The one thing is she wants an auto. From what I see Minis that are auto trans are really cheep.
The specialty shop I take my '03 to will tell you to avoid the 2nd generation cars altogether and find a late 1st gen car. Since your daughter isn't a performance freak a normally aspirated '05-'06 would be a better choice. I like mine, but it's not a cheap econocar to own and operate. For that, go buy a Kia Rio and upgrade the shocks.
I just caught the $1200 price. That would be tempting unless there's obvious issues.
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/d/2009-mini-cooper-great/6677205835.html
Does it happen to be the same car on Detroit Craigslist? This doesn't seem real.
I will call tomorrow. It is tempting. She is good with keeping track of maintenance and is good about taking care of things. She understand that if you want a bit more fun than a Corolla it comes with a bit more care and feeding.
In reply to dean1484 :
Look at the Detroit link, it's the same as one in Boston. Is that the one you saw?
Of MINI's made before 2014, there are two basic generations.
The 2002-2006 ones (first Gen, the R50 and R53). The automatics were notoriously bad on them. And there's not an easy fix other than another one that is just as likely to fail. Motor wise, they are very stout. There are issues with the earlier standard Cooper 5-speeds, but not worth discussing if she wants an auto.
The 2007-2013 Models (R56) had better (but not great) auto transmissions. There was a motor change around 2011. The 2007 to 2010 motors (N14) had timing chain tensioner/guide issues known as the "death rattle". Ones that were well cared for with regular oil changes aren't as prone, but it's not a guarantee. The 2011-2013 models used a slightly different motor (N18) which helped with the tensioner issues, but not 100%.
I love the cars and have owned four of them. Currently have a '12 Cooper S that my son drives and a 2004 Cooper with a bad transmission in the garage that I'm working on. But, if she wants an automatic, I wouldn't recommend one.
And a $1200 2009 Cooper S is a scam.... As others have said, it's posted all over.
NorthAmericanMotoring is full of a wealth of knowledge as is Pelican Parts.
-Rob
No.
dean1484 said:So is there a modern mini that has relatively pedestrian maintenance needs.
2011-2013 normally aspirated models would be your best bet.
dean1484 said:So is there a modern mini that has relatively pedestrian maintenance needs.
Hasn't the Ford Fiesta been described as a reliable MINI?
NoMini said:dean1484 said:So is there a modern mini that has relatively pedestrian maintenance needs.
Hasn't the Ford Fiesta been described as a reliable MINI?
beat me to it.
I owned a 2005 cooper s. It was spectacularly reliable, and also like to fail in spectacular fashion. When it broke, it broke...hard. there was no nickle and dime with that car. I recommend a warranty.
If she is ok with a manual, the base mini is reasonably reliable. You just need to deal with regular BMW problems: control arms, cooling system and oil leaks. There aren't many weird Mini-specific problems.
Most of the issues on the S model are related to parts specific to the higher hp drivetrain. Clutches that last 60K miles with a replacement taking 10 hours of book time gets old fast. If you are set on an S, 2005-2006 for the first gen or 2011+ for the 2nd gen are significantly more reliable than the other model years.
That was one of the cars I saw but there were at least 4-5 others that are what I would call "real".
I found one for $700 with no motor that is calling to me to drop some 4 cylinder turbo something in it and make it RWD.
So I go looking for Fiesta's and find this
https://providence.craigslist.org/cto/d/2012-ford-fiesta-1-owner-160k/6669437656.html
dean1484 said:I found one for $700 with no motor that is calling to me to drop some 4 cylinder turbo something in it and make it RWD.
You could always put the Neon SRT4 motor in it and prove the internet wrong.....
I'll say again, I love them and would recommend one if it wasn't for the automatic requirement. They just can't be trusted.
-Rob
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