Are they reliable! Am looking for one 2002 onwards! I only want to spend about 15 - 17,000, and a manual. Am I going to get something decent for this price!
rkauto,
Mar 6, 8:58am
they do have a few issues,look out for ; clutch problems(faulty cutch cover) aircon compressor, electric windows,(motors fail) central look not working (drivers door mechanism) BCM faults causing warning light fults get a warranty if you can.
attitudedesignz,
Mar 6, 9:26am
For that money you can buy a REAL Mini Cooper, not one of those horrible Bini's.
smac,
Mar 6, 10:02am
IMHO (and I guess I'm a little biased) if you're going to buy a Bini buy the full noise worked 'S'. Lotsa' fun. But if you're just after a good handling smaller car, go look at Swifts instead.
franc123,
Mar 6, 10:31am
overall reliability has been a bit patchy, IMO they are a retro styled modern car that only partially captures the spirit and appearance of the original, that BMW have built cheap and sold expensive.Look at what $17K gets you, a 3yo Swift (for example) or a 9yo Mini, they are not an economy buy for a car of that age.Mind you the same could be said for the modern VW Beetles.Arguably the Mini will hold its value a bit better but in terms of overall satisfaction of ownership I don't reckon it really rates that highly.Not saying you shouldn't buy one but think very carefully about what you want and are actually getting for your money.
socram,
Mar 6, 1:21pm
As in any car, go for a decent service history.Sorry, but there is a fair bit of bull or bias on here - which is fair enough.Cars are a very personal thing and if your heart is set on a Mini, go for it.
I have always owned MInis since 1967 and a BMW Mini since 2002.Firstly, the fact that a 9yr old Mini is the same price as a 3 year old Swift (which is good car)should tell you a lot.Prang the front end on a Swift and it is a write off.
All cars have issues of some sort but a well cared for car (especially low mileage) should be fine.
They are well built, solid, and handle really well.The only issue I have had with mine was a dodgy power steering rack.The "S" is the highest seller of the range in NZ (70%) and represents a bargain for the extra power and performance over the Cooper and most seem to have been used as shopping trolleys rather than as an enthusiast's car.
Check the tyres as the S has no spare and the 'run flat' tyres are expensive.(Not sure what the Cooper has - space saver!).
I'm still on the original battery.Service cost was very reasonable indeedand the Team McMillan people excellent to deal with.
Should be plenty around to choose from.
As to comparisons with the early Minis, hardly relevant.One is a modern car and one is a classic and classics take a lot more looking after and are less reliable overall.Performance wise, they are streaks apart, but a modified early classic 1300cc Cooper S is probably the most fun car to drive - bar none!
icemans1,
Mar 6, 1:58pm
seen the price of the new ones! been told they're over $70k
tigra,
Mar 6, 2:06pm
Around $45K arent they!
trouser,
Mar 6, 2:23pm
The spare tyre was an option. Most do not have one.
smac,
Mar 6, 4:15pm
Well that depends ;)
dr.doolittle,
Mar 6, 4:26pm
Check out the price of the station wagons or some of the special editions, prepare to be amazed.
socram,
Mar 6, 6:57pm
Standard original Mini - 70mph top speed.998/998cc Cooper say 80mph, Cooper S- 90mph.
I have no idea what the first of the BMW Minis do, other than the S is about 120mph - albeit with Supercharged 1600cc, but no doubt a bit better than the original standard 850!
Best part about the BMW S is the phenomenal braking, something that you certainly couldn't really say about the originals!
melanie007,
Mar 6, 7:26pm
Thanks so much for your feedback. I have always brought Toyotas and never spend this much on a car, and appreciate your thoughts what to consider when buying. I see the Suzuki Swift seems quite popular in these posts, but my heart is set on the mini look, I've been advised not to get a Mini One, but go for the Cooper. Would like the Sports, but don't think I can get one for the price with low kilometres.
socram,
Jun 22, 7:11pm
Definitely go for the Cooper if you can, rather than the Mini One.
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