I think maybe put a veetec into one now.  ha ha. 


So what is it that makes the bmw mini so 'delicate' compared to the classic mini?

I"ve bought minis and old english cars  for years and just did fluid changes and drove away with minor issues if any.


are they over engineered?

The 2007-2013 Gen2 R56 Mini Cooper (non-S) might be your best bet for 'least problems', but you take a chance with any used cars that hasn't been maintained properly or abused.  I say the non-S because these are non-turbo models so you don't have to deal with any high mileage turbo issues on the cars that didn't get proper maintenance.

Unfortunately, any repairs on the MINIs won't be cheap.  Parts carry 'bmw prices' and the way the engine compartment is packed in, there aren't many 'simple' repairs.

That said, if you can find a clean car with complete maintenance records, you have a better chance.  We always recommend a pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with MINIs - its a small price to pay for a little 'peace of mine'.  We're seeing many MINIs with 100k+ and even 200k+ miles without any major issues, so they are not all bad.

Good luck to you!

Mike - we have an 09 bought used in 2012 with 58k kms (36k miles) on the clock.
Also, a 2012 bought new.  Both are "Justas"...as in "Just a Cooper" (non S's).  Model ver# is R56
We drive them 365 days/yr...around 25k kms /yr - aprox 1 hour a day, 5 days a week, each.
 Only in deep wet snow are they an issue.

Only real problem (both cars have had) was a bad (leaky) water pump.  Both replaced under warranty.

No first hand experience with older first-gen Binis, but I am told the automatic transmissions from 2002-2006 were garbage and not repairable. Might be unobtanium these days.  A little fuzzy on whether the manuals are the same situation.
"Getrag" I think made the autos.

They both get great gas mileage. Nearly 50mpg(imp) which would be about 40mpg in your figures.  We do spend the $$ for "Super" "High Test" etc. as they run like cr@p on "regular" pump gas. Gas is a lot cheaper in NY than NB, so won't likely be a deal breaker for you.  They both have always burned a little oil.....not terribly happy about it, but quite "normal" (what's normal?) if you do a web search.

Not the same car as my 1987 RHD Austin Mini from Wales, but truly fun in their own right. Not especially powerful, but certainly smoother/quieter than any other car I have had of this size. www.northamericanmotoring.com is the premier forum in NA for Binis.

Obviously I am not a hater as we own 2, but they are a different car than a classic mini. I just always like the Bini moniker.

We have mismatched floor mats and drink holders <(tic)>

HTH

normal wear and tear and what i would not be disappointed with .

I'm looking for a fun beater but not one that will hose me.


thanks.

Mike,

 

I purchased an ’06 Cooper S, 6-spd new, and sold it in ’14 with about 120k on the odo. (last year of the Gen. 1 model). Outside of normal wear and tear and routine dealer maintenance items, I experienced the following:

 

CV boot replacement

Power Steering Pump replacement

Cooling Fan Motor & T’stat replacement

Tire Pressure Monitor switch replacement

Lower Control Arm Bushing replacement

(Leaking) Engine Mount replacement

 

I cannot recall the specific mileages behind these issues, but some were covered under warranty.

This car was fantastic, fun, quick and nimble, and a big bang for the buck.

 

 

 

 

what year(s) were the least troublesome? 

What model?  


Love to have a ragtop stick, but reservations from horror stories.

These are like what you used to hear about American car companies but seemingly in 2017 worse.

It might be helpful to know what model years you are considering. 

Ken

And the STUPIC prices to replace the matching CUP HOLDERS.. $1000s..and $1000s..

Because they make more money fixing them. My Son's girlfriend has a 2005 convertible with 25k actual garage kept miles on it which the top will not go down and the Bini dealer has quoted $700 plus in plastic parts which consists of three items and $1600 labor. Needles to say it is not worth spending $2300 on a $4 to $5k car at best plus she just spent $1500 on two rear window regulators for it.
That is not to say they are all this bad repair wise but if you have one that needs repairs you may as well own a BWM for the prices they charge. 

my buddy has had 2 new ones, and both had major engine failure. One under warranty under 60,000.

Also series of bad coils.

It's 2017. Why can't they build a reliable car?

  Minis and MINI from 1959  - 2017 ALl have their flaws....

Decide what years or PRice range 'MINI you' fancy and search from there for potential issues.

Early Bini's had 5 Speed Manual Transmission And CVT transmission issues.
 
Some engines had timing chain tensioner failures.

some engines had direct injection. gumming issues

some Engines Consumed Oil on the regular.

Lower miles can be a saint or a sin. Higher miles mean service "usually"

How deep into the crystal ball will you go?

wanna list your repairs needed since BMW came out with their replacement mini?

I might like to have one but

transmissions?

engine failures?