Minis ?

[jackal]

A friend wants to buy a mini (not the classic one).

I see that they are available for under 5k and plenty under 10k.

My question is, is buying a cheaper one feasible ? Are they reliable and what inherent issues do they have ?

Or is there a certain year or spec or facelift that I should try and reach for ?

I gather there was a facelift in 2004 ? Is this worth going for or will a ~50k miles 2001-2003 model be a good buy providing its been looked after and serviced etc...

any help would be appreciated

thanks, R

[jackal]

anyone ?

[Eviltad]

I dunno Jackal, its a pretty ambiguous request.

A well looked after 50k modern car will be OK no matter what the brand IMO.

Watch out for Superchargers and clutches needing replacing at 100k but these aren't really an issue at 50k.

If you can find a good one, with good receipt history, with the correct toys and within budget then I don't think it matter if its a 52 plate or a 60 plate.

As with any car, its worth knowing a specialist garage in the local area who you can trust when you do need work doing.

[ambuletz]

I'm told with regards to the mk1 buying the facelift would be best, as most gremlins will have been sorted out. As with anything, it'll be reliable if properly maintained.

Would be nice to learn about the mk2 (07-)

[mike9009]

We owned a 52 plate mini one for six years. Only problem we really had was the airbag light. No other problems. I would just check the usual for an older car.

We also had a 54 plate facelift cooper s. On that the steering pump failed. So in my experience the facelift is not as reliable.

Mike

[jackal]

thanks guys shall pass this useful info onwards

[okgo]

A big facelift took place on 56 plate an onwards cars, my money would be going on one of those, the ones before were terrible in comparison.

[mike9009]

okgo said:

A big facelift took place on 56 plate an onwards cars, my money would be going on one of those, the ones before were terrible in comparison.

I would disagree with this. We've owned a 2002 Mini One, a 2004 Cooper S and now have a 2007 Cooper S Clubman. The build quality feels a little more clunky on the latest version but certainly does not feel better than earlier Minis.

The handling doesnt feel quite as sharp in the later car (maybe because it is a clubman - but I have heard similar reports elsewhere) and reliability appears to be okay in most revisions. (The R56 does have the 'death' rattle from the timing chain tensioner)

What aspect of the earlier models do you think are terrible in comparison?

Mike

[steveball]

My facelift R53 Cooper S has 141K and has had a few issues but all were warranty within the first 3 years. Main problem with mine now - Valve stem seals and it munches wheel bearings.

[Grade6 ADI]

There are several reports of 'known' faults. i.e.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/02/mini_s...
There are other niggles, as there are with any car, but this one was widely reported, with Mini being pressed to recall the cars concerned (they denied a problem, despite it being widespread).
As with any car, new incarnations generally mean new technology... After a while these faults are engineered out. So you could argue the 1st models are worth avoiding.
Always seek a full history... A TLC pack is also highly desirable!
Good uck to your friend

[MX-5 Lazza]

I bought my 03 Cooper a couple of weeks ago. It's currently away having the gearbox rebuilt (paid for by the warranty so I'm happy with that. 5-speed gearbox on the earlier cars is a know weak point) but otherwise it runs as beautifully as you'd expect a sub 60k miles car to run. The bodywork and interior are spotless. It cost me £4400 including tax & 3 month warranty.