Bear in mind this video is old now and he's covering the 1st generation Mini manufactured under BMW's ownership. In researching, I've found each generation has been improved and the 3rd Generation (still in production as I type this, in August 2020) seems to be on a par with any decent car. If you're considering a Mini, understand that all of them have higher labor cost for repairs because the mechanicals are tightly packed into the engine compartment. And as a result, body and mechanical parts may have to be removed to gain access for replacing a given part. If you want to buy a Mini, shop for a 3rd generation, and buy the one that's the newest and has the lowest mileage, that you can afford. The biggest issues with Mini's are caused by owner's that don't follow maintenance. Mini's aren't like a Toyota that you can maybe be somewhat lax about maintenance. The second biggest issues with Mini's, again are caused by owner's that continually use Regular Gasoline. These cars must have Premium Gasoline. And better still if it's Shell V-Power gasoline. During research, one of the things I checked was how long do Mini's tend to last. I did this by going to Auto Trader and searched for Mini's model years 2015-2019, located within a 500 mile range from my zip code. Then when the list appeared, I used the Sort Tool, and selected List Highest Mileage First. I was surprised at how many Mini's there are with over 170,000 miles on them. The highest of these (at that time) had 189,000 miles on it. So, they do seem to last a long time.
@@discerningmind I am talking about european gas. 95 Octane does it for the Mini. There is no need for 98 or 102. I even put 95 Octane into my Porsche 964.
@@thedude579 I should have stated "USA." I was speaking about USA octanes. And in the USA all euro cars require premium octane. I apologize for confusing you.
I have a 2006 Mini that I have put 120,000 miles on. So far going on 10 years old - no transmission problems, no power steering pump problems, no timing chain issues, no coolant leaks or overheating. Mine has the 5-speed manual transmission and I would not describe it as "weak." Maybe people are driving theirs like a racecar and wrecking their gearbox? I have had new brakes installed, air conditioning recharged and the leather peeled off the gearshift knob. That's about it. I average about 38 MPG so really the car has saved me a lot of money over those 120,000 miles. The car is truly a blast to drive. The fit and finish are extraordinary, as you would expect from a car made by BMW. Maintenance can be a bit high, but brakes are reasonable, tires are reasonable. Oil Changes are high because of full synthetic but you can go longer between changes than most cars. The 2015 Mini is 30cm longer and has loads and loads more electronics than the R52 generation Mini, so I'm not crazy about the new ones. I'm going to have to make my Mini last as long as I can. Maybe my next car can be one that drives itself.
I bought a new 2003 R-50, red with a white top. It has the Midland 5-speed which shifts smoothly and quietly. No oil leaks. So far I have had the fuel pump replaced, and otherwise just regular oil changes. Almost forgot, I also got a new battery. I like it, and it drives and looks great......Nothing has been done that required a MINI dealer. The battery was replaced at Wal-Mart, and the fuel pump replaced by the same mechanic I have been using for more than 20 years. He said it was no problem....
Timing chain tensioners go loose, but I've never seen a broken timing chain. The transmission issues were with the CVT automatic transmission and the early 5-speed Midlands manual transmissions on non -S Coopers. The 6 speed Getrag manual transmission on all 2002-2006 Cooper S is bulletproof. The power steering pump is the weakest link in this car, but can be replaced in about 2 hours and is on a dealer extended warranty for certain model years. These cars are far more reliable than the original Classic Mini. I would agree that if you are in the market for cheap, economical transportation and you are not a driving enthusiast or care about style and fun on the road, then maybe the MINI Cooper is not the car for you. Everyone else though - motor on!
You have to understand, this guy isn't a tech, and doesn't really have any credentials I could find. It appears he's just repeating info he's found on Wikipedia and various consumer websites. It's a nice page for getting a bit of info, but I have a hard time with his charging people forget his" service".
I owned a 2005 Mini Cooper S convertible. Blown engine, cracked block with 82,000KM or 50,000 miles. No reasons given by the dealer, definitely not bullet proof. more proof www.cbc.ca/news/canada/bmw-s-mini-coopers-labelled-junk-as-owner-hit-with-10k-engine-repairs-1.2948855
When I bought my VW Golf MkIV TDI, people told me the same thing... "It's a VW, repairs are expensive." I've owned that for 7 years and 165K (It's a 2002 with 265k as we speak) and have only done maintenance and some wear and tear repairs. My point? People are quick to point to a few flaws, but you don't hear about the thousands more that are happy with their purchase. Just my non-biased $.02.
The only reason people have problems with Mini Coopers is because they drive them so hard. Minis are known for being peppy, and have great handling, but driving with this power also takes a toll on it's components. I know people with older Mini Coopers who have had no problems because of their driving characteristics.
Mi B that being said why have a nice car with nice handling and power then never use it that’s like having and drive it like a grandma. That seems like to me just a poor built car..might as well get a civic it would last longer at any rate and you could even drive it hard and it would hold up... because it’s a well made car.
@@lj4602 I was about to say something similar, had an EP3, still have it, going to sell it for parts very regrettably! Cant afford to fix it. Super reliable durable car though. I looked after it in the sense that I topped up oil often, and warmed her up before abusing daily for over a year with no bad results.. as the 7th owner lol. Put many miles on this car. Only thing that went wrong was a idler pulley seized, cheap easy fix lucky. Pads tyres and an oil change that's it. Wicked little car the EP3, so engaging and definitely worth what I paid for it. All day long. Only wish the missus felt the same lol. Always wanted one, finally got one and have to say it's always been fun. Just bought a little mini and they are fun. But they don't like being pushed hard, well not for long anyway. Not like the K series. Knows no bounds!
The 2002 to 2006 R53 “S” models with a manual transmission are pretty solid. Maintenance matters, they don’t thrive on neglect, but are solidly reliable cars. I still have my 2002, and it’s a daily driver in Canada.
Videos like this scared me away from buying a mini for the longest time. Really it is all about buying the right year, and knowing what the common points of failure are.If you are looking at an R53 (2002-2006) don't go later than a 2004. After this year, the transmissions were greatly improved, they received a racing transmission made my Getrag, very reliable. DO NOT BUY THEM IN THE CVT TRANSMISSION!!! THAT"S WHAT WILL COST YOU!!! Power steering pumps are covered by a recall up to 150,000 miles, so that's free. Coolant reservoirs almost always fail, that will cost you an entire $30 and about 30 minutes to replace if you know nothing at all about cars. Check your parking spot and under the hood about once a month for any kinds of leaks or oil stains., Pay attention to your car and take it in to get checked out if you have a concern, this car won't let you down if you take care of it. Still not convinced? These early years were made with the Chrysler Tritec engine, same engine you find in a dodge neon and pt cruiser, the version used in the Cooper S won an award in 2003 for its category. If you like the car but want it to be as reliable as possible, skip out on the Cooper S, higher performance cars always cost more one way or another. Later years can be a bit more of a headache, they became more complicated and had different issues. Don't go earlier than 2011 and make sure service records are good. From 2007-2010 Mini coopers got a very crappy and unreliable engine from Puegeot, this and the first generation's bad CVT transmissions are what give the car most of its poor reputation. If you want this car, don't get scared away, just buy smart and spend less than your maximum budget just in case an issue does arise.
I just bought a 2002 Mini One with 82,000 miles. Videos like this makes me nervous since I sold my other car with 30,000 on clock which was in pristine condition and bought this Mini.....hopefully I did the right thing. Although there is a clanking noise coming from the back when I break so now getting worried.
debbie peter I have only one question why sell a 30k mile pristine car for an 82k mile unknown? I would definitely have that brake clunk looked at brakes aren’t generally too expensive to replace, but critical to your life.
@@SkepticCat-pz1zz Because this is my 4th Mini. I love them but unfortunately only like 1st Gen Minis. Hate anything from 2007 onwards. I have had Mini checked and only a minor repair was needed. I am not regretting selling my previous low mileage car and buying this car. Life is too short. This one puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it, the other one didnt. Simple as that really.
I bought a 2005 convertible Mini Cooper with 86,000 miles. I found a great mechanic that fixed all sensor problems and now I feel blessed every time I get in the car. The interior design, the comfortable seats are unparalleled. Kudos for Mini!
I love rotary engine powered cars and currently own an rx7. So I just bought a 2004 Cooper S to add to the mix, both cars handle well, and require costly maintenance and repairs. But this is what I do ha ha ha.
Good grief. So, don't buy a Mini Cooper S because.... the buttons are awkward if you put a superfluous drinks holder in the car, the bonnet-open-lever is on the right and there is a catch you need to push to open the bonnet. Otherwise the gear box was changed in 2003 and works brilliantly. I have one and it's great. The parts are cheap to buy, easy to install and there are videos on everything you ever want to do with the car.
If you are struggling to find the wheels (in each corner), washer fluid (either side of the engine), and battery (in the boot/trunk), then yes, this is not the car for you.
there is one major rule with MINIs. If something brake down, you have to repair it immediately. You can;t wait because "I can drive with it". Have to repair if you don't want a big problems later :D
MINI Cooper reviews almost always refer to the Cooper S version (especially the R53 rather than R50). As the years accumulate, the Cooper S with their super/turbocharged engines and higher performance, are generally subjected to significantly higher stresses than the non-charged Cooper and thus exhibit certain specific reliability issues. Key thing if buying used is to ensure that it has been well maintained and with a good service history. The facelift MINI (2004-06) improved some of the Cooper weak links like the manual transmission etc.
I'm looking into a Mini as a first car, and I figured this video would make me just go with the basic Honda civics or something, but I read the comments and now I feel so confident and happy about getting a Mini! Lol thanks guys
Leasing should be okay but DO NOT buy a Mini Cooper. Worst decision in my life. I had 2013, and traded in for 2016. First three years are great without any problem. It’s my 4th yr (23,000mi) in and I’m already having so much problem one after another. High maintenance. Already spent few k fixing dumb stuff and now engine came on again. It’s really annoying. 😡
I love my Hondas, but my 2003 Mini Cooper S 6 speed I'm the original owner bought and shipped straight from GB. 187,000 miles no issues, some easy upgrades got it to 240 HP, fast, handles awesome, and fun to drive. Nobody cares if you drive a Toyota Matrix, but everyone will ask about the Mini. Plus the Customizable aftermarket sub culture you become apart off with other Mini owners. Its all about the honks, waves, and headlight flashing. I guess you dont about all of that.
dude is that why Minis are always flashing at me lmao??? i never knew this till now. Im gana start flashing!! People always ask me " Hey is that ur mini out there" im like yeah. I love it! Always feels good. And you nailed it. "Nobody cares about ur Toyota Matrix" lol. I love my Mini. But its not my everyday driver. Its garaged kept. I only drive it in the winter times in FL.
I have over 197 thousand miles on my 2003 mini cooper and the only problem I've had is the shifting cable and the power steering pump. Other than that it runs fine and I will be putting a million miles on it.
I think what’s not considered with the mini reliability is how they’re driven and maintain. Let’s also not forget the young guy factor, guys that rev the the shit out of them all believing they’re race drivers.
If you want a car to last 300k miles, buy a beige Toyota. If you want a car that will never bore you, get a MINI. MINI's more frequent repairs is simply a cost of doing business. Just like going for a weekend trip to Manhattan NY cost more that a trip to suburban Cleveland, but a whole lot more fun.
Ive owned my 2003 R50 mini for 5 years now, have the 5 speed manual, the car has just over 190 000km on it, and it is the first time i've had to replace the clutch, there is zero electronic faults to complain about and the 1.6 motor is still mechanicaly perfect... You don't get used to the speedo/tac layout, because it feels natural from the moment you sit in the car... No power steering problems and no leaks thus far...
I owned a 2006 Mini Cooper S manual transmission for one year. It was a fun little rocket. For that one year I owned it, the Mini never gave me problems, but the person I sold it too had all sorts of problems with the Mini.
Good overview video and thank you. The 2006 Mini with the manual 6 speed Getrag transmission IMHO is a pretty decent car. The automatic CVT is an utter failure. The timing chain issue was more in the 2007 through 2010. The timing chain issue is easily resolved with regular oil changes and change out of the tensioner (15 minute job) every 40k. The power steering is covered by recall and the new pump is not that bad. Most Mini owners drive these cars pretty hard which I think is another reason you see allot of engine failures. If you do drive your car hard and are not mechanically inclined I would not recommend a Mini. Go buy a honda civic with a V Tec engine or a RWD Miata.
Everyone has there own opinion of cars and every brand, every model, every package has there problems there is no perfect car but minis are great cars and my 2003 s has had no problems at all the 6 speed is great and so is the engine but the condition of those also depends on how hard you drive the car so just because one persons opinion is bad another's is extraordinarily good and that's what those people think, but all in all minis are great cars.
@Ellie Basic Love the driving and the looks of the car so far. Very go-cart like driving. Power steering pump is a bit noisy but you cant hear it while inside the car. My only concern is the fuel consumption. Havent confirmed it yet but I am averaging about 160-180 miles per tank which is not great...
I have a Mini Cooper 2gen. 2008 Travelling from UK to Croatia few times per year and every day use… no problems, because I take care of my car, changing oil filters, new timing chain and it runs great. 120mph on German autobahn easy. The main problem that people face with minis is that they don’t check the oil level, and those engines like to spend little bit of oil, and if you are running a Mini on low oil it’s going to overheat. So just check your oil and top up if needed.
I've owned two minis, and thumbs up, best car I've ever driven or owned. I would not even want to buy a different car. I transported a 54" TV in the back! BUT, I have had problems, so yes you have to take the good with the bad. The first mini, an '05, had a pin hole in one of the coolant pipes, which took months to find. Only found it when I told the mechanic he could take it home with him, and when it got hot enough, he figured out where the steam was coming from. Also one of the hinges on the rear hatch broke and had to be replaced. The 2014 I have right now has been perfect for 5 years, knock on wood. It's got a few dents, and I've driven it across country. Absolutely love it. Both automatics BTW. I don't need to play "race driver" when all I need to do is get to work.
I have a 2006 Mini Cooper..love love love it..never any problems with my baby..I'm the second owner..so don't know if the first owner had any problems..but I've had it for 6 years and she's a sweet little get about car..
Tbh the steering will go if you drive hard. These cars go around corners faster than most cars so don't expect it to just ok if you drive it hard often.
I had an 08 non-turbo 6 speed that I loved. Water pump swap at 103K (common failure). (edit: and the commute MPG was FANTASTIC, I averaged 36-38, no BS). The engine was a Peugeot which although was peppy, consumed oil at a higher than acceptable rate for my tastes, especially when I started racking up the miles. I reluctantly traded mine away when I hit 145,000 miles on the clock. I owned it from new, and was VERY religious about changing it on time, as know the value in doing so. I miss the fun I had with it. Everyone should own one, at least once, you'll smile alot !
i think its about the driving charecters, coz my has broke engine x2 simply because im reckless....mini its a nice car to drive and also atract people, buy one and enjoy it. but dont drive recklesly.
Bit harsh Greg... The 2nd generation MINI had a completely different engine, as did the 3rd generation ...also the manual gearbox problems were all eliminated in the 1st generation when that was changed by the end of 2003 (in the 1st generation)...Your vid should read "Don't buy a 1st Generation MINI Cooper" ....Although, being English I have had four - zero problems! Dozens of my fellow Brits have had scores of them...again , Zero problems! ...Finally your "Halo list" is full of basically bland and boring Japanese cars where the owners tend to be elderly and not interested in driving at all. MINI owners drive enthusiastically and that means (sometimes) hard. So of course they will get more wear! As you say it's a blast to drive!
I love my R52 Cooper S, now at 255.000 km (new timing chain is in). Looks and runs like 55.000 km. Just mind the waterpump and supercharger setup ;-) and if you want no trouble with that, buy a cooper instead of the S. The last trouble I had was a bad fuel-pump relay. This relay only costs a few bucks but is expensive to diagnose and get to as it is hidden inside the fuse-box. Mini OEM parts are fairly cheap and I learned to fix a lot on my own.
FYI the manual trans in an r53 is so bulletproof there are no rebuild kits available. I know people who have put over 600hp through them on upgraded cluts/axles without issue.
My Cooper S wrecked the supercharger because I had not changed the waterpump when it started to scream / whine. With the waterpump and supercharger fixed the manual transmission engine stands at 243.000 km and is still running like new.
I had an oil burning problem. I was only getting 500 miles to a quart of oil. The dealership said that it was normal. (Don't they always?) They changed the valve pan gasket. Nothing changed. I tried to tell them what the real problem was but they wouldn't listen. Finally, they did as I asked and changed the turbocharger. The problem lay in the oil seal in the turbo. It was leaking by and getting into the combustion chamber. After it was changed the oil problem was solved. I still got rid of the car as I was afraid that it would be a problem that would show up again in 30,000 miles or so.
+LGA2DFW. The car was under warranty so I didn't pay to much attention to the cost of the turbo replacement. I have since sold the car. I will be getting a Mazda Miata.
One does bot simply buy a British vehicle without A. Being a Mechanic B. Being Wealthy I can tell you from experience owning Rovers both big and small even being very mechanical only gets you so far without having the funds to fix
The original Mini is no where in the same room with these BMW Minis. Having driven a few in London over many years they leave fond memories of just how great they were.
I have 180k miles on mine. No issues at all other than a clutch at 130k and a few thermostat housing gaskets and the Ac went out at 80k. I fit a Marshall half stack, another marshall head, 2 guitars and a gym bag no problem.
I don't agree with most of your comments. You don't buy a Mini for trunk space. The six speed Trans is rugged. Belt and Tensioner issues, Yes. Never had any major issues myself. 2006 S with 68,000 mile. If you take care of any vehicle it will last.
All of the cars I've owned over the past 50 years have required multiple repairs after the odometer hit around 90,000 miles. I've owned a lot of different makes. The only trouble free cars were the old VW Beetles. All the many cars after my 1973 Beetle have had lots of repairs needed so I just figure that's part of owning a car as the miles accumulate. Last summer I bought a 2006 R52 with 136,000 miles and I've had some repairs, but accepted that because my MINI is 14 years old with high miles. But it is a blast to drive and love it enough I'll do the repairs until it becomes too much that it out ways the fun factor. I have the advantage of a local independent mechanic who works on it and who charges a lot less per hour than a dealer shop. So, with that said, I say, if you want a fun car go with a MINI.
I own 2007 Mini Cooper S with less than 100K on it. In the past 1 year I've spent over $5000 in repairs. So this past year we've replaced -- (1) Timing Chain - I just can't discuss this without becoming nauseated. You can read about it just about everywhere. This is a big cost - I got away pretty good b/c I found a non BMW Store mechanic that has all the correct tools to do the work and he is very honest. I spent somewhere around $3700 but I've heard people spending $4200+ Well, I also have to factor in that I had to rent a car for about a month, so add about $1000 for that....(2) Water Pump (3) Blower Motor. It is a fun car to drive when it works, but when it doesn't its a drag. Mechanics are hard to find and special tools are required to work on this little rascal. If you don't need to depend on the car -- and you want to buy one for Sunday drives -- then go for it because they are really fun. But if you plan on using it to commute to work and/or school, I would not recommend this at all. Get a older model Honda or Toyota for the commuting -- don't rack up the miles on this car. If you do buy one, make sure the timing chain has been replaced. The class action lawsuit that was settled a few years back may cover the cost - but know this going into it. If its not been done and its not covered under the class action - then expect about $5000 bill. Before you buy, see if there is a reliable reputable mechanic in your area that works on the Mini and verify that he has the proper tools and training. During your test drive, if anything sounds a little off - if you smell anything that you shouldn't - get away from the car
I got a used 05 convertible with a manual and although its a blast to drive, its been a repair nightmare. Ive gone through a set of tires, a rim, front passenger strut, an oil change, serpentine belt, air filter, clutch (@65k miles) and it now needs a new transmission because of a bad pressure plate.
I think your getting the 5 Speed that comes in the standard cooper and the 6 speed that comes in the S model. The 6 speed is a great trans, were at the 5 speed is not so much and as you said the automatic is garbabe.
My 03 Cooper R50 has a midland 5-speed manual transmission It shifts smoothly and the transmission has never given me a problem. I did change the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles and switched to Amzoil..It has shifted even more smoothy than before since I changed to Amzoil.........
I was going to buy a 2004 Mini Cooper and let me tell you the best choice I took was NOT buying it. Car angel is right. I went ahead and brought a 2004 Toyota Matrix XR. I never had a single problem with the Toyota, it had more space and about nearly the same mpg. The parts and labor are much cheaper for the Toyota and lasts longer.
2006 mini cooper base; "5-speed" manual transmission @170,000 miles & No problems outside of normal wear. Everyday transportation and im a forever mini madness fan. Agree with some of this, but mostly not so.
My mini is bomb proof ! 100,000 over 8 years of ownership and little by way of issues. It’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned and I’ve had like 30 or so !!
You have a few of your facts wrong on this video... mainly the bit relating to the transmission. On the regular cooper the automatic cvt and 5 speed Midlands were both horrible and unreliable. But in the s, the manual is a getrag six speed which is bullet proof. Same tranny as in the Ford focus svt. There are mini racing teams that use the stock 6 speed up to 300 horsepower.
YourCarAngel I did not hear you mention anything about 1 good transmission in the mini. I own a 2006 mini cooper non s with 140k on it and have not had one single problem with the 5 speed or anything else. I think they are fabulous cars. Like all cars if you maintain them properly they'll treat you well. Just my 2 cents
He knows what he is talking about with the 1gen cooper. It is a foundation for building in the used car market. Of course he is only addressing the idea of buying a used car for transportation without upgrading (Like the sprintex supercharger for that year). Or the idea that it still was a 35 thousand dollar car to begin with and can be rebuilt to meet that standard. He does know what is best for the consumer when it comes to pre-owned cars. My problem is nothing got a cooper it's high and tight up to date it's a second gen but upgraded all the way from ground up updated at 60thousand I can spend the cost on it because it was 35 to 55 thousand dollar platform new. And expect it to be like a high end sport luxury entry level. My only problem with car angel is his halo list makes me look like something from the mexican mafia(acura, infinty, etc). if I were to buy any of those cars. They might be good but like the boxster losing oil and not providing a solid frame for transplanting other engines to the not mentioned 1999 model of 911 that is a electrical nightmare. What he says for the most part is the truth. I was just raised with nobody to fix my car except me so some problems I welcome. Anymore though angel is right only so much can be done buy the home mechanic least you buy all the tools for the specific car you have and basically become a dealership mechanic from home.
I appreciate your video. I was going to buy a 2005 model, but have decided against the purchase based on your review and reading consumer affairs. I had a 1996 VW VR6 GTI built in Mexico and that was a nightmare to own in terms of expensive and frequent repairs.
I own a 2009 Cooper S 6 speed manual. Just hit 80k miles. No problems. I also live in Denver where everywhere I see there is a Mini Cooper, so Mini must be doing something right.
I would love to say that I haven't had any problems but that would be untrue. A while ago I had a cracked thermostat housing and had to get that replaced along with all the hoses to it, as well as a leak in the oil line to the turbo. And now I am having timing chain issues (which the timing chain is located inside the engine which equals expensive repairs). I'm told that all these repairs are routine but with student loans and still paying off the bank loan for the Mini, these repair bills are absolutely killing me. Not sure if I'm just having bad luck or not. Mini Coopers are great cars but just telling you that repair bills can be very pricey. So buy with caution and do your research to see what the car has had replaced and not replaced yet.
Had a 2007 Mini Cooper Hardtop Pepperwhite for 3 years and I spent $2,000 before I finally traded it in. Great car to drive, but cost to own is not so good. It is plagued with problems. Lease it or buy new and add in extended warranty.
I had an 03 cooper S. phenomenal car! no issues at all. auto have a huge problem. 6 speed is a getrag transmission which is great and not weak as mentioned. the engine is very strong not a problem s mentioned. as a matter of fact, nothing about why the engine is bad was mentioned. steering pump can go. yes expensive. coolant not and issue. just replace coolant tank. it's cheap and flush your coolant every year. water bottle holder issue, really????
I have a 2006 mini cooper checkmate edition 1.6l R50 5 speed it was 198.000miles on it and have 0 Problems out of it I haven't had to replace any major part
If the owner of a decent car maintains it and does services and maintenance when its due then any car will last them for years and years... I have a 2008 Civic Type R 2L Naturally Aspirated and I race and drive hard all the time, it has over 200 000km on it and the engine and car is still 100%... No issues at all.... Thats cause i always check water and oil levels and always send it for the services when it needs to be done.... I know this is rather off topic but I am just saying...
Have a 2003 non S manual tranny 165k. in the shop right now. - transmission bearings is fucked. $1700cad including brandew clutch installed. My mistake, i brought it in the dealership and they charge me $350 just for doing the diagnose check. very nice right..
Car Angel, can you recommend a small, reliable, affordable fun to drive car? seems like most of those, including Mini and the VW Golf are unreliable POS which give you as much aggravation as they do driving fun.
+pedrof830 The Mazda Miata with rear wheel drive is a good choice. Just be careful with the Mini Cooper. There were good and bad engines and transmissions. Also the years are important to know which were better.
Thanks for your timely response. I would declare myself insane and check into the nut house if I ever were to buy a used Mini. There is this TH-cam fellow, known as subaruwrxfan who documented buying s used one and he just had tons of trouble, so much so that even under warranty, he had enough and traded it in.I just wished someone, anyone would build a modern day version of the old BMW 318 or 320, reliable. of course. They would sell like hotcakes.
+pedrof830 My mini is generally unreliable its the r56 s. But, with the small amount of work i've put in it's been really fun and shits on alot of bigger engines. But I have to agree. If you have the money its better than the gti and most other fwd cars but it kinda defeats alot of the purpose of fwd by being affordable. Check out the fiesta st also
Basically 2001 - 2006 and 2011 onwards are ok. Avoid second Ge Minis as they are Peugeot engines which are the worst,so I have been told by other Mini owners.
I own a 2006 Mini CooperS with a 6speed standard and I've not had a single problem in the years. Also the power steering pump can be seen from the bottom of the car? I guess if you don't own a floor jack it would be hard to replace, but it took a few hours on my friends ha.
I got a 2010 mini cooper s.....at 78k I had to get a whole new clutch kit, at 80k a new thermostat and now at 81k needs a new gasket...oil everywhere. I've heard great things and yes it is fun to drive, but....the "regular maintenance" is kinda pissing me off. I had a Jeep Liberty 4x4 before this car and the only thing it ever needed at 120something k was new tires and oil changes. Zero major repairs. I regret trading it in.....................
I have a 2005 Mini Cooper r50 and I have 113,000 miles on it and I have only had to replace the tires and that’s it I’ve had a pretty good luck with mine
Could not agree more. I bought an 03 R53 for 5300, guy had service records for everything, it was a very well taken care of car but has been nothing but a headache for me. Had a year now and have spent just over 5300 in repairs and upgrades. I will never own another Mini Cooper, it is by far the most unreliable car I've ever owned!
I really like the mini, but reliability issues keep me away from them. JD Power and Associates, aswel, as Consumer Reports, also give the Mini Cooper a very low reliability rating. I really can't stand that, because if the Mini Cooper was reliable it would be at the top of my list for next vehicle.
Bought an '05 MINI Cooper S for $4k, thought I got a steal. Then spent $8k - $9k in parts repairs, and it still overheated and made a 'chewbacca' noise from the flywheel. My mechanic offered me $3k for the car - that was AFTER I paid his shop $2300 for repairs! HUGE waste of money. It was briefly fun to drive after my big investment, but it left me stranded 3 times and it still needed work. I'll be running away from any used MINI in the future!
Just spoke with the US Dept. Of Transportation NHTSA and they agree that there are many problems with the Mini. Engine from Brazil and a load of problems with the transmission. Here is a link to the class action lawsuit against MINI's parent company BMW: topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1378-bmw-mini-cooper-defective-transmission-class-action-lawsuit/
YourCarAngel what about 2008 up to 2013 mini are those have lots problems and expensive to fix? I heard good reviews about those .let me know thank you
Jose Colon I drive a 2013 base model. It’s dope. I really wanted the cooper s however I got a great deal on this base model and I really like it. A mini is like any other car, if you treat it right it will give you Years of dependability.
Thank you for doing this review. I just looked at a 2006 mini cooper a couple of days ago. The clutch had just been repaired. It has about 160,000 miles on it. I will pass.
I am forever tainted from buying another mini. I am happy for all of you that have not bought a lemon or otherwise have experienced the nightmare I have. I bought a new 2007 Mini Cooper, automatic transmission. I pamper my mini, not hard on it all, keep up on all maintenance and few miles, which as of today has 87K miles. However, right after the extended warranty expired, November 2013, my mini has been in the shop 8 times, 4 times in less than one year. The water pump has been replaced twice, 2011 & 2014. The 2nd one as I drove off the dealer lot only to find my engine revving, engine light on, AC failed, (I live in Phoenix Az, this was July) and major engine power loss on acceleration. Immediately turned around headed back to mini only to be told they did not hook it up!! I asked for it to be documented as I was in fear it damaged my engine. Well, guess what, they now demy all the major oil leaks, (non exterior btw) burning of oil and coolant, valves / AC leaks and much more with surmounting repairs costs in the $5K range in two years. They tell me this is normal wear and tear. The car does not run correctly and has an audible rattle and vibration. It also has continued loss of acceleration, power, and occasional uncontrollable revving? Yet they can't seem to figure out why all this is happening. Both dealership service departments continue to blow smoke up my a#! They refuse to own up to their mistake and inadequate service. They is so much more but will save that for miniusa and minigermany.
Oh man, that is just insane. The dealers you have to be so carful of. I bought the extended warranty on both of my 2007s they are both the s version. 137.00 a month for enhanced power train get it you won't be sorry. 137.00 a month for 24 months covers all the way to 200,001 miles. Pays for everything even the rental. Get it and drive away with peace of mind. Hopefully you'll look into it if you're keeping this car.
I had a 2008 Mini Cooper S I loved it even though it had some minor cons like it being small and everything but I'm 510 and I fit in it perfectly until I got in an accident LOL I'm actually currently possibly looking for another one that's how much I love them
Previous mini motors were Puegot motors!!! But as from 2014, their motors are bmw motors, which the exact same motor is also in the i8.... And in another bmw whi h I can not recall at this moment..... And the current minis are actually very reliable. I know of some who has stage 3 mods on his 2016 cooper s and he races weekly and the car or engine has given no problems whatsoever.. And that is because it is a bmw motor and no linger French crap puegot motors.... I dont even own a mini and I know this
The MINI is probably the first and last BMW product that I buy. Good thing I can fix it myself. I do like the car, it looks good and handles good, but some of the engineering is a failure.
Except for the top, I haven't had any major problems, at least not one that cant be related to other cars. I think my Mini is built better than most American cars.
Bear in mind this video is old now and he's covering the 1st generation Mini manufactured under BMW's ownership. In researching, I've found each generation has been improved and the 3rd Generation (still in production as I type this, in August 2020) seems to be on a par with any decent car.
If you're considering a Mini, understand that all of them have higher labor cost for repairs because the mechanicals are tightly packed into the engine compartment. And as a result, body and mechanical parts may have to be removed to gain access for replacing a given part.
If you want to buy a Mini, shop for a 3rd generation, and buy the one that's the newest and has the lowest mileage, that you can afford.
The biggest issues with Mini's are caused by owner's that don't follow maintenance. Mini's aren't like a Toyota that you can maybe be somewhat lax about maintenance.
The second biggest issues with Mini's, again are caused by owner's that continually use Regular Gasoline. These cars must have Premium Gasoline. And better still if it's Shell V-Power gasoline.
During research, one of the things I checked was how long do Mini's tend to last. I did this by going to Auto Trader and searched for Mini's model years 2015-2019, located within a 500 mile range from my zip code. Then when the list appeared, I used the Sort Tool, and selected List Highest Mileage First. I was surprised at how many Mini's there are with over 170,000 miles on them. The highest of these (at that time) had 189,000 miles on it. So, they do seem to last a long time.
My Mini Cooper S stands at 255.000. Never needed V-Power.
@@thedude579 Do as you wish, but all the euro cars call for premium gas.
@@discerningmind I am talking about european gas.
95 Octane does it for the Mini. There is no need for 98 or 102.
I even put 95 Octane into my Porsche 964.
@@thedude579 I should have stated "USA."
I was speaking about USA octanes. And in the USA all euro cars require premium octane. I apologize for confusing you.
@@discerningmind Ok :-)
this video dishonors my right ear
Thought my headphones were broken lol
thought my AirPods were dying
Music too both right and left ear bc I was looking to buy one.
I have a 2006 Mini that I have put 120,000 miles on. So far going on 10 years old - no transmission problems, no power steering pump problems, no timing chain issues, no coolant leaks or overheating. Mine has the 5-speed manual transmission and I would not describe it as "weak." Maybe people are driving theirs like a racecar and wrecking their gearbox?
I have had new brakes installed, air conditioning recharged and the leather peeled off the gearshift knob. That's about it. I average about 38 MPG so really the car has saved me a lot of money over those 120,000 miles.
The car is truly a blast to drive. The fit and finish are extraordinary, as you would expect from a car made by BMW. Maintenance can be a bit high, but brakes are reasonable, tires are reasonable. Oil Changes are high because of full synthetic but you can go longer between changes than most cars.
The 2015 Mini is 30cm longer and has loads and loads more electronics than the R52 generation Mini, so I'm not crazy about the new ones. I'm going to have to make my Mini last as long as I can. Maybe my next car can be one that drives itself.
I bought a new 2003 R-50, red with a white top. It has the Midland 5-speed which shifts smoothly and quietly. No oil leaks. So far I have had the fuel pump replaced, and otherwise just regular oil changes. Almost forgot, I also got a new battery. I like it, and it drives and looks great......Nothing has been done that required a MINI dealer. The battery was replaced at Wal-Mart, and the fuel pump replaced by the same mechanic I have been using for more than 20 years. He said it was no problem....
Timing chain tensioners go loose, but I've never seen a broken timing chain. The transmission issues were with the CVT automatic transmission and the early 5-speed Midlands manual transmissions on non -S Coopers.
The 6 speed Getrag manual transmission on all 2002-2006 Cooper S is bulletproof.
The power steering pump is the weakest link in this car, but can be replaced in about 2 hours and is on a dealer extended warranty for certain model years.
These cars are far more reliable than the original Classic Mini.
I would agree that if you are in the market for cheap, economical transportation and you are not a driving enthusiast or care about style and fun on the road, then maybe the MINI Cooper is not the car for you. Everyone else though - motor on!
Good info. This guy just generalized all Mini with the problem without really understanding the specifics.
You have to understand, this guy isn't a tech, and doesn't really have any credentials I could find. It appears he's just repeating info he's found on Wikipedia and various consumer websites. It's a nice page for getting a bit of info, but I have a hard time with his charging people forget his" service".
***** Anecdotal evidence. Even MINIs that have been built to 400HP have not suffered transmission failures.
***** The MINI Getrag is bulletproof.
I owned a 2005 Mini Cooper S convertible. Blown engine, cracked block with 82,000KM or 50,000 miles. No reasons given by the dealer, definitely not bullet proof. more proof www.cbc.ca/news/canada/bmw-s-mini-coopers-labelled-junk-as-owner-hit-with-10k-engine-repairs-1.2948855
When I bought my VW Golf MkIV TDI, people told me the same thing... "It's a VW, repairs are expensive." I've owned that for 7 years and 165K (It's a 2002 with 265k as we speak) and have only done maintenance and some wear and tear repairs. My point? People are quick to point to a few flaws, but you don't hear about the thousands more that are happy with their purchase. Just my non-biased $.02.
The only reason people have problems with Mini Coopers is because they drive them so hard. Minis are known for being peppy, and have great handling, but driving with this power also takes a toll on it's components. I know people with older Mini Coopers who have had no problems because of their driving characteristics.
Mi B that being said why have a nice car with nice handling and power then never use it that’s like having and drive it like a grandma. That seems like to me just a poor built car..might as well get a civic it would last longer at any rate and you could even drive it hard and it would hold up... because it’s a well made car.
@@lj4602 I was about to say something similar, had an EP3, still have it, going to sell it for parts very regrettably! Cant afford to fix it. Super reliable durable car though.
I looked after it in the sense that I topped up oil often, and warmed her up before abusing daily for over a year with no bad results.. as the 7th owner lol. Put many miles on this car. Only thing that went wrong was a idler pulley seized, cheap easy fix lucky. Pads tyres and an oil change that's it. Wicked little car the EP3, so engaging and definitely worth what I paid for it. All day long.
Only wish the missus felt the same lol.
Always wanted one, finally got one and have to say it's always been fun.
Just bought a little mini and they are fun. But they don't like being pushed hard, well not for long anyway.
Not like the K series. Knows no bounds!
Taking abuse is part of being a car, especially for an everyman's sport hatch.
The 2002 to 2006 R53 “S” models with a manual transmission are pretty solid. Maintenance matters, they don’t thrive on neglect, but are solidly reliable cars.
I still have my 2002, and it’s a daily driver in Canada.
How many miles do you have on it?
Videos like this scared me away from buying a mini for the longest time. Really it is all about buying the right year, and knowing what the common points of failure are.If you are looking at an R53 (2002-2006) don't go later than a 2004. After this year, the transmissions were greatly improved, they received a racing transmission made my Getrag, very reliable. DO NOT BUY THEM IN THE CVT TRANSMISSION!!! THAT"S WHAT WILL COST YOU!!!
Power steering pumps are covered by a recall up to 150,000 miles, so that's free. Coolant reservoirs almost always fail, that will cost you an entire $30 and about 30 minutes to replace if you know nothing at all about cars. Check your parking spot and under the hood about once a month for any kinds of leaks or oil stains., Pay attention to your car and take it in to get checked out if you have a concern, this car won't let you down if you take care of it. Still not convinced? These early years were made with the Chrysler Tritec engine, same engine you find in a dodge neon and pt cruiser, the version used in the Cooper S won an award in 2003 for its category. If you like the car but want it to be as reliable as possible, skip out on the Cooper S, higher performance cars always cost more one way or another.
Later years can be a bit more of a headache, they became more complicated and had different issues. Don't go earlier than 2011 and make sure service records are good. From 2007-2010 Mini coopers got a very crappy and unreliable engine from Puegeot, this and the first generation's bad CVT transmissions are what give the car most of its poor reputation. If you want this car, don't get scared away, just buy smart and spend less than your maximum budget just in case an issue does arise.
Any problems with the any of the '16 Minis? Want to buy one but not sure.
Never a Dull Moment don’t buy any car with a CVT it’s not a transmission it junk.
I just bought a 2002 Mini One with 82,000 miles. Videos like this makes me nervous since I sold my other car with 30,000 on clock which was in pristine condition and bought this Mini.....hopefully I did the right thing. Although there is a clanking noise coming from the back when I break so now getting worried.
debbie peter I have only one question why sell a 30k mile pristine car for an 82k mile unknown? I would definitely have that brake clunk looked at brakes aren’t generally too expensive to replace, but critical to your life.
@@SkepticCat-pz1zz Because this is my 4th Mini. I love them but unfortunately only like 1st Gen Minis. Hate anything from 2007 onwards. I have had Mini checked and only a minor repair was needed. I am not regretting selling my previous low mileage car and buying this car. Life is too short. This one puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it, the other one didnt. Simple as that really.
I bought a 2005 convertible Mini Cooper with 86,000 miles. I found a great mechanic that fixed all sensor problems and now I feel blessed every time I get in the car. The interior design, the comfortable seats are unparalleled. Kudos for Mini!
I love rotary engine powered cars and currently own an rx7. So I just bought a 2004 Cooper S to add to the mix, both cars handle well, and require costly maintenance and repairs. But this is what I do ha ha ha.
YOUVE MADE ME WANT THE CAR MORE
Good grief. So, don't buy a Mini Cooper S because.... the buttons are awkward if you put a superfluous drinks holder in the car, the bonnet-open-lever is on the right and there is a catch you need to push to open the bonnet. Otherwise the gear box was changed in 2003 and works brilliantly. I have one and it's great. The parts are cheap to buy, easy to install and there are videos on everything you ever want to do with the car.
You're right except for the parts--they aren't that cheap.
Alan Male reviewer should be embarrassed. Didn't do his research.
If you are struggling to find the wheels (in each corner), washer fluid (either side of the engine), and battery (in the boot/trunk), then yes, this is not the car for you.
I have a 2009 mini cooper, i bought new. Runs great all i have done is oil changes and regular maintenance. Not bad cars bad owners
there is one major rule with MINIs. If something brake down, you have to repair it immediately. You can;t wait because "I can drive with it". Have to repair if you don't want a big problems later :D
MINI Cooper reviews almost always refer to the Cooper S version (especially the R53 rather than R50). As the years accumulate, the Cooper S with their super/turbocharged engines and higher performance, are generally subjected to significantly higher stresses than the non-charged Cooper and thus exhibit certain specific reliability issues. Key thing if buying used is to ensure that it has been well maintained and with a good service history. The facelift MINI (2004-06) improved some of the Cooper weak links like the manual transmission etc.
I'm looking into a Mini as a first car, and I figured this video would make me just go with the basic Honda civics or something, but I read the comments and now I feel so confident and happy about getting a Mini! Lol thanks guys
Kandidly Kristen did you ever get one ?
im planning on buying a mini as my first car. I'm guessing you got yours! how'd it go? do you recommend that i buy it?
Leasing should be okay but DO NOT buy a Mini Cooper. Worst decision in my life. I had 2013, and traded in for 2016. First three years are great without any problem. It’s my 4th yr (23,000mi) in and I’m already having so much problem one after another. High maintenance. Already spent few k fixing dumb stuff and now engine came on again. It’s really annoying. 😡
I’m also eyeing to get a 2nd gen Mini Cooper. How’s everything with the car?
To Amanda Lee: perhaps it’s your mechanic that’s the problem.
I love my Hondas, but my 2003 Mini Cooper S 6 speed I'm the original owner bought and shipped straight from GB. 187,000 miles no issues, some easy upgrades got it to 240 HP, fast, handles awesome, and fun to drive. Nobody cares if you drive a Toyota Matrix, but everyone will ask about the Mini. Plus the Customizable aftermarket sub culture you become apart off with other Mini owners. Its all about the honks, waves, and headlight flashing. I guess you dont about all of that.
What upgrades did you get to reach 240? That sounds awesome!
dude is that why Minis are always flashing at me lmao??? i never knew this till now. Im gana start flashing!! People always ask me " Hey is that ur mini out there" im like yeah. I love it! Always feels good. And you nailed it. "Nobody cares about ur Toyota Matrix" lol. I love my Mini. But its not my everyday driver. Its garaged kept. I only drive it in the winter times in FL.
I have over 197 thousand miles on my 2003 mini cooper and the only problem I've had is the shifting cable and the power steering pump. Other than that it runs fine and I will be putting a million miles on it.
I think what’s not considered with the mini reliability is how they’re driven and maintain. Let’s also not forget the young guy factor, guys that rev the the shit out of them all believing they’re race drivers.
YOU GUYS BROKE MY HEART! MINI COOPER IS NOT BAD CAR! IT CAN BE GOOD CAR BUT NOT LIKE LAMBORGHINI!
That statement " fun to drive but a curse to own." So true.
If you want a car to last 300k miles, buy a beige Toyota. If you want a car that will never bore you, get a MINI. MINI's more frequent repairs is simply a cost of doing business. Just like going for a weekend trip to Manhattan NY cost more that a trip to suburban Cleveland, but a whole lot more fun.
Personally i love minis and they are so fun to drive and we have never had an issue with ours.
Charlie Wiltermood what year was your mini pal? Im looking to buy one and was wondering which year would be reliable
Mummy's Sunshine have had 3 the first was a 2005 second 2010 and the current one 2014 all been reliable and fun to drive.
Charlie Wiltermood awesome, thanks
Charlie Wiltermood cooper s?
John Cooper Works
I've had my mini for 150k and besides small maintenance it's fine
Ive owned my 2003 R50 mini for 5 years now, have the 5 speed manual, the car has just over 190 000km on it, and it is the first time i've had to replace the clutch, there is zero electronic faults to complain about and the 1.6 motor is still mechanicaly perfect... You don't get used to the speedo/tac layout, because it feels natural from the moment you sit in the car... No power steering problems and no leaks thus far...
I owned a 2006 Mini Cooper S manual transmission for one year. It was a fun little rocket. For that one year I owned it, the Mini never gave me problems, but the person I sold it too had all sorts of problems with the Mini.
Good overview video and thank you. The 2006 Mini with the manual 6 speed Getrag transmission IMHO is a pretty decent car. The automatic CVT is an utter failure. The timing chain issue was more in the 2007 through 2010. The timing chain issue is easily resolved with regular oil changes and change out of the tensioner (15 minute job) every 40k. The power steering is covered by recall and the new pump is not that bad. Most Mini owners drive these cars pretty hard which I think is another reason you see allot of engine failures. If you do drive your car hard and are not mechanically inclined I would not recommend a Mini. Go buy a honda civic with a V Tec engine or a RWD Miata.
our mini cooper s is 8 years old and for the time we have owned the only issue has been the power steering pump
That's pretty shitty for that part to break so early. Had my truck since 2004 and nothing has broken yet. GMC ;)
Kenshin Himura I forget. How well do GMC's corner ?
PAR LAY Still waiting for that GMC to get out of the corner, when it does we will know.
+Duggle Bogey 3 years later and the GMC is still in the corner. Hopefully it'll make it out soon.
I could eat alphabet soup and shit a more accurate mini review than this one.
So go ahead, Mr. Brilliance.
Butthurt much?
Doubtful.
...but that’s still funny as hell 🤣
I have a 2006 mini and I have discovered today my coolant problem! I wish you posted this in march when I purchased it!
My mini cooper R53 manual, now at 230,000km. No major issue. Just sensor and power window problem. I like this car so much. Fun to drive.
Everyone has there own opinion of cars and every brand, every model, every package has there problems there is no perfect car but minis are great cars and my 2003 s has had no problems at all the 6 speed is great and so is the engine but the condition of those also depends on how hard you drive the car so just because one persons opinion is bad another's is extraordinarily good and that's what those people think, but all in all minis are great cars.
I had 2002 Cooper and 2005 Cooper S convertible
You are wrong
I recommend everyone to get one
@@nightowl9417 buying a 2002 hatchback tomorrow. wish me luck!
@Ellie Basic Love the driving and the looks of the car so far. Very go-cart like driving. Power steering pump is a bit noisy but you cant hear it while inside the car. My only concern is the fuel consumption. Havent confirmed it yet but I am averaging about 160-180 miles per tank which is not great...
Really?
The hood release on the English version is also on the passenger side - or the left. I have a 2012 and it took me a while and a tutorial to find it.
I have a Mini Cooper 2gen. 2008
Travelling from UK to Croatia few times per year and every day use… no problems, because I take care of my car, changing oil filters, new timing chain and it runs great. 120mph on German autobahn easy. The main problem that people face with minis is that they don’t check the oil level, and those engines like to spend little bit of oil, and if you are running a Mini on low oil it’s going to overheat. So just check your oil and top up if needed.
I've owned two minis, and thumbs up, best car I've ever driven or owned. I would not even want to buy a different car. I transported a 54" TV in the back! BUT, I have had problems, so yes you have to take the good with the bad. The first mini, an '05, had a pin hole in one of the coolant pipes, which took months to find. Only found it when I told the mechanic he could take it home with him, and when it got hot enough, he figured out where the steam was coming from. Also one of the hinges on the rear hatch broke and had to be replaced. The 2014 I have right now has been perfect for 5 years, knock on wood. It's got a few dents, and I've driven it across country. Absolutely love it. Both automatics BTW. I don't need to play "race driver" when all I need to do is get to work.
I have a 2006 Mini Cooper..love love love it..never any problems with my baby..I'm the second owner..so don't know if the first owner had any problems..but I've had it for 6 years and she's a sweet little get about car..
Tbh the steering will go if you drive hard. These cars go around corners faster than most cars so don't expect it to just ok if you drive it hard often.
I had an 08 non-turbo 6 speed that I loved. Water pump swap at 103K (common failure). (edit: and the commute MPG was FANTASTIC, I averaged 36-38, no BS). The engine was a Peugeot which although was peppy, consumed oil at a higher than acceptable rate for my tastes, especially when I started racking up the miles. I reluctantly traded mine away when I hit 145,000 miles on the clock. I owned it from new, and was VERY religious about changing it on time, as know the value in doing so. I miss the fun I had with it. Everyone should own one, at least once, you'll smile alot !
i think its about the driving charecters, coz my has broke engine x2 simply because im reckless....mini its a nice car to drive and also atract people, buy one and enjoy it. but dont drive recklesly.
Bit harsh Greg... The 2nd generation MINI had a completely different engine, as did the 3rd generation ...also the manual gearbox problems were all eliminated in the 1st generation when that was changed by the end of 2003 (in the 1st generation)...Your vid should read "Don't buy a 1st Generation MINI Cooper" ....Although, being English I have had four - zero problems! Dozens of my fellow Brits have had scores of them...again , Zero problems! ...Finally your "Halo list" is full of basically bland and boring Japanese cars where the owners tend to be elderly and not interested in driving at all. MINI owners drive enthusiastically and that means (sometimes) hard. So of course they will get more wear! As you say it's a blast to drive!
I love my R52 Cooper S, now at 255.000 km (new timing chain is in). Looks and runs like 55.000 km.
Just mind the waterpump and supercharger setup ;-) and if you want no trouble with that, buy a cooper instead of the S.
The last trouble I had was a bad fuel-pump relay. This relay only costs a few bucks but is expensive to diagnose and get to as it is hidden inside the fuse-box.
Mini OEM parts are fairly cheap and I learned to fix a lot on my own.
I have a 2009 mini clubman and haven't had any of the problems mentioned in the video. 87K miles.
FYI the manual trans in an r53 is so bulletproof there are no rebuild kits available. I know people who have put over 600hp through them on upgraded cluts/axles without issue.
My Cooper S wrecked the supercharger because I had not changed the waterpump when it started to scream / whine.
With the waterpump and supercharger fixed the manual transmission engine stands at 243.000 km and is still running like new.
I have a 2003 S and I've put on 130000 miles. Only thing I've put into it is breaks and exhaust. Been a great car.
I had an oil burning problem. I was only getting 500 miles to a quart of oil. The dealership said that it was normal. (Don't they always?) They changed the valve pan gasket. Nothing changed. I tried to tell them what the real problem was but they wouldn't listen. Finally, they did as I asked and changed the turbocharger. The problem lay in the oil seal in the turbo. It was leaking by and getting into the combustion chamber. After it was changed the oil problem was solved. I still got rid of the car as I was afraid that it would be a problem that would show up again in 30,000 miles or so.
My Mini has the same problem burning oil, was the turbocharger swap an expensive fix?
+LGA2DFW. The car was under warranty so I didn't pay to much attention to the cost of the turbo replacement. I have since sold the car. I will be getting a Mazda Miata.
Thanks for the info Jim
You really did a bang up job on this video 👏👏👍👍
One does bot simply buy a British vehicle without
A. Being a Mechanic
B. Being Wealthy
I can tell you from experience owning Rovers both big and small even being very mechanical only gets you so far without having the funds to fix
The original Mini is no where in the same room with these BMW Minis. Having driven a few in London over many years they leave fond memories of just how great they were.
I have 180k miles on mine. No issues at all other than a clutch at 130k and a few thermostat housing gaskets and the Ac went out at 80k.
I fit a Marshall half stack, another marshall head, 2 guitars and a gym bag no problem.
I don't agree with most of your comments. You don't buy a Mini for trunk space. The six speed Trans is rugged. Belt and Tensioner issues, Yes. Never had any major issues myself. 2006 S with 68,000 mile. If you take care of any vehicle it will last.
All of the cars I've owned over the past 50 years have required multiple repairs after the odometer hit around 90,000 miles. I've owned a lot of different makes. The only trouble free cars were the old VW Beetles. All the many cars after my 1973 Beetle have had lots of repairs needed so I just figure that's part of owning a car as the miles accumulate. Last summer I bought a 2006 R52 with 136,000 miles and I've had some repairs, but accepted that because my MINI is 14 years old with high miles. But it is a blast to drive and love it enough I'll do the repairs until it becomes too much that it out ways the fun factor. I have the advantage of a local independent mechanic who works on it and who charges a lot less per hour than a dealer shop. So, with that said, I say, if you want a fun car go with a MINI.
I own 2007 Mini Cooper S with less than 100K on it. In the past 1 year I've spent over $5000 in repairs. So this past year we've replaced -- (1) Timing Chain - I just can't discuss this without becoming nauseated. You can read about it just about everywhere. This is a big cost - I got away pretty good b/c I found a non BMW Store mechanic that has all the correct tools to do the work and he is very honest. I spent somewhere around $3700 but I've heard people spending $4200+ Well, I also have to factor in that I had to rent a car for about a month, so add about $1000 for that....(2) Water Pump (3) Blower Motor. It is a fun car to drive when it works, but when it doesn't its a drag. Mechanics are hard to find and special tools are required to work on this little rascal. If you don't need to depend on the car -- and you want to buy one for Sunday drives -- then go for it because they are really fun. But if you plan on using it to commute to work and/or school, I would not recommend this at all. Get a older model Honda or Toyota for the commuting -- don't rack up the miles on this car. If you do buy one, make sure the timing chain has been replaced. The class action lawsuit that was settled a few years back may cover the cost - but know this going into it. If its not been done and its not covered under the class action - then expect about $5000 bill. Before you buy, see if there is a reliable reputable mechanic in your area that works on the Mini and verify that he has the proper tools and training. During your test drive, if anything sounds a little off - if you smell anything that you shouldn't - get away from the car
I love my Mini, 186000 miles and still fun to drive. I did replace the power steering pump.
I got a used 05 convertible with a manual and although its a blast to drive, its been a repair nightmare. Ive gone through a set of tires, a rim, front passenger strut, an oil change, serpentine belt, air filter, clutch (@65k miles) and it now needs a new transmission because of a bad pressure plate.
I think your getting the 5 Speed that comes in the standard cooper and the 6 speed that comes in the S model. The 6 speed is a great trans, were at the 5 speed is not so much and as you said the automatic is garbabe.
My 03 Cooper R50 has a midland 5-speed manual transmission It shifts smoothly and the transmission has never given me a problem. I did change the transmission fluid at 12,000 miles and switched to Amzoil..It has shifted even more smoothy than before since I changed to Amzoil.........
I was going to buy a 2004 Mini Cooper and let me tell you the best choice I took was NOT buying it. Car angel is right. I went ahead and brought a 2004 Toyota Matrix XR. I never had a single problem with the Toyota, it had more space and about nearly the same mpg. The parts and labor are much cheaper for the Toyota and lasts longer.
Just Bought mine Matrix too!
2004 models were R 53 engine here in UK and bullet proof. R 56 2007 onwards less reliable. 2012 to 3rd generation N18 engine more reliable.
2010 and up has all BMW in and out parts and great gas mileage. And two mass flywheel clutching system which was great performing.
you just have to look after them, get them serviced regularly, btw its great to drive, probably one of the best cars iv ever driven
Nice review, I liked it. I'm planning on getting my first car & I'm getting a Mini. & they don't have that many problems 😂
2006 mini cooper base; "5-speed" manual transmission @170,000 miles & No problems outside of normal wear. Everyday transportation and im a forever mini madness fan. Agree with some of this, but mostly not so.
My mini is bomb proof ! 100,000 over 8 years of ownership and little by way of issues. It’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned and I’ve had like 30 or so !!
You could have told me about this YESTERDAY ! ! ! I Just brought home my 2102 S w 27k mi @37 mpg, im excited ! ! !
You have a few of your facts wrong on this video... mainly the bit relating to the transmission. On the regular cooper the automatic cvt and 5 speed Midlands were both horrible and unreliable. But in the s, the manual is a getrag six speed which is bullet proof. Same tranny as in the Ford focus svt. There are mini racing teams that use the stock 6 speed up to 300 horsepower.
Nick Michael Hi Nick. I do mention in the video that the 6 speed Getrag transmission is a good one.
YourCarAngel I did not hear you mention anything about 1 good transmission in the mini. I own a 2006 mini cooper non s with 140k on it and have not had one single problem with the 5 speed or anything else. I think they are fabulous cars. Like all cars if you maintain them properly they'll treat you well. Just my 2 cents
I mention it in the annotations
People actually buy Mini Coopers?
Every single one I've seen is an S.
I have an R50 Mini Cooper with the 5-speed Midland transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly and has never been a problem....@@morgananadell
He's right. I have had to repair my mini countless times. Really not worth it
There’s nothing wrong with MINI Coopers. I love mine!
The most troublesome is the N14 engine. It can break and a defect can cause engine failure.
My goodness I’ve never seen such a ratioed like to dislike difference
He knows what he is talking about with the 1gen cooper. It is a foundation for building in the used car market. Of course he is only addressing the idea of buying a used car for transportation without upgrading (Like the sprintex supercharger for that year). Or the idea that it still was a 35 thousand dollar car to begin with and can be rebuilt to meet that standard.
He does know what is best for the consumer when it comes to pre-owned cars.
My problem is nothing got a cooper it's high and tight up to date it's a second gen but upgraded all the way from ground up updated at 60thousand I can spend the cost on it because it was 35 to 55 thousand dollar platform new. And expect it to be like a high end sport luxury entry level.
My only problem with car angel is his halo list makes me look like something from the mexican mafia(acura, infinty, etc). if I were to buy any of those cars. They might be good but like the boxster losing oil and not providing a solid frame for transplanting other engines to the not mentioned 1999 model of 911 that is a electrical nightmare.
What he says for the most part is the truth. I was just raised with nobody to fix my car except me so some problems I welcome. Anymore though angel is right only so much can be done buy the home mechanic least you buy all the tools for the specific car you have and basically become a dealership mechanic from home.
Next time do a better research! A lot of the infos that where given in this video are wrong.....
I'm sorry, but thumbs down for this video!
I appreciate your video. I was going to buy a 2005 model, but have decided against the purchase based on your review and reading consumer affairs. I had a 1996 VW VR6 GTI built in Mexico and that was a nightmare to own in terms of expensive and frequent repairs.
I own a 2009 Cooper S 6 speed manual. Just hit 80k miles. No problems. I also live in Denver where everywhere I see there is a Mini Cooper, so Mini must be doing something right.
I'm looking to get a 09 mini and just wondering if it still is doing well or not !?
I'm looking to get a 09 mini and just wondering if it still is doing well or not !?
I would love to say that I haven't had any problems but that would be untrue. A while ago I had a cracked thermostat housing and had to get that replaced along with all the hoses to it, as well as a leak in the oil line to the turbo. And now I am having timing chain issues (which the timing chain is located inside the engine which equals expensive repairs). I'm told that all these repairs are routine but with student loans and still paying off the bank loan for the Mini, these repair bills are absolutely killing me. Not sure if I'm just having bad luck or not. Mini Coopers are great cars but just telling you that repair bills can be very pricey. So buy with caution and do your research to see what the car has had replaced and not replaced yet.
Had a 2007 Mini Cooper Hardtop Pepperwhite for 3 years and I spent $2,000 before I finally traded it in. Great car to drive, but cost to own is not so good. It is plagued with problems. Lease it or buy new and add in extended warranty.
I had an 03 cooper S. phenomenal car! no issues at all. auto have a huge problem. 6 speed is a getrag transmission which is great and not weak as mentioned. the engine is very strong not a problem s mentioned. as a matter of fact, nothing about why the engine is bad was mentioned. steering pump can go. yes expensive. coolant not and issue. just replace coolant tank. it's cheap and flush your coolant every year. water bottle holder issue, really????
I have a 2006 mini cooper checkmate edition 1.6l R50
5 speed it was 198.000miles on it and have 0 Problems out of it I haven't had to replace any major part
If the owner of a decent car maintains it and does services and maintenance when its due then any car will last them for years and years...
I have a 2008 Civic Type R 2L Naturally Aspirated and I race and drive hard all the time, it has over 200 000km on it and the engine and car is still 100%... No issues at all.... Thats cause i always check water and oil levels and always send it for the services when it needs to be done....
I know this is rather off topic but I am just saying...
Have a 2003 non S manual tranny 165k. in the shop right now. - transmission bearings is fucked. $1700cad including brandew clutch installed. My mistake, i brought it in the dealership and they charge me $350 just for doing the diagnose check. very nice right..
Hi What about the Mini one 1.6 90hp? No turbo and low HP. Maybe trnasmssion is strong enough for ... Waiting for your comments
Car Angel, can you recommend a small, reliable, affordable fun to drive car? seems like most of those, including Mini and the VW Golf are unreliable POS which give you as much aggravation as they do driving fun.
+pedrof830 The Mazda Miata with rear wheel drive is a good choice. Just be careful with the Mini Cooper. There were good and bad engines and transmissions. Also the years are important to know which were better.
Thanks for your timely response. I would declare myself insane and check into the nut house if I ever were to buy a used Mini. There is this TH-cam fellow, known as subaruwrxfan who documented buying s used one and he just had tons of trouble, so much so that even under warranty, he had enough and traded it in.I just wished someone, anyone would build a modern day version of the old BMW 318 or 320, reliable. of course. They would sell like hotcakes.
+YourCarAngel I agree! The Miata has been around for quite a while now. Everyone that I know who has one, has no complaints.
+YourCarAngel which years would be OK to buy?
+pedrof830 My mini is generally unreliable its the r56 s. But, with the small amount of work i've put in it's been really fun and shits on alot of bigger engines. But I have to agree. If you have the money its better than the gti and most other fwd cars but it kinda defeats alot of the purpose of fwd by being affordable. Check out the fiesta st also
Hi Douglas thank you for your advice they replaced the drive shaft and oil seals and it seems to be going well at the moment
My sister wants one. I'll worried about their reliability. I've heard from a few Mini owners that any model 2010 and up should be ok
Basically 2001 - 2006 and 2011 onwards are ok. Avoid second Ge Minis as they are Peugeot engines which are the worst,so I have been told by other Mini owners.
I own a 2006 Mini CooperS with a 6speed standard and I've not had a single problem in the years. Also the power steering pump can be seen from the bottom of the car? I guess if you don't own a floor jack it would be hard to replace, but it took a few hours on my friends ha.
I got a 2010 mini cooper s.....at 78k I had to get a whole new clutch kit, at 80k a new thermostat and now at 81k needs a new gasket...oil everywhere. I've heard great things and yes it is fun to drive, but....the "regular maintenance" is kinda pissing me off. I had a Jeep Liberty 4x4 before this car and the only thing it ever needed at 120something k was new tires and oil changes. Zero major repairs. I regret trading it in.....................
Don't trust this guy. He has a Toyota Highlander
Also he's just hating. MINIs just require care then they will be the best car you have ever owned 😀
My car had major issues with powersteering issues and engine issue from timming chain to overheating
I have a 2005 Mini Cooper r50 and I have 113,000 miles on it and I have only had to replace the tires and that’s it I’ve had a pretty good luck with mine
Could not agree more. I bought an 03 R53 for 5300, guy had service records for everything, it was a very well taken care of car but has been nothing but a headache for me. Had a year now and have spent just over 5300 in repairs and upgrades. I will never own another Mini Cooper, it is by far the most unreliable car I've ever owned!
yup know someone who bought one new and had a lot of problems.
I really like the mini, but reliability issues keep me away from them. JD Power and Associates, aswel, as Consumer Reports, also give the Mini Cooper a very low reliability rating. I really can't stand that, because if the Mini Cooper was reliable it would be at the top of my list for next vehicle.
Bought an '05 MINI Cooper S for $4k, thought I got a steal. Then spent $8k - $9k in parts repairs, and it still overheated and made a 'chewbacca' noise from the flywheel. My mechanic offered me $3k for the car - that was AFTER I paid his shop $2300 for repairs! HUGE waste of money. It was briefly fun to drive after my big investment, but it left me stranded 3 times and it still needed work. I'll be running away from any used MINI in the future!
David Yarbrough Sounds like you needed a better mechanic.
Sounds like your mechanic rip you off
Just spoke with the US Dept. Of Transportation NHTSA and they agree that there are many problems with the Mini. Engine from Brazil and a load of problems with the transmission.
Here is a link to the class action lawsuit against MINI's parent company BMW: topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/1378-bmw-mini-cooper-defective-transmission-class-action-lawsuit/
I think BMW in general has a problem manufacturing engines now a days...
YourCarAngel that's the transmission in the base model, not the supercharged S here.
YourCarAngel what about 2008 up to 2013 mini are those have lots problems and expensive to fix? I heard good reviews about those .let me know thank you
Jose Colon I drive a 2013 base model. It’s dope. I really wanted the cooper s however I got a great deal on this base model and I really like it. A mini is like any other car, if you treat it right it will give you Years of dependability.
Thank you for doing this review. I just looked at a 2006 mini cooper a couple of days ago. The clutch had just been repaired. It has about 160,000 miles on it. I will pass.
I am forever tainted from buying another mini. I am happy for all of you that have not bought a lemon or otherwise have experienced the nightmare I have. I bought a new 2007 Mini Cooper, automatic transmission. I pamper my mini, not hard on it all, keep up on all maintenance and few miles, which as of today has 87K miles. However, right after the extended warranty expired, November 2013, my mini has been in the shop 8 times, 4 times in less than one year. The water pump has been replaced twice, 2011 & 2014. The 2nd one as I drove off the dealer lot only to find my engine revving, engine light on, AC failed, (I live in Phoenix Az, this was July) and major engine power loss on acceleration. Immediately turned around headed back to mini only to be told they did not hook it up!! I asked for it to be documented as I was in fear it damaged my engine. Well, guess what, they now demy all the major oil leaks, (non exterior btw) burning of oil and coolant, valves / AC leaks and much more with surmounting repairs costs in the $5K range in two years. They tell me this is normal wear and tear. The car does not run correctly and has an audible rattle and vibration. It also has continued loss of acceleration, power, and occasional uncontrollable revving? Yet they can't seem to figure out why all this is happening. Both dealership service departments continue to blow smoke up my a#! They refuse to own up to their mistake and inadequate service. They is so much more but will save that for miniusa and minigermany.
Oh man, that is just insane. The dealers you have to be so carful of. I bought the extended warranty on both of my 2007s they are both the s version. 137.00 a month for enhanced power train get it you won't be sorry. 137.00 a month for 24 months covers all the way to 200,001 miles. Pays for everything even the rental. Get it and drive away with peace of mind. Hopefully you'll look into it if you're keeping this car.
I had a 2008 Mini Cooper S I loved it even though it had some minor cons like it being small and everything but I'm 510 and I fit in it perfectly until I got in an accident LOL I'm actually currently possibly looking for another one that's how much I love them
Previous mini motors were Puegot motors!!! But as from 2014, their motors are bmw motors, which the exact same motor is also in the i8.... And in another bmw whi h I can not recall at this moment..... And the current minis are actually very reliable. I know of some who has stage 3 mods on his 2016 cooper s and he races weekly and the car or engine has given no problems whatsoever.. And that is because it is a bmw motor and no linger French crap puegot motors....
I dont even own a mini and I know this
Yep. My '14 is amazingly zippy. The engine sounds and "feels" like a BMW. Yes, I know that is subjective, but it's a positive.
Actually 1st gen Minis were in collaboration with Chrysler not Peugeot
Thank you for information I was on the way to buy one them 2004
The MINI is probably the first and last BMW product that I buy. Good thing I can fix it myself. I do like the car, it looks good and handles good, but some of the engineering is a failure.
You talk about the "first generations" in this video, but what about 2007+ ???
Except for the top, I haven't had any major problems, at least not one that cant be related to other cars. I think my Mini is built better than most American cars.