@Matt Maran Motoring Matt, I had a used Gen-1 and a new Gen-3 2015 model. The Gen-1 had clutch issues and was somewhat pricy to replace. The Gen-3 had odd issues with shifting and 'groaning' while shifting. I think they did a crankshaft service but the issue never went away. An odd issue was sometimes this car would refuse to shift into first gear when slowing down and if it did it was a violent shift like hitting a brick wall (6spd manual). Both were BRG and tons of fun, but reliability was always in the back of my mind. I traded the 2015 Cooper-S in on a brand new base Mustang GT 6spd and then transitioned to a new 2020 GT with 301A PP1 Magnaride. It did take some miles to get used to a high reving V-8 compared to a turbo-4 that was punchy in all the gears.
@@fortheloveofnoise I've had a 2015 GT with the Performance Pack and a 2017 MX-5 RF - while those are a very different experience than a Mini (either S or JCW) - I'd be hard pressed to pick either over the Mini except for where either the Miata or Mustang excels (Miata for "tossability" and Mustang for performance all around for the $ spent) - The Miata didn't have enough room for more than really day trips (so not quite a GT car) and the Mustang even with winter tires fitted had a hard time with any amount of snow (and I grew up driving RWD cars in the winter). If the size can work for you the Miata (especially a RF) would work best for most - pretty darn bullet proof, very fun to drive, not bad in the weather (with winter tires).
@@SonOfTamriel Well damn 😂. To be fair, I've heard some newer gens are more reliable, some are less. Feels like it kinda goes back and forth from generation to generation which can be said about most cars. Case in point, our car, a 2017 explorer has been super reliable. The 2011-19 explorer generation is pretty darn reliable overall. But the newer ones have had quite a few issues.
I bought a 2017 F55 Cooper S with all the options a few years back with about 50k miles and now it’s at 80k miles and it’s been really reliable. I only had to replace a motor mount and the sunroof switch which were both covered under my Carmax warranty. It’s a great car, tons of fun, and just added a thicker rear sway bar and it’s a total new animal. They’re a great bargain with tons of fun and premium options!
Got rear ended by a f150 pulling a trailer estimated going 90 to our 70 in this gen mini, sent us spinning with the rear wheels detaching and the car actually held up well.
Bought our 2014 countryman R60 s for $14,000 only 60,000 miles very well equipped HIDs, leather seats, harmon kardon speakers my wife loves it and doesnt want to get rid of it.
Loving these new videos! Always gives me new models to look at for fun on Autotrader instead of the 2-3 that I'm in the market for and usually search for
Suggestion for the vids, maybe do a rotation of different vehicles like trucks, SUVs, performance cars, sedans, and rotate every week so we’d know we have a sedan review coming a certain week, for example.
My schedule isn't that structured unfortunately. While I control what cars I review, I can't control when I'll get them or when things need to be posted (like for manufacturer embargo dates for example). So an orderly rotation like that is impossible for me. If you'd like to know what reviews are coming though, I do post my upload schedule for the next month as one of the exclusive perks for channel members.
Even on sites like CarMax starting to see "reasonable" prices for F chassis Minis - Just bought our second used one in the past three months (have a new 2023 Clubman S in the garage and a JCW Clubman on order) We've been bitten by the Mini Bug for sure... And yes I do most of the maintenance myself - parts a tad bit more expensive than some other brands but as far as normal upkeep is concerned they're not too terrible to wrench on.
@@MattMaranMotoring Absolutely Matt! I used to cover the Pittsburgh area and was there all the time - if I'm planning to be there in the future I'd be happy to let you review one of the Mini's (probably the 2023 Mini Clubman JCW when it arrives here in a couple months - should be a hoot)
@@MattMaranMotoring No problem. I don't remember exactly where you are but I'm here in NC and I've got a pretty nice low mileage example 2018 Fiesta ST. I've built it to an OEM + style daily. Stage 2 stock turbo. Roughly 200 whp/250 wtq. Swift R spec springs sitting on a -1" wheel setup. 16X8 with 215/45/16s Falken 615k+ and some other performance specific mods. Nothing really visual outside the lightweight wheels. The grip is like nothing else I've had including the Mini which I also built for handling. Anyways if you ever want to do a video on one just let me know.
after seeing some of the videos on the used car market and how it actually works, im very skeptical about why these cars are priced the way they are. Especially if its sold from carvana, runaway from those cars.
The 4 door hardtop is often overlooked in favor of the 2 door or the Clubman - if you're looking for a deal look into one (4 door) - I really can't comment on the 3 cylinder as far as "spunk" or reliability I suppose it would be an option just don't know myself.
Actually, if you look at the current R53s on the used car sites, you'll find that the vast majority for sale have well over 100k miles. I don't think the early Minis were really that unreliable. I have a 2004 Cooper S with 26016 miles on it. It's currently parr of a trade for a 2013 JCW convertible. Of course, I'd do a lot better to sell it outright and I would for $8K to a serious buyer. It's 6 May 24.....if you want it I need to sell in the next 10 days. It's Electric Blue and well equipped. About your R56....I'm going to guess that had the N14 engine in it, and that motor was a complete disaster, which actually makes second gen BMW Minis, overall, less reliable than first gen Minis. However, the N18 that replaced the N14 beginning in 2013 practically erased all the N14 problems. No leaks. No timing chain issues, and everything else wrong with the N14. N18s are highly reliable and were used exclusively in Minis until replaced by the more powerful B48 BMW engine. Both the N18 and B48 were/are found under both Mini and BMW bonnets.
Wow. Traded my mini in for a new civic and the dealer has had to mark it down to what I traded it for. Great little cars though. I'd love to have one again as a second car.
I love this series. Made me feel good knowing that the G80 will be something I'll be looking forward to in the near future. imagine a new sea of VIP cars that you can actually afford, omg I'm so excited.
The prices are down because they’re oversized & don’t match the styling of the R56 or R53. We had my wife’s R56 since new in 2010 until just last year. Wonderful car and had over 150,000 miles on it. But not a fan of the superseding generations at all.
BMW means BMW prices. At least these aren’t made in china or Mexico. The old ones pre this gen were so bad I don’t know if I could trust a new one. I still remember my buddies gf coming home with the rear hatch in her hands. Came right off the hinges just going to the mall. 😂
@@MattMaranMotoring yep, been an auto mechanic for 20 years. They have the same issues that BMW’s do when they get high mileage. Buy one that’s over 150k miles, then let us know what your thoughts are about them.
Anything with 150k other than a Toyota or Honda is usually gonna need some TLC. As the comments here and elsewhere show, the F56 platform is pretty solid unlike the past 2 generations.
As a former owner of 2 Mini Cooper-S models all I can say is get ready for BMW level prices for repairs. But, they were an absolute blast.
no thanks, ide either get a Miata, Camaro, or Mustang
@@fortheloveofnoise I actually traded in my last Cooper-S for a Mustang GT
What generation were your Minis?
@Matt Maran Motoring Matt, I had a used Gen-1 and a new Gen-3 2015 model. The Gen-1 had clutch issues and was somewhat pricy to replace. The Gen-3 had odd issues with shifting and 'groaning' while shifting. I think they did a crankshaft service but the issue never went away. An odd issue was sometimes this car would refuse to shift into first gear when slowing down and if it did it was a violent shift like hitting a brick wall (6spd manual). Both were BRG and tons of fun, but reliability was always in the back of my mind. I traded the 2015 Cooper-S in on a brand new base Mustang GT 6spd and then transitioned to a new 2020 GT with 301A PP1 Magnaride. It did take some miles to get used to a high reving V-8 compared to a turbo-4 that was punchy in all the gears.
@@fortheloveofnoise I've had a 2015 GT with the Performance Pack and a 2017 MX-5 RF - while those are a very different experience than a Mini (either S or JCW) - I'd be hard pressed to pick either over the Mini except for where either the Miata or Mustang excels (Miata for "tossability" and Mustang for performance all around for the $ spent) - The Miata didn't have enough room for more than really day trips (so not quite a GT car) and the Mustang even with winter tires fitted had a hard time with any amount of snow (and I grew up driving RWD cars in the winter). If the size can work for you the Miata (especially a RF) would work best for most - pretty darn bullet proof, very fun to drive, not bad in the weather (with winter tires).
Dude $13k for an 8 year old piece of shit with 70k miles is not what anyone sensible would call "SUPER cheap"
What you think is junk might not be junk to everyone else...
I recently rewatched the entire Mini Cooper playlist and man that was not a fun trip down memory lane. Hopefully they're more reliable these days.
I've heard they're far less reliable now.
@@KB-bh9hp I've heard they are more reliable
@@SonOfTamriel Well damn 😂. To be fair, I've heard some newer gens are more reliable, some are less. Feels like it kinda goes back and forth from generation to generation which can be said about most cars. Case in point, our car, a 2017 explorer has been super reliable. The 2011-19 explorer generation is pretty darn reliable overall. But the newer ones have had quite a few issues.
Thanks for watching through the whole playlist! I actually have another update about my old Mini coming soon...
The Mini electric is hilarious fun!
short range though
Matt you should make these into shorts they would be great
I may do that eventually if I have more time.
I bought a 2017 F55 Cooper S with all the options a few years back with about 50k miles and now it’s at 80k miles and it’s been really reliable. I only had to replace a motor mount and the sunroof switch which were both covered under my Carmax warranty. It’s a great car, tons of fun, and just added a thicker rear sway bar and it’s a total new animal. They’re a great bargain with tons of fun and premium options!
Got rear ended by a f150 pulling a trailer estimated going 90 to our 70 in this gen mini, sent us spinning with the rear wheels detaching and the car actually held up well.
He said he did a lot more BMW engineering like that’s a good thing lol
Good for his mechanic!
@@TheMINIac Commenting on "BMW Engineering". Don't cry Miniac, its going to be okay.
@@mikedaleiden7725 More like Maniac for thinking BMWs are reliable.
This is a great series. With the way the used and new markets are now, this gives enthusiasts' hope!
If you buy a used BMW Mini you are not an enthusiast
@@aluisious gotta appreciate all vehicles bud! Minis are fun to drive! Try it sometime!
I'd be fun but these things do not have a good reputation for reliability
I talk about that in this video.
Bought our 2014 countryman R60 s for $14,000 only 60,000 miles very well equipped HIDs, leather seats, harmon kardon speakers my wife loves it and doesnt want to get rid of it.
Hey Matt so I am thinking about buying the new 2023 Hyundai sonata N line I saw your 2022 n line review and it was very awesome.
I'm glad you liked the review Adam, and good luck deciding if you want one!
Loving these new videos! Always gives me new models to look at for fun on Autotrader instead of the 2-3 that I'm in the market for and usually search for
Suggestion for the vids, maybe do a rotation of different vehicles like trucks, SUVs, performance cars, sedans, and rotate every week so we’d know we have a sedan review coming a certain week, for example.
My schedule isn't that structured unfortunately. While I control what cars I review, I can't control when I'll get them or when things need to be posted (like for manufacturer embargo dates for example). So an orderly rotation like that is impossible for me. If you'd like to know what reviews are coming though, I do post my upload schedule for the next month as one of the exclusive perks for channel members.
If the PT Cruiser ever had a kid. It's this thing.
Even on sites like CarMax starting to see "reasonable" prices for F chassis Minis - Just bought our second used one in the past three months (have a new 2023 Clubman S in the garage and a JCW Clubman on order) We've been bitten by the Mini Bug for sure... And yes I do most of the maintenance myself - parts a tad bit more expensive than some other brands but as far as normal upkeep is concerned they're not too terrible to wrench on.
Thanks for sharing your ownership experiences!
@@MattMaranMotoring Absolutely Matt! I used to cover the Pittsburgh area and was there all the time - if I'm planning to be there in the future I'd be happy to let you review one of the Mini's (probably the 2023 Mini Clubman JCW when it arrives here in a couple months - should be a hoot)
Sounds good, let me know!
My F56 was solid. Great car and surprisingly roomy on the inside for a small car.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@MattMaranMotoring No problem. I don't remember exactly where you are but I'm here in NC and I've got a pretty nice low mileage example 2018 Fiesta ST. I've built it to an OEM + style daily. Stage 2 stock turbo. Roughly 200 whp/250 wtq. Swift R spec springs sitting on a -1" wheel setup. 16X8 with 215/45/16s Falken 615k+ and some other performance specific mods. Nothing really visual outside the lightweight wheels. The grip is like nothing else I've had including the Mini which I also built for handling. Anyways if you ever want to do a video on one just let me know.
I appreciate the offer Dan! I'm in Pittsburgh, PA so I'm a little far from you but if I'm ever in NC I'll keep your offer in mind!
@@MattMaranMotoring come on down and meet me a the dragon! The Bullitt would love it up there!
If I were in the market for a car this size and fun I would go for a Fiesta ST. You can get a decent one for 15k.
kinda junky interior though.
That's a great choice as well.
Dang yeah that’s kind of a bargain, always wanted one of those despite the junky interior haha.
after seeing some of the videos on the used car market and how it actually works, im very skeptical about why these cars are priced the way they are. Especially if its sold from carvana, runaway from those cars.
I know! I’m selling my mk5 gti to buy a jcw clubman. I hope it sells soon.
$12,000 for 9 year old cars with 80k miles on them is not what anyone would describe as "SUPER Cheap".
They got better, but still one of the most unreliable cars around while repair cost is among the highest too.
Where have you seen that F56s are unreliable?
The 4 door hardtop is often overlooked in favor of the 2 door or the Clubman - if you're looking for a deal look into one (4 door) - I really can't comment on the 3 cylinder as far as "spunk" or reliability I suppose it would be an option just don't know myself.
The 4 door is a little smoother on the road, I had a 3 cyl turbo it was plenty spunky and reliable. Better sound too!
@@buildmorefarms1007 The better sound surprises me but then again I like the sound of Triumph triple motorcycles ;-)
I forget sometimes that you use to own one. Back In The Day...
Actually, if you look at the current R53s on the used car sites, you'll find that the vast majority for sale have well over 100k miles. I don't think the early Minis were really that unreliable.
I have a 2004 Cooper S with 26016 miles on it. It's currently parr of a trade for a 2013 JCW convertible. Of course, I'd do a lot better to sell it outright and I would for $8K to a serious buyer.
It's 6 May 24.....if you want it I need to sell in the next 10 days. It's Electric Blue and well equipped.
About your R56....I'm going to guess that had the N14 engine in it, and that motor was a complete disaster, which actually makes second gen BMW Minis, overall, less reliable than first gen Minis.
However, the N18 that replaced the N14 beginning in 2013 practically erased all the N14 problems. No leaks. No timing chain issues, and everything else wrong with the N14. N18s are highly reliable and were used exclusively in Minis until replaced by the more powerful B48 BMW engine.
Both the N18 and B48 were/are found under both Mini and BMW bonnets.
In India, the mini Cooper sells for 70k USD and even used ones are above 30k USD minimum
A 2 door manual Cooper S with low miles would be cool to have!
I've found several 2015/16 Mini Cooper S vehicles with
The 3rd Gen MINIs are as reliable as any B-Series engined BMW. Plus, they share an engine with the Supra! (B48)
Thats not saying much
Hi guys which parts of mini mosty broken
Wow. Traded my mini in for a new civic and the dealer has had to mark it down to what I traded it for. Great little cars though. I'd love to have one again as a second car.
Glad to hear yours treated you well!
I love this series. Made me feel good knowing that the G80 will be something I'll be looking forward to in the near future.
imagine a new sea of VIP cars that you can actually afford, omg I'm so excited.
I'm glad you like it! There's a few more luxury car bargains I'll be covering in future videos!
Beetles are great
What other car seaching sites does everyone? I mainly use autotempest and fb marketplace.
Thanks for another used car video!!
Thanks for watching Ted!
Cheap Used European car ...what could possibly go wrong 🤔 😕
Lol. Surprised?! Terrible car
Nice looking cars and seem like fun to own.
The prices are down because they’re oversized & don’t match the styling of the R56 or R53. We had my wife’s R56 since new in 2010 until just last year. Wonderful car and had over 150,000 miles on it. But not a fan of the superseding generations at all.
Glad to hear you were one of the lucky ones with the R56! My friend had good luck with his too, wish mine didn't treat me so badly.
@@MattMaranMotoring I remember your R56 on the channel. Ha ha. I showed my wife at the time “Hey….he’s got a Cooper S just like our “Mickey” !” 😊
fiesta st and focus st deep dive!!!
I'll probably cover those soon too.
@@MattMaranMotoring those are bargains of the century right now
Used Mini Coopers are always cheap 💀
BMW means BMW prices. At least these aren’t made in china or Mexico. The old ones pre this gen were so bad I don’t know if I could trust a new one. I still remember my buddies gf coming home with the rear hatch in her hands. Came right off the hinges just going to the mall. 😂
Lol at a Mini😅
I would rather drive my old 73 Ford Pinto wagon.
Nty Mini Cooper
Thanks for the video watched it but I'll pass on the mini or other bmw stuff
Used mini coopers sure are still junk.
Do you have experience with them?
@@MattMaranMotoring yep, been an auto mechanic for 20 years. They have the same issues that BMW’s do when they get high mileage. Buy one that’s over 150k miles, then let us know what your thoughts are about them.
Anything with 150k other than a Toyota or Honda is usually gonna need some TLC. As the comments here and elsewhere show, the F56 platform is pretty solid unlike the past 2 generations.