So my Wife loves Mini Coppers. She has like a 2010 and a 2013. Leased both New, but after her recent one ended she went with the Nissan Rogue. She still likes the Mini, so I thought about buying a cheap one for her as a second car. Ive heard bad things about the Transmissions crapping out early (like 80k Miles)

But I can find ones for like $3k-$5k. Some say Trans replaced.

Honestly, as long as I can get a year out of it, Ill be happy lol.

Any thing you guys would say to do/look out for on these?

run as far away and as fast away as you can.

people like them, but they are some of the most expensive cars to maintain/fix/get parts for, and form a few people that i know, they need it often


they were ranked at the top of yahoos top 5 most expensive cars to own/maintain for the last few years

That's what I'm afraid off. And doesn't help I'm looking for one for like $4 grand to as a side toy for her. Figured you would be one of the best guys on here to ask.


Would you guys said Automatics are worse than 6 speeds, or vice/versa?

I forget what year Coopers had the mtx75 trans, but it's a shared manual trans in the Ford Fuckus.

Really stout trans.

supercharger > turbo when it comes to the mini's

I own a 2005 r53. I've literally put 80,000 miles on it so far.

Maintenance is key. Maintenance is key. Maintenance is key.


I would only buy an r53 (2002-2006) the second gen turbo cars are wrought with reliability issues. The r53 is definitely the best looking, most reliable, and are considered the only modern Minis that will achieve collector's status, JCW excluded.

Mini is a quirky, fun, car - which it sounds like your wife is already accustomed to.... So things like burning a quart of oil (as per factory "spec" haha) each oil change interval are "normal". for us.

I've yet to find a more fun FWD car. And the only car I've driven that has handled better was a Lotus Exige, so if you're willing to put up with premium parts, and service costs - they offer an incredibly fun daily driving package.

This post was edited by OldAndyAndTheSea on Feb 25 2017 06:33pm

Ive been trying to buy a lotus for like 5 years lol. I just cant find one close enough to get my to pull the trigger. Almost flew to ATL last month to get one haha. But now I'm leaning towards the Mini/11GT/Solara instead of the Lotus lol.

But yea, I don't mind a little extra Maintenance on the car. I figure it will be lucky to get 1,000 miles a year on it. She will still have her DD, and Ill have my Truck, C5 and anything I pull a trig on lol.

Just do what mighty car mods did

Engine swap in a Honda 4cyl

Apparently they make hardware kits for it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ8RLM8eWRU