I just purchased an R53 Mini Cooper S for $6700 US. I'm 76 and wanted a standard Transmission. I don't drive a lot and hope to get some enjoyment form it before I pass on to the great beyond.
My dad bought one in 1960, smoke grey like the one in the clip. I wish to hell he still had it. Totally BMW free. I can still remember the new mini smell. Happy days!
In reality Rover did all of the development work on the Mini in house. There was no BMW in it, thankfully, because you can say what you like about Mini reliability, mid 2000s BMWs are plagued with sensor faults, head gasket failures, vvt issues. By 1999 Rover had managed to troubleshoot all of the problems with the K series engine, which had a superb, even clasa leading power to weight ratio, the gearboxes were the weal point, but this was solved reasonably quickly. Most reliability issues arose on early cars, as with any new model from any manufacturer, or high mileage cars with patchy maintenance records. I picked up a 2004 cooper which had covered 130,000 miles, with a full service record and good preventative maintenance. It drives very well even now.
2019 here and I do love my mini 2004 cooper s. It's pretty solid and with a supercharger it doesn't wait around at the lights. Seat position is a bit awkward and the reliability isn't as good as this video claims. It's currently living on borrowed time unfortunately, because as soon as something expensive conks out like the gearbox, I won't be repairing it. It's scrap from that point onwards. Only got 60k on the clock so I don't expect it to die soon, but you never know 🤔
Knew nothing of fixing BMW Mini until few days ago, nephew bought one. But, then i was told pass. door wouldn't open, or drivers window. Also headlights playing up, randomly on when selected. So after a day trying to fix, i pulled the plug on the Body Control Unit (behind plastic trim next to accel. pedal RHD cars) squeezed in a touch the female sockets on the big green plug, refit and everything works fine. Also it looks like where the bonnet release lever is mounted, it's located by a hole in the sidewall, that i noticed was slightly rusty. Is this the source of damp ruining the BCU on some cars?
test driving a 2nd mini cooper onwards @ CarMax Irving/Dallas....1st test drive was a newer also pre-owned turbo s series..certainly pure sex energy on tryes but alas this LASS via Dallas shall be relocating + possibly trading IN my existing Mercedes Benz Smart Car for a 2010 Tan Base Model Mini Cooper automatic hard top...lastly I am relocating FROM Dallas TO the UK next summer so a groovy BRIT sourced ride is a loyal choice for an American becoming a Lorry Driver onwards Cheers Ya'll Monica
Eh no, absolutely not. The manuals are far from reliable without mods, but the CVT automatics are the most famous 'no-go' gearboxes ever made. I mean, I'm planning on buying a Mini r50 this week so I'm not hating, but its really true. I'm happy it works all out for you, but you are a minority.
I see. I guess cos its worked for me, plus every other person i know that has a mini 2003 theirs has been fine too. Also the reviews I've read everywhere on the internet state it drives like a dream. I've never - so far, seen any bad feedback, neither have i experienced it or come across anyone else who has. Thats why
Now hold on a damn minute....literally 1 hour after writing this post I stepped out of my house, got in my car, drove 30 seconds down the road and my car stopped going forward. Hitting the gas pedal and it was roaring, but wasn't moving...no warning lights on. Long story short, got towed to nearest garage and my gearbox has gone!!!!! LOOOOOOOOL. I am fucking dying of laughter. I guess they say never say never. Life has a funny way of pulling the rug from under your feet when you are too certain about something. The not so funny part is that I have a bill of minimum £1600 - which I have no idea how I am going to afford with only £40 spare cash from my salary after bills, at the end of every month. I am definitely going to consider a new car when my tax return comes in next year. I think a lease on a far newer car, is the way for me next. Never again will I say never! :(
Yeah the midland gearboxes go! Mine was sticking for months going into 5th and reverse, and sounded so loud in gear!! luckily never fully went but I had to reverse with my legs a few times. Got replacement fitted and now sounds soo much better, I love my 53 cooper.
I absolutely love how it drives and looks but minis are far from reliable. Prone to oil leaks and power steering failure is inevitable along with other problems. mini is my first ever car purchase and its such a disappointment because i really wanted to love it
My family's mini Cooper s 2016 is perfect, and as far as I know, the used cars online are shit, the owners selling them for a reason honestly. But, my family's car works like a charm. So if I was looking for a used car, I wouldn't find one made before 2010
