Looking to buy a MINI?

[SYCO GT]

I was thinking current owners could post some tips for the new buyer of a preowned or new MINI.

There are several articles out there, on what to look for, some articles more accurate and better than others, but this will give a basic idea.

As they say with Porsches, "buy as new as your budget will allow," although, I think Myke and I would probably agree, that 2005-2006 is sort of a sweet spot for various reasons.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

[myke951]

I was thinking current owners could post some tips for the new buyer of a preowned or new MINI.

There are several articles out there, on what to look for, some articles more accurate and better than others, but this will give a basic idea.

As they say with Porsches, "buy as new as your budget will allow," although, I think Myke and I would probably agree, that 2005-2006 is sort of a sweet spot for various reasons.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Yes, I do agree, They offered LSD and the shorter gear ratios... But once you get alot of mods and alot of torque I think the 2003-2004 is better in such a situation, since the longer gears will help with traction and actually make you faster IMHO... Also on some tracks the longer gearbox can help you hold a gear longer around a slower turn and catapult you out a little better... first gear from 2004 and below is limited @ 45mph on the stock redline... Also fuel consumption will be slightly compromised I believe...

But 2005-6 is better for the most part if you can get good traction with the mini, and it is said they put out a lil more power when tuned generally (according to RMW)

[Laidback]

Very nice guys keep the advises coming:)

[SunnyD]

Anyone have a dealer they can recommend? My gf is in the market for a new car and she really wants a Mini. What kind of deals can be had on a new one?

[SYCO GT]

Deals are not that easy to come by, since Demand is really high.

MINIs in very tight supply, diesel on the way

It looks like it will be even harder to get your hands on a MINI Cooper than ever before. Sales of the diminutive little hatch have been hot so far this year, as MINI had just a four day supply of unsold vehicles on hand at the close of June. This month, supply is even tighter with just one day's supply available. Unfortunately, the manufacturing plant in England is at full capacity, so there is no real way to increase supply. Therefore, if you are looking to get your mitts on either of the current gas-powered models, you'd better get your name on whatever list your dealer can offer. Those who want an electric MINI should certainly do the same.

In much more exciting and favorable news, we hear that BMW is seriously considering offering the diesel version of the urban car on U.S. soil. First, though, the automaker needs to produce a model of the vehicle is is legal for sale in all fifty states. Based on our driving impressions, especially considering the 47 miles per gallon we achieved with it, that day can't come soon enough!

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/22/minis...

[SYCO GT]

Taken from an article from Detroit Free Press, for educational purposes:

Mini plans to add 2000-3000 vehicles to the planned U.S. allotment of cars this year, but with Mini sales up 33.9 percent for the first six months of 2008, you can bet those extra Minis will be devoured quickly.

Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini USA, says that Mini will be selling mostly preordered cars for the rest of the year. For a brand that specializes in customization, that isn't a bad thing.

[Laidback]

WoW Mini's are really in demand these days...

[Laidback]

Check this out guys http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=15075#post15075

[RadzM]

Question

Is it that expensive to own a Mini(maintenance wise)? I'm maybe looking for a dd, which one would you guys recommend? Thanks in advance fellas.

[SYCO GT]

Question

Is it that expensive to own a Mini(maintenance wise)? I'm maybe looking for a dd, which one would you guys recommend? Thanks in advance fellas.

As with most any car, the earlier ones seem to have more issues.

I specifically wanted a R53 chassis, with the Supercharger (I like the gear whine) so I looked for a 2006, the last year of the Supercharger in the hardtop.

You can track the changes and improvements with each model year.

The newer turbos seem to get higher MPG, but it's all relative, and my MINI gets good mileage relative to other cars.

General maintenance should be significantly cheaper than an M. Parts seem very reasonably priced, for the most part.

[BMWguy206]

Question

Is it that expensive to own a Mini(maintenance wise)? I'm maybe looking for a dd, which one would you guys recommend? Thanks in advance fellas.

Read this first
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html

Maintenance wise it's not so bad. Just don't get a CVT transmission

But you will have to save up a lot of money if the following parts fail/wear out especially if you want to keep the Mini for more than 100,000 miles:

Clutch (expensive)
Manual transmission (expensive)
AC Compressor (expensive)
Power Steering pump (expensive)
Supercharger with water pump (expensive)
Engine Mounts
Strut mounts
Front lower control arm bushings - factory bushings suck. Use Powerflex.
Leaking crankshaft position sensor o-ring
cracked exhaust manifold at catalytic converter (expensive)
Faulty intake or exhaust valves (expensive)
Broken valve springs (expensive)
Leaking thermostat with housing

[myke951]

do it! mod it! ill let u try mine out...

[SYCO GT]

It's all relative. And, each owner experience will vary. I'd consider build quality very high, like a small luxury car. Reliability I'd say has been average for a luxury car.

Additionally only one European car, the Mini Cooper, made the "Most Reliable" list. Of the "Least Reliable" cars, 19 of the 45 are European models.

I recently did have a failure on the lower control arms. I replaced the rear lower control arms with an ALTA Performance Set.

Here is the article where MINI made the "Most Reliable" list:

http://autos.aol.com/article/most-least-reliable-cars

And a search of most any car, at consumeraffairs, will often result in a long laundry list. Always good to know potential problem areas.

A search of BMW for instance, returns:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/bmw.html

[RadzM]

Thanks fo replies fellas.

Another FAQ.

What to look for when buying a Mini? is there any package that I should look
for? Does the wheel size matter( is one better than the other?)?

[myke951]

Thanks fo replies fellas.

Another FAQ.

What to look for when buying a Mini? is there any package that I should look
for? Does the wheel size matter( is one better than the other?)?

it all depends on what u want... if you wanna chat and get a test drive u can meet me at rpi... just post a day when ur free and ill see what i can do!

[SYCO GT]

What to look for when buying a Mini? is there any package that I should look
for?

Depends on what chassis/year you are looking at. Packages can differ.

And of course personal preference.

For 2006, R53 chassis, I specifically wanted, for my MINI (Doesn't mean I would want these options on all cars):

1. Hardtop, no sunroof, no convertible. Stiffer, less weight
2. Cloth Seats. Not slippery.
3. Limited Slip Differential. Very hard to find this option.
4. Cockpit Chrono Pack. Very hard to find this option. Provides additional gauges, moves speedo to steering wheel stack.
5. Xenon Head Lights
6. Six Speed Manual.
7. Supercharger over Turbo
8. Roof and Mirrors in Body Color (Personal Pref)
9. Multi-function Steering Wheel and Harmon Kardon Sound System (Not a need, but it had both)

Run flat tires kind of suck, so you'll be swapping them out, or get the car without. I bought the car used with Toyo Proxes in good condition. I am currently running a brand new set of G-Forces.

So, when I found the car with all of these factory options, that I wanted, I knew it was the one. Did the research. Talked with the seller on the phone and emails. Jumped on a plane, he picked me up at the airport in his modded 135i, and the deal was struck.

Of course, if you buy new, one of the great things is you can customize to your liking. If I were to buy a MINI new, I definitely would build to order. One of my friends just got hers, custom ordered, last month.

As for wheel set, I am running 18 inch Dinan / Jongbloed Racing Custom 3 piece.

And lastly, Dark Silver...Incidentally, the same color is what Myke has, my friend Kelly ordered, and I had to have...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/GMGcoop1.jpg

And a pic of the rare Sport Chrono Pack:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/SYCOHEMI/MINIS6.jpg

[RadzM]

^Thank for the review, in was very helpful. I was browsing Long beach Mini, and it seems like the newer engine are turbo'd, I'm maybe wrong.

[RadzM]

it all depends on what u want... if you wanna chat and get a test drive u can meet me at rpi... just post a day when ur free and ill see what i can do!

Thanks Myke, I actually have a Mini clubman as a loaner right now, the handling is pretty impressive. I'm assuming that the Cooper s even more fun to drive.

[BMWguy206]

^Thank for the review, in was very helpful. I was browsing Long beach Mini, and it seems like the newer engine are turbo'd, I'm maybe wrong.

Yes the 2nd generation Mini's are turbocharged now.

Probably a wise decision because of the water pump gear issue on the supercharger versions.

[myke951]

Thanks Myke, I actually have a Mini clubman as a loaner right now, the handling is pretty impressive. I'm assuming that the Cooper s even more fun to drive.

yes sir... But you can decide between the new cooper s and the older ones (like mine and randy's) which is supercharged... The feel of the cars are completely different...

[remix405]

you guys are making me want a mini they look bad ass when moded

[BMWguy206]

I had a friend with a modded Cooper S and could slowly walk away from a stock E46 M3 on the freeway!

[RadzM]

So, I had a mini conversation with one of the managers at Longbeach Mini. I told him my budget and told him that I'm looking to get a Cooper s, then he replied "why a cooper s and not a cooper?" I told him I will get back to him and do more research. :D

So guys, "why a cooper s and not a cooper?"


TIA :)

[myke951]

So, I had a mini conversation with one of the managers at Longbeach Mini. I told him my budget and told him that I'm looking to get a Cooper s, then he replied "why a cooper s and not a cooper?" I told him I will get back to him and do more research. :D

So guys, "why a cooper s and not a cooper?"


TIA :)

Speed, modability, not much less gas mpg, the feel of it, stronger tranny... want me too keep going? The cost benefit over a regular cooper is real High IMHO... Just drive one... youll know

[myke951]

you guys are making me want a mini they look bad ass when moded

Lets meet up, used to have an e46m3 and think the modded minis are on their level or better, easy to mod, so many options, the feel of it is less refined and raw, different all around but is fun to mess with!

[myke951]

So, I had a mini conversation with one of the managers at Longbeach Mini. I told him my budget and told him that I'm looking to get a Cooper s, then he replied "why a cooper s and not a cooper?" I told him I will get back to him and do more research. :D

So guys, "why a cooper s and not a cooper?"


TIA :)

Answer this question... why an ///M5 and not an 550?

[SYCO GT]

The question you should be asking is:

Why not a Dinan S or John Cooper Works Cooper S and not a Cooper S? Just kidding.

Honestly, the performance gap is fairly wide between the "justacooper" as we affectionately call them, and the Cooper S. There is nothing wrong with the basic Cooper, and it handles nicely, but I would guess the vast majority of enthusiasts will find the money spent for the Cooper S well spent.

Most find the S model much faster and more fun.

Of course, drive both and decide what fits your budget best. Also consider pre-owned as an option if you really want the S.

[myke951]

the jcw mini can be outperformed with just a pulley, one ball exhaust and a custom tune which costs about 700 bucks in total

[RadzM]

nice, thanks fellas. Really looking forward into owning one.

[myke951]

nice, thanks fellas. Really looking forward into owning one.

which generation u looking at? i suggest to test drive both... oh yeah and if its a 2nd gen then def get the jcw mini... it has the upgraded turbo and better components unlike the first gen jcw which only had an upgraded pulley, brakes and a head that only gains like 5hp over the stock s...

[Alpha Motoring]

which generation u looking at? i suggest to test drive both... oh yeah and if its a 2nd gen then def get the jcw mini... it has the upgraded turbo and better components unlike the first gen jcw which only had an upgraded pulley, brakes and a head that only gains like 5hp over the stock s...

the r56 jcw has the same turbo as non jcw myke :p

it all comes down to whether you'd want more of a driver's car or a comfort car, the r56 out of the box will blow the doors off a r53, but the r53 is more of a driver's car (handles way better)

downside is the r53 takes a lot of money and mods to make it quick, but with enough mods you can start playing with cars that have a lot more power, since the mini is a light car

[SYCO GT]

Plus R53 has the intoxicating supercharger whine, ala Mad Max Interceptor.

Be sure to fast forward the first two minutes, to see the Porsche chasing the MINI.

YouTube- Porsche vs. Madness MINI Cooper S

[SYCO GT]

R53 and R56 have completely different looks, feel, and power delivery.

Here's what the Lotus guys think...

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f152/mini-cooper-s-r53-r56-52874/

And North American Motoring (MINI forum)

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/drivetrain-cooper-s/136743-r53-sc-vs-r56-turbo-both-jcw-best.html

But yeah, basically, it's like asking whether an e39M5 or e60M5 is better. Completely different cars.

Drive both and it should be clear. I wouldn't trade my R53 for an R56. Some people wouldn't trade their R56 for an R53. Rightly so. Only you know what is right for you.

[Alpha Motoring]

R53 and R56 have completely different looks, feel, and power delivery.

Here's what the Lotus guys think...

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f152/mini-cooper-s-r53-r56-52874/

And North American Motoring (MINI forum)

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/drivetrain-cooper-s/136743-r53-sc-vs-r56-turbo-both-jcw-best.html

But yeah, basically, it's like asking whether an e39M5 or e60M5 is better. Completely different cars.

Drive both and it should be clear. I wouldn't trade my R53 for an R56. Some people wouldn't trade their R56 for an R53. Rightly so. Only you know what is right for you.

If you're looking at a R53 get a 05+ as the 02-04 tend to have more problem

Also if you want a car that is all around solid out of the box I think the R56 is a way better choice

The R53 has known problems, such as mushrooming strut tower, motor mounts, thermostat housing, all of which can be either updated to newer version or replaced with aftermarket parts

[SYCO GT]

I do feel the off the line lag that Alpha mentioned. The R53 is generally not a strong car off the line. Of course, a MINI is not designed as a straight line car, but it's always fun to have a car that launches nicely.

[myke951]

alpha is a sellout... but i do agree the newer ones may be a lil more solid as it is soley bmw as the r53 was bmw/chrystler collabo... The R53 looks better, sounds better and feels better, is smaller and i believe a little more rigid... The r56 is more comfortable, "solid" feeling, not as harsh of a ride, less mods available, bigger ( can be an advantage or disadvantage).... drive both!

[SYCO GT]

alpha is a sellout... but i do agree the newer ones may be a lil more solid as it is soley bmw as the r53 was bmw/chrystler collabo...

Was it the BMW / Rover partnership years? I didn't know that BMW ever had anything to do with Chrysler.

The next time you are checking out MINI's, look at the rear view of the R56. It looks a LOT higher. You can see parts of the undercarriage, sort of like an SUV or truck. Seriously, it was raised quite a bit, I think due to pedestrian ride height regulations.

[myke951]

Was it the BMW / Rover partnership years? I didn't know that BMW ever had anything to do with Chrysler.
.

They use a tritec engine in the r53 which is actually a brazilian motor... its very similar to the srt4 design as they are both tritec's...

[RadzM]

Did they stop making the yellow color for Mini?

[myke951]

Did they stop making the yellow color for Mini?

they may have... i think i have seen one on an r56 though... but dont quote me!

[SYCO GT]

They use a tritec engine in the r53 which is actually a brazilian motor... its very similar to the srt4 design as they are both tritec's...

Whoa. Interesting stuff. Just found this.

Tritec opened in 1999 as a JV between BMW and Chrysler Corp., with the mandate to supply engines for the Dodge Neon small car and BMW’s Mini model. But soon Chrysler was acquired by BMW rival Daimler-Benz AG and the small-engine partnership immediately went sour.

[myke951]

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/review-2009-mini-cooper-s-convertible/#10

there is your yellow r56... they do make it

[RadzM]

weeeeeeee.... Can't wait! cooperS pepper white manual! :D Thanks fellas!

[Alpha Motoring]

weeeeeeee.... Can't wait! cooperS pepper white manual! :D Thanks fellas!

with a black roof of course :D

[Alpha Motoring]

I do feel the off the line lag that Alpha mentioned. The R53 is generally not a strong car off the line. Of course, a MINI is not designed as a straight line car, but it's always fun to have a car that launches nicely.

Yeah and when you try to fix it by dumping a whole lot of money and mods into it all you get is wheelspin!

[myke951]

i wanna see it radz! Remember me from one of the meets?

[SYCO GT]

weeeeeeee.... Can't wait! cooperS pepper white manual! :D Thanks fellas!

CONGRATS!

What year? Mileage?

Manual is really the only way to go with a Cooper.

Welcome to the MINI family!

[SYCO GT]

Yeah and when you try to fix it by dumping a whole lot of money and mods into it all you get is wheelspin!

Yeah, I don't usually launch it ultra hard, after all, it's not a straight line drag car. But it would be nice to be easier to launch or, if it had more low end torque.

I don't fault it for a car with a small motor like this though, it's not a rwd Mustang GT with 5 liter.

[RadzM]

i wanna see it radz! Remember me from one of the meets?

for sure, I remember you bro.

[RadzM]

CONGRATS!

What year? Mileage?

Manual is really the only way to go with a Cooper.

Welcome to the MINI family!

Thanks bro, it's a 2010 model with no option just USB and iPod :D

[myke951]

nice! you got a lighter mini! Lets mod it asap!

[SYCO GT]

Thanks bro, it's a 2010 model with no option just USB and iPod :D

Sweet. No need for the other stuff.

Did you sell your other BMWs? Or just add to the fleet. Let's see a new Signature with the Cooper.

[RadzM]

Sweet. No need for the other stuff.

Did you sell your other BMWs? Or just add to the fleet. Let's see a new Signature with the Cooper.

the mcs is actually going to be my fiancé's dd and I will need to get a decent photoshoot then I'll post pics. But so far I'm enjoying the car it feels like I'm
in a go cart :D And the turbo, I could hear it blowing how cute hehehe.

[SYCO GT]

I think whoever shot Myke's MINI did a great job...

[myke951]

hahah... agreed... I will get that guy to shoot my boss's 67 fastback gt-a code mustang

[SYCO GT]

67 Fastback, Ford GT, and a black Fatboy Harley Davidson might make a nice threesome. Just need to find the Harley...

[myke951]

yea just let me know!

[SYCO GT]

Found the bike. A pristine '02 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail. I'll be in touch if it pans out for March.

[myke951]

nice!