Is there any common problems out there with the mini coopers? A friend is looking into one and I was curious. Is there a focaljet equivalent for mini's?
thanks.
thanks.
OTTOMATIC
West Coast Mini is a club I know of. I don't know too much about it, but I know it's fairly popular.
The only problem I know of about them is the amount of rear cargo space, lack of spare tire and...well...that's about it.
The only problem I know of about them is the amount of rear cargo space, lack of spare tire and...well...that's about it.
Lack of spare? The standard Cooper has one, not sure about the S.
I'm a big fan... the tranny is a tad on the weak side in the standard Cooper if used for routine motorsports, but otherwise not bad. The Getrag in the S is probably better.
Looking new or used?
The resale value is insane on the used ones. The new chassis appears to kick some ass, but I haven't sampled one personally.
I'm a big fan... the tranny is a tad on the weak side in the standard Cooper if used for routine motorsports, but otherwise not bad. The Getrag in the S is probably better.
Looking new or used?
The resale value is insane on the used ones. The new chassis appears to kick some ass, but I haven't sampled one personally.
my only grip with them is the tiny engine bay, its sooooo diffecult
to work on them because the motor barely fits under the hood.
To replace the clutch on my friends S, we had to remove the bumper,
the radiator, the subframe, and a bunch of other random little things
just so we could have room to get the trans out to swap the clutch.
to work on them because the motor barely fits under the hood.
To replace the clutch on my friends S, we had to remove the bumper,
the radiator, the subframe, and a bunch of other random little things
just so we could have room to get the trans out to swap the clutch.
Like said, check out NAM.
We have a Mini, and the earlier Mini's do have a few common problems. Our problem was the airbag sensors. We had them replaced under warranty 6 times. But, we did get a letter in the mail recently from MINI saying that the warranty for those airbag sensors is extended to like 200,000miles.
Theres a few other common problems that have been noted. Some interiors haven't worn very well (I know, I know, not trying to start an argument) and I've heard a few Mini owners complain about that.
[Edit]
I've also heard of a few Mini owners having trouble getting the car into reverse. Ours is a pain in the ass sometimes to get into reverse. It helps if you shift into first and then reverse.
Also, we get a weird "clunk" in the steering column sometimes. I think it was some warranty item we never got fixed. A few on NAM also seem to hear it.
We have a Mini, and the earlier Mini's do have a few common problems. Our problem was the airbag sensors. We had them replaced under warranty 6 times. But, we did get a letter in the mail recently from MINI saying that the warranty for those airbag sensors is extended to like 200,000miles.
Theres a few other common problems that have been noted. Some interiors haven't worn very well (I know, I know, not trying to start an argument) and I've heard a few Mini owners complain about that.
[Edit]
I've also heard of a few Mini owners having trouble getting the car into reverse. Ours is a pain in the ass sometimes to get into reverse. It helps if you shift into first and then reverse.
Also, we get a weird "clunk" in the steering column sometimes. I think it was some warranty item we never got fixed. A few on NAM also seem to hear it.
Omg... I love talking about MINI's!!!! 
Of course there are no negatives of owning a MINI!!!! Ok, I'm lying. :lol:
So, without further ado, here is what I have gathered and noted from researching and owning a MINI for the past 1.5 years.
Problems:
The common problems with earlier MINI's (02-03) is that some had issues with warrenty problems, such as airbag sensors, tranny issues, interior wear, etc. Some owners are just unlucky, but that could also be due to maintance issues on THEIR end (not accusing anyone, just stating). The only problems I have had with my MINI are due to my fault, like changing out OEM parts for aftermarket, which lead to problems. My MINI is an 03', and I bought it used. The previous owner had maintance records and repair records, and nothing serious ever happened that was documented...
Anyway, search NAM (www.northamericanmotoring.com) for early issues, but if you are going for an 04'+ you shouldn't have to worry about anything. I know they changed the design on several items (like the cowl vents, tailights, etc.) so be aware of the styling change before you purchase.
Another problem (kind of) is that the MINI is a British/German car, hence it uses Metric, which can be a BITCH to get certain tools around here... example: the oil filter housing uses a 36mm socket, which can be hard to obtain.
Cost:
I'll be honest, if you can't afford it, don't get it! While the MINI is small, the repair bills, maintance, and parts (both OEM and aftermarket) are rather expensive since it's a BMW. If you decide to get a MINI, just understand that parts are more BMW cost than Focus cost, but still nothing that is totally out-of-hand. I happen to believe that the parts however, are top-quality and I haven't YET seen an issue with it. The only design inconsistency that I can think of is the REALLY small engine bay (NO room to work) and the A/C seems to SUCK in the MINI's...
Another section of the cost value is the initial sale and re-sale value. Typically the MINI's start off with a base price from ~$17-19k, depending on which model you prefer. You can expect a mildly-built MINI to be anywhere from ~$22-28k depending on model, options, and the dealer (some will haggle, some won't). The key to MINI's is in their re-sale value...it's truly astonishing! It's been noted on NAM that people have wrecked their MINI's have almost got (a couple grand off) the sticker price in an insurance refund! MINI goes as far to even joke with other manufactors, and have signs that say "This is where other cars lose 50% of their value" at the end of the lot! Basically you can buy a used MINI for ~$16-22k, or a new one for ~$17-28k. Yes, they hold that well!
Fun:
Now...everyone that has driven a MINI will tell you...oh wow, the MINI's are a BLAST to drive. Whether you are driving to work or driving the back county roads on a sunny weekend, the MINI is always a great sensation! If you have not yet driven one, I HIGHLY suggest that, but I'm warning you once you do you will be hooked!
Community:
A MINI is not just a car...there is a vast community among them that makes ownership so satisfactory and rewarding! While I see that the Focus has a good community behind it, it honestly just does not compare to the MINI community. NAM is hands down the best MINI resource website, also www.mini2.com and www.motoringunderground.com, which are also very nice. MINI owners are the only people, besides bikers that I know for a fact wave to each other. While toting around town in a MINI you get a happy sensation, which just adds to everything!
Ordering:
One key benefit (HUGE) is that you can FULLY customize a MINI to exactly what you want. You can mix-match options to create a truly custom MINI (I think 1 in like 2 million are the same), not to mention if you oder it the MINI will not sit at the dealer lot like most domestic cars. The MINI's are shipped over via a boat from the UK, in Oxford where they are manufactured.
Aftermarket:
The aftermarket world is rather large, but not too large. I would say the MINI has about the same market size as the Focus, if not a tad bit smaller. You can get everything for a MINI, including clutch/flywheel, reduction Supercharger pullies, exhausts, headers, intakes, etc. along with custom built twin-charge and turbo-only options.
Overall it's a great experience, but the decision is yours. I would do some research on NAM to get a feel for things and test drive a MINI.
I wish you the best of luck in your decision!
-Cody :thumbup:
Of course there are no negatives of owning a MINI!!!! Ok, I'm lying. :lol:
So, without further ado, here is what I have gathered and noted from researching and owning a MINI for the past 1.5 years.
Problems:
The common problems with earlier MINI's (02-03) is that some had issues with warrenty problems, such as airbag sensors, tranny issues, interior wear, etc. Some owners are just unlucky, but that could also be due to maintance issues on THEIR end (not accusing anyone, just stating). The only problems I have had with my MINI are due to my fault, like changing out OEM parts for aftermarket, which lead to problems. My MINI is an 03', and I bought it used. The previous owner had maintance records and repair records, and nothing serious ever happened that was documented...
Anyway, search NAM (www.northamericanmotoring.com) for early issues, but if you are going for an 04'+ you shouldn't have to worry about anything. I know they changed the design on several items (like the cowl vents, tailights, etc.) so be aware of the styling change before you purchase.
Another problem (kind of) is that the MINI is a British/German car, hence it uses Metric, which can be a BITCH to get certain tools around here... example: the oil filter housing uses a 36mm socket, which can be hard to obtain.
Cost:
I'll be honest, if you can't afford it, don't get it! While the MINI is small, the repair bills, maintance, and parts (both OEM and aftermarket) are rather expensive since it's a BMW. If you decide to get a MINI, just understand that parts are more BMW cost than Focus cost, but still nothing that is totally out-of-hand. I happen to believe that the parts however, are top-quality and I haven't YET seen an issue with it. The only design inconsistency that I can think of is the REALLY small engine bay (NO room to work) and the A/C seems to SUCK in the MINI's...
Another section of the cost value is the initial sale and re-sale value. Typically the MINI's start off with a base price from ~$17-19k, depending on which model you prefer. You can expect a mildly-built MINI to be anywhere from ~$22-28k depending on model, options, and the dealer (some will haggle, some won't). The key to MINI's is in their re-sale value...it's truly astonishing! It's been noted on NAM that people have wrecked their MINI's have almost got (a couple grand off) the sticker price in an insurance refund! MINI goes as far to even joke with other manufactors, and have signs that say "This is where other cars lose 50% of their value" at the end of the lot! Basically you can buy a used MINI for ~$16-22k, or a new one for ~$17-28k. Yes, they hold that well!
Fun:
Now...everyone that has driven a MINI will tell you...oh wow, the MINI's are a BLAST to drive. Whether you are driving to work or driving the back county roads on a sunny weekend, the MINI is always a great sensation! If you have not yet driven one, I HIGHLY suggest that, but I'm warning you once you do you will be hooked!
Community:
A MINI is not just a car...there is a vast community among them that makes ownership so satisfactory and rewarding! While I see that the Focus has a good community behind it, it honestly just does not compare to the MINI community. NAM is hands down the best MINI resource website, also www.mini2.com and www.motoringunderground.com, which are also very nice. MINI owners are the only people, besides bikers that I know for a fact wave to each other. While toting around town in a MINI you get a happy sensation, which just adds to everything!
Ordering:
One key benefit (HUGE) is that you can FULLY customize a MINI to exactly what you want. You can mix-match options to create a truly custom MINI (I think 1 in like 2 million are the same), not to mention if you oder it the MINI will not sit at the dealer lot like most domestic cars. The MINI's are shipped over via a boat from the UK, in Oxford where they are manufactured.
Aftermarket:
The aftermarket world is rather large, but not too large. I would say the MINI has about the same market size as the Focus, if not a tad bit smaller. You can get everything for a MINI, including clutch/flywheel, reduction Supercharger pullies, exhausts, headers, intakes, etc. along with custom built twin-charge and turbo-only options.
Overall it's a great experience, but the decision is yours. I would do some research on NAM to get a feel for things and test drive a MINI.
I wish you the best of luck in your decision!
-Cody :thumbup:
I test drove an S today. I'm seriously, seriously considering getting one. I've wanted one for as long as I can remember. Now that I can actually afford one, I just might pick one up.
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