I've just purchased my first 2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S. I had done some reading and followed a few videos on this car. I have to say this video has been very helpful so far. It's been 1 month and 2 days and i love it. Thanks!
This video is so clear and concise. Thank you for the images and the clarity. No annoying music is a plus. I'm looking to buy one that's been sitting for a month. according to the seller there's something wrong with the timing chain.
I’ve got a 2008 cooper diesel , owned it three years , serviced once a year , around 10k per year , doesn’t use any oil .It hasn’t missed a beat and I get 60 plus mpg , great to drive , a brill car
I retired after 35+ years in the Audio Visual Presentation Tools industry....and have watched LOTS of presentations. You are very good....kudo's to you.
I owned a 2004 Mini Cooper that I purchased new from the dealer. I loved it! I later sold it as I lived in the city and did not drive often. However I just moved to California and just bought a 2014 Mini Countryman from a private seller. It has been kept in great shape. Once you own a Mini you kind of get hooked.
Don’t get this garbage. Is nothing but problems expensive fixes. I owned one for over a year because they cool looking but is nothing but headache. Stay away from this garbage if you don’t want to deal with junk
@@MOUSEBOWEN i own a 2013 mini roadster convertible and have to say i love it and it performs very well so i'm not sure why you call it garbage ? maybe you missed services ?
Wait till the timing chain goes $3500, oh and the sunroof will leak and cause damage to the footwell module. Another $1000. The oil leaks after 50k will be pleasent have fun if ya have a flat. No spare!
Thanks for this. Bar a cracked radiator when I first bought it second hand, I have had no issues with my 2015mini CooperS. Get an oil filter change every 10,000km at my local garage in Cork and at 230, 000 km its going like a dream. Best car ever. Will never change!
What a great, honest, and thorough explanation. You have just saved a lotta people a hella lotta money.j Real experience (I can tell) and to the point of the talk. Well done bud - now I know what to get. Thank you.
Love my 2011 Cooper S (R56). 140,000 miles, with minimal work I've had to do. Had the hard plastic coolant hose break in the back of the engine which was kinda a pain to reach but was able to do it myself. Coils have failed a bit but probably an aftermarket quality issue with them. Replaced the thermostat at about 120,000. Purrs (and pops) like a kitten. Haven't noticed any irregular oil consumption but I'm usually on it with checking the oil.
Great video, very helpful. I still drive an '06 MCS and still love it. Thankfully, my MINI still has a dipstick and I check my oil regularly. Had lots of repairs, but there none were crazy expensive. Hope to own it for many, many more years.
I posted a few months ago that my next Mini would be 2nd Gen 2011 to 2015. But the more I read and see that many of us Mini Lovers , love the R53 because it really does have a lot of character and so fun. Mine is a 2006 S, 6 speed, Electric Blue top and bottom, with 130,500 mi, and still going strong. Plan to stay with the R53. When this one is no more, I will hope to find another "one owner" like this one. Most fun vehicle I have ever owned, well accept my 2007 Harley Softail.
We bought a 2017 mini automatic s7 so far it’s super peppy we love the gas mileage still under warranty My husband just loves it an we r retired and use it for lots of trips locally it’s so far a very good car .
My favorite is the R53 and I am currently on my 3rd one (all 3 are 2005s). The other two are still in the family. These cars have character and soul, and are so much fun to drive.
Thanks Mike, this is great. I own an MC40. It's a 2004 R53. Just went over 189,000 miles and still looks great and runs strong. It's hard top with manual trans. I do most of my maintenance. Keeping it going for many more miles to come and having fun. Your video is spot on, thanks.
I have a Mini Cooper hatchback s and I love it. Driving it makes my day. Great mileage, incredible handling. It’s really fun to drive. I’ve had it for 2 years and there are no issues so far. Hope it won’t get me a headache. I really want to have my mini forever.
Enjoyed this video. I own a Mini Cooper (base hardtop) 6spd manual, 2013. Purchased at 18k miles... Mini dealer, Certified Pre-owned. Now at almost 60k miles. Only issue other than wear items like tires/brakes, was the ignition coils... which were covered by warranty and no problems since. It's fun to drive on mountain roads and comfortable on long highway drives... great fuel mileage and reliable as a commuter. Some oil consumption and the clutch may eventually need replacement. Never had buyer's regret on this car.
I’ve been looking at some Minis and if I buy a cooper and not the cooper s is it still fun to drive on a track? Does it drive like a go kart since it’s not an S?
Your diction is so clear and speech rate easy to understand. But the way you jump around to different features becomes confusing. Suggest you rewrite the outline and get an editor to cross-check your work. Then you get more Likes. Thank you for doing this video.
Thank you for real constructive criticism. It is what I really need. Mean comments just hurt. I will work on writing out my outline better. I'm lucky to be married to a teacher. I'll have her go over my other work. Best.
The importance of checking the oil cannot be overstated. Like many cars my ‘15 F55 has no dipstick. So EVERY time I start this car I bring up Vehicle Status and check the level. Then once a week or so I’ll take the time to have the system electronically measure the oil level. Time well spent.
I'm so glad I watched this video! I just got one and it happens to be the one you recommended. Low miles, no mods and the service records show it was well loved.
I have an R50 with only 84K miles on it and have ZERO major problems with it at all... its 13 years old and most of those years it was in the elements. only small area's or minor rust at the corners of the doors... I replaced the header as it was drooping after these years. It still looks amazing and drives perfect....People can't believe its a 13 year old car... Thank you for the awesome video and information on the Mini's, Mike....
Love driving our 2006 Mini S convertible. My wife and I have a great time taking it on day trips Bought it 5 years ago with 52,000 miles. Only drive it in good weather.
Had an R53 with a stage 2 Dinan kit down pipe, supercharger pulley, air intake, sway bar, and CPU tune with a muffler delete, unfortunately I bought the car used and had it for just under 6 months before I found out the head gasket was blown, Miss that car so much I think I’m gonna buy an F56 and do a muffler delete/JB4 tune. One of the most fun cars to drive for the money, and no one expects how nimble and loud they can be. Great video.
Bought an F56 Cooper S and I cannot be more happier! It has a lot of power, amazing handling, and I love the pop noises on the stock exhaust. My next goal is to get the JCW tune from the dealership so it doesn’t void my warranty!
Those are great cars. And the S model is the best too!. I have a video on the f56 ( 3rd gen ) MINI's you may enjoy. Appreciate your support in watching.
i recently bought a 2007 mini cooper s and let me tell you..120 mph never felt so easy. what he said about the oil is true. ive read somewhere about a oil catch can ..ill be buying that and see how it goes
Thanks! I bought a 2011 non "S" and it's been a great car so far with about 90k miles on it. Mine has the 6 speed Getrag trans and shifts like a pro! I used your advice and i got a good deal on a clean Cooper with only some very minor problems. The rear drop links were worn out but were relatively cheap to fix. The non turbo still has a reasonable amount of power and i don't have to worry about turbo burnout. One thing i would watch out for is the hood latch. If the car sits for too long and the latch isn't well lubricated it can stick in the latched position and the little plastic lever isn't strong enough to pop it. There isn't any way to open the hood save for getting under the car and trying to pop the latch by hand. So make sure you try the latch before buying and after make sure it's well greased!
My 2005 'S' is still going strong. Just passed 100K miles. Dealer repairs super expensive - $1300 for alternator...Just paid $700 for p/s HOSES - the pump & labor covered under recall. You Tube invaluable for DIY. Metal & doors solid. If you want an ' S ', I recommend supercharged version, 2002-2005...Pulls through power band smooth & sweet. When I arrive at destination in my 2003 1.8 TDI New Beetle, I gotta let turbo wind down from 200K rpm w/ engine running, to keep turbo bearings lubed.
Purchased a 2007 Mini Cooper S as my 2nd car in May. Now it is my daily driver. They are fun to drive. I paid a tadit bit more at a dealership, but it was worth it. The thermostat housing, water pump, water pipe, and houses were fairly new, and we were surprised because we had to remove the air intake on top, amd the wheel liner below. I kept the new parts and we replaced the timing chain belt with a kit from Detroit Tuned.
Just came back here to thank you Mike and everybody for this video and comments as it definitely pulled me towards purchasing my Cooper S R56 recently! 55k miles, end of 2013, black with brown leather interior. So far it's been nothing but amazeballs. Not too stiff, but grips tight and cornering is superb. Fuel economy is also pretty good considering what MINI is about. Initally I wanted to buy BMW 3 Series, checked upon plenty of those. But after test driving this little beast, all my questions were answered. If having 4 doors is not crucial for you, which is pretty often a case actually, seriously consider R56. Depends on the country, but at least in my country in Europe, I didn't manage to find any solid BMW 3 Series for my price range with preferred condition. MINI looks like a great deal because 'bros' and 'lads' are going for BMW mostly, therefore you have a higher chance to get a well maintained MINI instead. Worth to mention, I'm talking referring to a higher end of market price range, gives less headache haha
Thanks for the "heads up" on this one. I gave it a "like" because you spelled it out in non-technical speak, and everyone should beware of what they are getting into. I've seen 2 other videos on buying a used Mini and they're both nightmares: one shows a replacement of a clutch with having to take the front-end bodywork off to do it, and the other is trying to replace your main belt which is way underneath the car and certainly not easy [both of these videos are on YOU TUBE, just look for them]. Cute car, I'd love to own one, but after hearing all these warnings, I'd say stay away unless you are super-mechanically inclined.
Carlitos S don’t do it they are terrible for gearboxes and weak camchains My mrs has had 3 gearboxes in seven years and she doesn’t crunch the gears and by the way hers has a manual gearbox
I have a 2004 mini base 5-speed and it is great! Wind out your gears between 4,500 rpm and 5,800 rpm or 6,000 rpm sometimes and it’s amazing. When I had the car stock as long as I was keeping my rpms up I can keep up with some muscle cars. I have about $2,800 into it in upgrades but the car now is perfect I have 5 upgrades as of now. Sprint booster remote, K&N Typhoon cool air intake system, Koni adjustable suspension, and a Borla Cat Back exhaust system. Stock the car was 100 horse power. Now I have it up to about 160 horse power. This car is not supercharged btw. It is not the S. Next I’m looking into a Chip for my car to increase horse power. Then 18” rims and tires. Just wanted to brag a little about how fun and awesome my little mini is (street legal go-kart). 1st gen minis around 2004 to 2006 are your best bet. Lots of fun to be had.
Just bought a 2013 R56 Cooper Hatchback with a manual without knowing that these are the generation to buy so I’m glad! Only thing I’m getting at the moment is little oscillating idle that goes away when the a/c is turned on, I bet it is the VANOS solenoids that need a cleaning but other than that is really stout mechanically. Handling is the party piece of this car imho, build quality is still up there considering that it is a 10 year old car (prev owner took good care of it though) and also it’s fuel economy, getting low 40s at the moment which is amazing considering that I came from a Toyota 4cyl beater (34mpg on a good day). Looking forward to learn and know more about this little fun car, it’s appealing to everyone, specially girls 😎 You might be suprised on how good these are even in a “base” spec like mine (sunroof, cruise control, keyless entry, vinyl seats that look like leather, ambient led lighting and Bluetooth stereo). Thanks for this video even after 5 yrs! Lol. Keep them coming!
I've owned a Mini One R50 2002 for over 3 1/2 yrs.ok a little noise from a door seal,but it hasn't let me down once,started up every time great on fuel,handling and quick.I think you are making this up as you go.
I bought my wife an 04 Mini Cooper S second hand back in 2006 we still own it, drive it everyday as I bought her a new car in 2014, so far I have bought 2 front wheel bearings a battery, drivers door lock and changed the wheels to 15" Ultralite F1 alloys with more side taller wall to soak up the poor UK 'B' roads. Its not economical but fun and reliable. Grey with full glass roof , lovin it still.
05 mini S. Love mine. My buddy had it and took great care of it. Sunk around 15k into it redid pretty much everything lol . 144k miles and running strong
O.M.G. I love my new lil friend I went as far as naming it Mr.Cooper and talking about performance on demand and I driven a lot of cars...but ive never had a vehicle that i couldn't wait til the next day to DRIVE. i learn something new every single day about Mr. cooper like now! gotta go an connect my sirius SO today picture us rollin to the beat of this pandamic ...so for now you and yours drive safe and may the force be with you and your cooper
Very informative! I wish I would've seen this video back then. probably saved us a lot of money. hehe currently driving a 2004 non S (almost 300k on it) but did a lot of preventive maintenance on it though. looking forward to see more mini videos!
I'm currently in the market for a used mini as a second, weekend and errand car and this video was very informative. I learned a couple of new things I was unaware of ... so thanks for your time and effort. Cheers, Dave
Thanks for the info Mike. I just purchased a used 2012 Mini Cooper S with the manual transmission. The mileage was a bit high at 129,000 but I got a really good deal on it so I have set aside a repair/maintenance budget (which I'm sure I'll need... lol)
Honestly this is my best video ever. Very instructive. Am a fan of mini cooper don't have one yet and a bit confused on which one I want and can afford. But with this video I have a clear head on what am going for. Bless your heart.
Very informative, Thank you. I have the gen2 John Cooper Works,so much fun, one of the best cars I've ever had and that's comparing it to my Porsche 911.
Bought a 2006 MINI JCW new. Still going strong after 12 years and 80K miles. Only mod is shock tower brace. Found a repair shop that specializes in the first generation "neo" MINI. In the words of my wife, "We're never getting rid of this car!"
Really informative, thanks. Especially the part about the 2011 engine changes. I have always liked Mini Cooper's, as well as the first generation Clubman's, but fear the reliability factor.
Wow thanks Mike! Excellent video and great information. I looked at a 2010 S model today that was running pretty rough. The owner mentioned that it would eat oil and he would have to top it off from time to time. He said it might have overheated at one point and that he just had to replace the turbo. Watching this video just made everything click. Many thanks my dude.
I bought a CPO '15 Cooper S 4dr HT automatic two years ago. I do 4 to 6 HPDE track days a year and wheel around the mountains east of San Diego. It is a FUN track car; not so much on the street. If I still had a daily commute I'd drive something else. The suspension is far tighter and firmer than the non-S and the steering is direct and somewhat heavy. Two reasons why I bought it. I drive it about three times a week so I've only put 9k mi on it. However, because of the track duty it does burn through brake pads. Every time I slide behind the wheel I get a smile on my face. I just make sure to steer around manhole covers and bumps that don't bother other cars. If you are considering buying one get a manual or the JCW steering wheel with the paddle shifters. DO NOT consider a non-S. It is too slow. After a session on the track I've had Porsche Cayman drivers come up to me and exclaim how hard it was to keep up with me. A fun car that rides very firm. Good luck.
Bought a 2013 Mini Cooper five door manual Countryman from a friend and it’s a cool ‘big’ mini . 60,000 on the clock and drives beautifully. Some people knock it for being so big but, meh, I like it. It handles nicely, just like the smaller minis.
I was very apprehensive, but once we've took them for a spin we were sold. Full MINI /BMW serviced cars we have. A UK build '12 Cooper (non-S), white silver convertible and a Blazing Red, Austrian build '14 ONE Countryman. Both a joy to drive, the convertible is so much fun. However for a mid size "SUV" the Countryman has a lot going for too in terms of practicality and looks great in my opinion. Check your oil once in a while and stay well within manufacturers schedule. Better to change engine oil in half the adviced schedule than leaving it to the max or even longer. Happy motoring and stay safe. Best regards from the Netherlands.
I guess I am one of the luckiest person ever. Bought a 2004 R50 in 2014 with CVT and it is still fun to drive till today :) Everything is working fine but 4 months ago I had to replace the water pump due to leakage.
Thanks for the video. In my opinion, manual transmission 2005-06 R53 and R50 MINIs are the best - all the bugs were worked out by then (e.g., Getrag instead of Midlands transmission), and the first-generation cars are the purest design. I also think the first generation 1.6L Tritec motor was far more reliable than the second-generation motors. If you get (got) a MINI in automatic - you're buying it (bought it) for its looks, not its driving dynamics, and that's fine, but you're missing out on a lot of the fun driving experience. I've owned a 2005 R50 (manual, of course) since new and don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I look forward to driving it. I smile almost every time I drive it. And it's plenty fast if you know how to drive and appreciate a naturally aspirated engine. I don't have anything against R53s, I just couldn't afford one back in 2005!
I brought a Mini cooper S R53, it has a Pro-werx Racing engine installed, probably the best engine upgrade you could do if you want power and reliability with better fuel economy. The car is a beast.
I’ve got a 2013 Cooper s. I’ve had the water pump failure around 155k. I’ve had it since 83k. I floor and abuse my car daily and drive it 120 miles a day usually. It’s been great. I currently need a turbo because the waste gates worn out which is typical for me having currently 176k. Pretty reliable car. Has its small quirks that need attention and basic maintenance. It’s lasted through my ridiculous abuse.
2013 base cooper with 6 speed got it a year ago at 74000, got 103k now still running like a dream only had spark plugs and coils changed original clutch too
Omg, Bought a '03 copper S modded 😥 The power steering pump was bad, and the gas gasket needed to be replaced. The bearings are still good and the brushings are still in decent condition. I hope i can still drive it for about at least three more years. Thx for your vid 👍🏽
Great video!! Good info ..I have a 2013 base coupe manual trans.. bought it in 2016 without 37, 000 miles on it ..52,000 now no trouble ..I was aware of the long oil change interval and engines being low on oil , as they use some oil..
Give yourself a break - don't buy a Mini used. The favorite of Mini buyers is to buy them new, let the dealer suck up all of the failures under the warranty, and sell them to someone like you at 70,000 miles, knowing that the drive train and electrical system is going to self-destruct in the next 20k miles. A total money pit.
I agree with R. Stewart to a degree. The higher the mileage on a car you're considering equals higher risk. I bought my '15 Mini Cooper S 4dr hardtop in 2018 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with only 21,000 miles on it. I believe it may be the best way to buy a used car. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened with my car but to be fair it only has 30,000 miles on it as of Nov/2020. I track my car, too, and still nothing wrong. Remember, whoever has no problems will like their car; whoever has problems will not. Regular maintenance!
Wow I don’t know much about cars so this was very helpful! The first time I saw a mini I fell completely in love and looking to get one as my first car now! Thanks for the great video 😁
If you are looking for the most fun MINI to drive, the answer is easy: R53. The R56 does not have the same feel as the first generation. No soul, no personality. The R53 is great. But I would stay away from automatic transmissions and convertibles. I love my R53, but I have had to learn to do mechanic work (changing seals in the engine to stop oil leaks, timing chain tensioner, supercharger oil change, new exhaust due to rust, change hydraulic motor mount, worn out wheel hubs). If repairs and service is too expensive for you, I reccomend buying a Toyota. They are very reliable and cheap cars.
Hi Mike. Great video! I'm shopping for my daughters first car and it seems like 09 thru 11 are in our range. I had no idea the difference in engines starting in '11. Thanks!
Thanks. I bought a 2011 MINI Cooper 3 dr. It seem strange this one doesn't has bluetooth bild in, no phone symbol to pairing bluetooth or I miss something?
My 2014 Mini Cooper s automatic with 172000 on the clock still going well but I always looking after the engine oil also I drive like a old men I don't drive on spot mode like I use to lol
I have a 2008 clubman. Only things I've replaced on this vehicle in 123000 miles are as follows, Water pump Thermostat Timing tensioner H/P fuel pump ( under warranty) Brakes and rotors (once) I my opinion its one of the best vehicles i ever owned.
05 Cooper S, Man. AC Compressor and Harmonic Balancer replaced $1500 plus total. 95% loss of power, driving at 10MPH after 2 days of noticing. I deliver pizza and "drive it like a stole it" but no other issues since(89K miles). I traded in my Audi A4 because of this "Pocket Rocket". "Racing is a sport, winning in a race is a feeling... Driving a Mini Cooper is a ... *_Feeling!_*
They are fun. If getting one uses, purchase from a reputable place and find a specialist if not taking it to the dealership for repairs. I have a video on helping with purchasing newer used cars.
If only I’ve seen this video before I bought my Mini Clubman 2010 AT, I could have saved a fortune having it repaired. Even the Mini shop had difficulty diagnoaing the couple of issues it had b
i own a 2005 s convertible i live in rainy vancouver bc i have no leaks inside at all i have no wind noise pretty tight been great i forget i am in convertible sometimes i beg to differ buy a convertible there super fun with the top down and handles even better these are the last of the real minis the super charged mini s convertible 2005/6 will be a collector car one day
searaydrivingguy I have the last of the supercharged mohicans- a 2008 Sidewalk edition convertible. Like you, I have no issues with the roof and it’s like having two cars in one when I put the roof down. Absolutely love it and it has been generally reliable except for the usual wear and tear parts.
Completely agree on the convertible. I own two. 2008 Non-S manual (which is actually 1st gen) and 2019 S manual. My older one needs a clutch and the power steering went out while awaiting delivery of my new one. Really though, for 190k miles and driving her as hard as I did, I'm surprised that's all that's broken/worn. I'll get her fixed up so she can come out and play again soon.
Great video with the exception of one thing . . . . no mention whatsoever of the Mini Cooper D diesel for those of us chasing fantastic fuel mileage !! 11:10
Mini's are very fun-I have owned 3. R60's if I remember. 2 new and the last (plug in hybrid) used. Always traded before warranty expired. They are quick and handle very well and made me smile every time I got in it. Very expensive to fix when the time comes. My last one was the plug in hybrid-What a piece of junk. Crappy mileage on battery or gas, kept throwing check engine codes and the dealer(s) couldn't figure out why. Eventually, they replaced the "regenerative charging system" on one (or both) of the back wheels. Out of curiosity I asked how much that would have costed me if the car wasn't under warranty. It was some ridiculous amount of money like $6 to $8 thousand dollars or higher-I don't remember exactly. I started planning my exit strategy right then and there and eventually traded it in for a 2020 Toyota Rav4 hybrid and I couldn't be happier. My RAV is worth almost $10K more now than when I bought it. Mini's were expensively fun while they lasted. Don't think I will ever buy Mini again.
@@MikeMDs Sure - thanks for the vid - I was looking the the all electric just for fun-it is competitive with other electrics and best of all: It a Mini! LOL I had a lot of fun in my Mini's-it was time to move on...
I bought a 2013 mini about 2 years ago and have had no problems with it. I bought it with 57,000 miles and I love it!!!!
Awesome!
My wife has a 2013 mini cooper s and has 80,000 miles and still running strong
@@MikeMDs 7
Curious to know.. how is it running now?
@@WKRPinCINNsame 😀
This is one of the best videos discussing a particular thing in which it’s aiming.
Thank you!
I just bought a first gen, 03 6 speed. It's in outstanding condition and drives like a champ! So glad I researched first.
Very nice!
I've just purchased my first 2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S. I had done some reading and followed a few videos on this car. I have to say this video has been very helpful so far. It's been 1 month and 2 days and i love it. Thanks!
Congratulations! Fun times ahead for sure. Just keep an eye on the oil level.
This video is so clear and concise. Thank you for the images and the clarity. No annoying music is a plus. I'm looking to buy one that's been sitting for a month. according to the seller there's something wrong with the timing chain.
This video is so informative especially the part about the oil level and to look out for the engine rattling sounds. What a legend! Thanks
I recently fell in love with the mini cooper and this video was great helping me figuring out if i want to save up for one
I’ve got a 2008 cooper diesel , owned it three years , serviced once a year , around 10k per year , doesn’t use any oil .It hasn’t missed a beat and I get 60 plus mpg , great to drive , a brill car
Mine too!!!320.000km this week, I want that beauty forever 🥹💛
I retired after 35+ years in the Audio Visual Presentation Tools industry....and have watched LOTS of presentations. You are very good....kudo's to you.
Thank you Robert, you made my day.
Best comment compliment ever right there!
I owned a 2004 Mini Cooper that I purchased new from the dealer. I loved it! I later sold it as I lived in the city and did not drive often. However I just moved to California and just bought a 2014 Mini Countryman from a private seller. It has been kept in great shape. Once you own a Mini you kind of get hooked.
It's my dream car.............mini cooper lovers like here
Don’t get this garbage. Is nothing but problems expensive fixes. I owned one for over a year because they cool looking but is nothing but headache. Stay away from this garbage if you don’t want to deal with junk
@@MOUSEBOWEN i own a 2013 mini roadster convertible and have to say i love it and it performs very well so i'm not sure why you call it garbage ? maybe you missed services ?
Mouse Gipson shat up gay subaru Japanese car lover my convertible Mini is perfectly fine ;)
@FUN-TIME Very reliable. SMH
2005-06 cooper s perfect in every way......no problems at all shure is expensive services but all bmw are...
Just bought a 2018 Mini S and I am COMPLETELY in love with it!!! 🙏🏼💯
Wait till the timing chain goes $3500, oh and the sunroof will leak and cause damage to the footwell module. Another $1000. The oil leaks after 50k will be pleasent have fun if ya have a flat. No spare!
@@Losthopeforamericapeople love you at parties don’t they
Thanks for this. Bar a cracked radiator when I first bought it second hand, I have had no issues with my 2015mini CooperS. Get an oil filter change every 10,000km at my local garage in Cork and at 230, 000 km its going like a dream. Best car ever. Will never change!
What a great, honest, and thorough explanation. You have just saved a lotta people a hella lotta money.j Real experience (I can tell) and to the point of the talk. Well done bud - now I know what to get. Thank you.
Love my 2011 Cooper S (R56). 140,000 miles, with minimal work I've had to do. Had the hard plastic coolant hose break in the back of the engine which was kinda a pain to reach but was able to do it myself. Coils have failed a bit but probably an aftermarket quality issue with them. Replaced the thermostat at about 120,000. Purrs (and pops) like a kitten. Haven't noticed any irregular oil consumption but I'm usually on it with checking the oil.
Great video, very helpful. I still drive an '06 MCS and still love it. Thankfully, my MINI still has a dipstick and I check my oil regularly. Had lots of repairs, but there none were crazy expensive. Hope to own it for many, many more years.
About how much in repairs per year?
I posted a few months ago that my next Mini would be 2nd Gen 2011 to 2015. But the more I read and see that many of us Mini Lovers , love the R53 because it really does have a lot of character and so fun. Mine is a 2006 S, 6 speed, Electric Blue top and bottom, with 130,500 mi, and still going strong. Plan to stay with the R53. When this one is no more, I will hope to find another "one owner" like this one. Most fun vehicle I have ever owned, well accept my 2007 Harley Softail.
We bought a 2017 mini automatic s7 so far it’s super peppy we love the gas mileage still under warranty
My husband just loves it an we r retired and use it for lots of trips locally it’s so far a very good car .
how has your mini cooper held up so far?
My favorite is the R53 and I am currently on my 3rd one (all 3 are 2005s). The other two are still in the family. These cars have character and soul, and are so much fun to drive.
Thanks Mike, this is great. I own an MC40. It's a 2004 R53. Just went over 189,000 miles and still looks great and runs strong. It's hard top with manual trans. I do most of my maintenance. Keeping it going for many more miles to come and having fun. Your video is spot on, thanks.
If you are going to own a Mini Cooper you have to educate yourself as a mini Cooper owner in the operation & maintenance of your vehicle?
I have a Mini Cooper hatchback s and I love it. Driving it makes my day. Great mileage, incredible handling. It’s really fun to drive. I’ve had it for 2 years and there are no issues so far. Hope it won’t get me a headache. I really want to have my mini forever.
Enjoyed this video. I own a Mini Cooper (base hardtop) 6spd manual, 2013. Purchased at 18k miles... Mini dealer, Certified Pre-owned. Now at almost 60k miles. Only issue other than wear items like tires/brakes, was the ignition coils... which were covered by warranty and no problems since. It's fun to drive on mountain roads and comfortable on long highway drives... great fuel mileage and reliable as a commuter. Some oil consumption and the clutch may eventually need replacement. Never had buyer's regret on this car.
I’ve been looking at some Minis and if I buy a cooper and not the cooper s is it still fun to drive on a track? Does it drive like a go kart since it’s not an S?
Have a 2013 - bought with 18,000 miles and now have 144,000. Love it. Standard repairs.
Manual 2012 cooper hatch here. And as with most others…. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. 118k and going strong
Your diction is so clear and speech rate easy to understand. But the way you jump around to different features becomes confusing. Suggest you rewrite the outline and get an editor to cross-check your work. Then you get more Likes. Thank you for doing this video.
Thank you for real constructive criticism. It is what I really need. Mean comments just hurt. I will work on writing out my outline better. I'm lucky to be married to a teacher. I'll have her go over my other work. Best.
The importance of checking the oil cannot be overstated. Like many cars my ‘15 F55 has no dipstick. So EVERY time I start this car I bring up Vehicle Status and check the level. Then once a week or so I’ll take the time to have the system electronically measure the oil level. Time well spent.
I'm so glad I watched this video! I just got one and it happens to be the one you recommended. Low miles, no mods and the service records show it was well loved.
I absolutely loved my R52.. Nothing like the sound of that Supercharger whine.
I have an R50 with only 84K miles on it and have ZERO major problems with it at all... its 13 years old and most of those years it was in the elements. only small area's or minor rust at the corners of the doors... I replaced the header as it was drooping after these years. It still looks amazing and drives perfect....People can't believe its a 13 year old car... Thank you for the awesome video and information on the Mini's, Mike....
Love driving our 2006 Mini S convertible. My wife and I have a great time taking it on day trips Bought it 5 years ago with 52,000 miles. Only drive it in good weather.
Had an R53 with a stage 2 Dinan kit down pipe, supercharger pulley, air intake, sway bar, and CPU tune with a muffler delete, unfortunately I bought the car used and had it for just under 6 months before I found out the head gasket was blown, Miss that car so much I think I’m gonna buy an F56 and do a muffler delete/JB4 tune. One of the most fun cars to drive for the money, and no one expects how nimble and loud they can be. Great video.
Bought an F56 Cooper S and I cannot be more happier! It has a lot of power, amazing handling, and I love the pop noises on the stock exhaust. My next goal is to get the JCW tune from the dealership so it doesn’t void my warranty!
Those are great cars. And the S model is the best too!. I have a video on the f56 ( 3rd gen ) MINI's you may enjoy. Appreciate your support in watching.
Already own a Mini and this video had great input.
Thank you!
I had a mini for 3 years and no problems. Never checked the oil but had the car serviced once a year. Best little car out there.
John Tighe what year was yours?
John Tighe Hahahaha not positive. My self and everyone that I know hate them for the many mechanical problems. Garbage pieces of shit
@@MOUSEBOWEN You keep on saying Mini is Shit but we have not heard you specifie why you're saying that.Would you please specifie your complaint?
i recently bought a 2007 mini cooper s and let me tell you..120 mph never felt so easy. what he said about the oil is true. ive read somewhere about a oil catch can ..ill be buying that and see how it goes
how is it now
How is it?
Thanks! I bought a 2011 non "S" and it's been a great car so far with about 90k miles on it. Mine has the 6 speed Getrag trans and shifts like a pro! I used your advice and i got a good deal on a clean Cooper with only some very minor problems. The rear drop links were worn out but were relatively cheap to fix. The non turbo still has a reasonable amount of power and i don't have to worry about turbo burnout.
One thing i would watch out for is the hood latch. If the car sits for too long and the latch isn't well lubricated it can stick in the latched position and the little plastic lever isn't strong enough to pop it. There isn't any way to open the hood save for getting under the car and trying to pop the latch by hand. So make sure you try the latch before buying and after make sure it's well greased!
Nice Phil. And great advice about the latch.
And what about minicoper clubman? 2009 manual 158k
My 2005 'S' is still going strong. Just passed 100K miles. Dealer repairs super expensive - $1300 for alternator...Just paid $700 for p/s HOSES - the pump & labor covered under recall. You Tube invaluable for DIY. Metal & doors solid. If you want an ' S ', I recommend supercharged version, 2002-2005...Pulls through power band smooth & sweet. When I arrive at destination in my 2003 1.8 TDI New Beetle, I gotta let turbo wind down from 200K rpm w/ engine running, to keep turbo bearings lubed.
Purchased a 2007 Mini Cooper S as my 2nd car in May. Now it is my daily driver. They are fun to drive. I paid a tadit bit more at a dealership, but it was worth it. The thermostat housing, water pump, water pipe, and houses were fairly new, and we were surprised because we had to remove the air intake on top, amd the wheel liner below.
I kept the new parts and we replaced the timing chain belt with a kit from Detroit Tuned.
right on !
Just came back here to thank you Mike and everybody for this video and comments as it definitely pulled me towards purchasing my Cooper S R56 recently!
55k miles, end of 2013, black with brown leather interior. So far it's been nothing but amazeballs. Not too stiff, but grips tight and cornering is superb. Fuel economy is also pretty good considering what MINI is about.
Initally I wanted to buy BMW 3 Series, checked upon plenty of those. But after test driving this little beast, all my questions were answered. If having 4 doors is not crucial for you, which is pretty often a case actually, seriously consider R56.
Depends on the country, but at least in my country in Europe, I didn't manage to find any solid BMW 3 Series for my price range with preferred condition. MINI looks like a great deal because 'bros' and 'lads' are going for BMW mostly, therefore you have a higher chance to get a well maintained MINI instead. Worth to mention, I'm talking referring to a higher end of market price range, gives less headache haha
Congratulations on you purchase! I wish you many miles of driving joy.
Thanks for the "heads up" on this one. I gave it a "like" because you spelled it out in non-technical speak, and everyone should beware of what they are getting into. I've seen 2 other videos on buying a used Mini and they're both nightmares: one shows a replacement of a clutch with having to take the front-end bodywork off to do it, and the other is trying to replace your main belt which is way underneath the car and certainly not easy [both of these videos are on YOU TUBE, just look for them]. Cute car, I'd love to own one, but after hearing all these warnings, I'd say stay away unless you are super-mechanically inclined.
I was about to buy a 2008 mini but after this video I think is worth it to buy a newer version of mini. Thanks man!!!
Carlitos S don’t do it they are terrible for gearboxes and weak camchains My mrs has had 3 gearboxes in seven years and she doesn’t crunch the gears and by the way hers has a manual gearbox
They are nothing but garbage caca to many issues. If you want to be broke for fixing this pieces of shit go for
I have a 2004 mini base 5-speed and it is great! Wind
out your gears between 4,500 rpm and 5,800 rpm or 6,000 rpm sometimes and it’s amazing. When I had the car stock as long as I was keeping my rpms up I can keep up with some muscle cars. I have about $2,800 into it in upgrades but the car now is perfect I have 5 upgrades as of now. Sprint booster remote, K&N Typhoon cool air intake system, Koni adjustable suspension, and a Borla Cat Back exhaust system. Stock the car was 100 horse power. Now I have it up to about 160 horse power. This car is not supercharged btw. It is not the S. Next I’m looking into a Chip for my car to increase horse power. Then 18” rims and tires. Just wanted to brag a little about how fun and awesome my little mini is (street legal go-kart). 1st gen minis around 2004 to 2006 are your best bet. Lots of fun to be had.
Bought a 2007 convertible mini sidewalk with 64k miles on it for $5000 and the wife loves it!!!
They are just too much fun! Enjoy
Just bought a 2013 R56 Cooper Hatchback with a manual without knowing that these are the generation to buy so I’m glad! Only thing I’m getting at the moment is little oscillating idle that goes away when the a/c is turned on, I bet it is the VANOS solenoids that need a cleaning but other than that is really stout mechanically. Handling is the party piece of this car imho, build quality is still up there considering that it is a 10 year old car (prev owner took good care of it though) and also it’s fuel economy, getting low 40s at the moment which is amazing considering that I came from a Toyota 4cyl beater (34mpg on a good day). Looking forward to learn and know more about this little fun car, it’s appealing to everyone, specially girls 😎 You might be suprised on how good these are even in a “base” spec like mine (sunroof, cruise control, keyless entry, vinyl seats that look like leather, ambient led lighting and Bluetooth stereo). Thanks for this video even after 5 yrs! Lol. Keep them coming!
Just got my 2014. I love the 3 cylinder 1.5 turbo. Torque like crazy and up to 35 37 miles per gallon on green mode
I've owned a Mini One R50 2002 for over 3 1/2 yrs.ok a little noise from a door seal,but it hasn't let me down once,started up every time great on fuel,handling and quick.I think you are making this up as you go.
I bought my wife an 04 Mini Cooper S second hand back in 2006 we still own it, drive it everyday as I bought her a new car in 2014, so far I have bought 2 front wheel bearings a battery, drivers door lock and changed the wheels to 15" Ultralite F1 alloys with more side taller wall to soak up the poor UK 'B' roads. Its not economical but fun and reliable. Grey with full glass roof , lovin it still.
Thats awesome!
05 mini S. Love mine. My buddy had it and took great care of it. Sunk around 15k into it redid pretty much everything lol . 144k miles and running strong
I did it. I bought a 2015 Countryman S , ALL4 automatics. Its a blast!. I hope you are right about the reliability. Thanks
O.M.G. I love my new lil friend I went as far as naming it Mr.Cooper and talking about performance on demand and I driven a lot of cars...but ive never had a vehicle that i couldn't wait til the next day to DRIVE. i learn something new every single day about Mr. cooper like now! gotta go an connect my sirius SO today picture us rollin to the beat of this pandamic ...so for now you and yours drive safe and may the force be with you and your cooper
Thanks for sharing
Very informative! I wish I would've seen this video back then. probably saved us a lot of money. hehe currently driving a 2004 non S (almost 300k on it) but did a lot of preventive maintenance on it though. looking forward to see more mini videos!
I'm currently in the market for a used mini as a second, weekend and errand car and this video was very informative. I learned a couple of new things I was unaware of ... so thanks for your time and effort. Cheers, Dave
Thanks for the info Mike. I just purchased a used 2012 Mini Cooper S with the manual transmission. The mileage was a bit high at 129,000 but I got a really good deal on it so I have set aside a repair/maintenance budget (which I'm sure I'll need... lol)
Hey how much did you pay? I just bought a 2011 Mini cooper s with 127,000 for about $6,000 wondering if that was a good deal?
Honestly this is my best video ever. Very instructive. Am a fan of mini cooper don't have one yet and a bit confused on which one I want and can afford. But with this video I have a clear head on what am going for. Bless your heart.
Thank you. I make these videos for people like you!
Very informative, Thank you. I have the gen2 John Cooper Works,so much fun, one of the best cars I've ever had and that's comparing it to my Porsche 911.
I love my mini and this has been one of the best videos I have come across thank you!!
Bought a 2006 MINI JCW new. Still going strong after 12 years and 80K miles. Only mod is shock tower brace. Found a repair shop that specializes in the first generation "neo" MINI. In the words of my wife, "We're never getting rid of this car!"
Really informative, thanks. Especially the part about the 2011 engine changes. I have always liked Mini Cooper's, as well as the first generation Clubman's, but fear the reliability factor.
Wow thanks Mike! Excellent video and great information. I looked at a 2010 S model today that was running pretty rough. The owner mentioned that it would eat oil and he would have to top it off from time to time. He said it might have overheated at one point and that he just had to replace the turbo. Watching this video just made everything click. Many thanks my dude.
James Goose Run away from that car!
Hi🙋🏽♀️ i have a 2012 mini cooper luv it!!have had it for 4 yrs. only had to do brakes and battery,lots of power!!!👌👌
I bought a CPO '15 Cooper S 4dr HT automatic two years ago. I do 4 to 6 HPDE track days a year and wheel around the mountains east of San Diego. It is a FUN track car; not so much on the street. If I still had a daily commute I'd drive something else. The suspension is far tighter and firmer than the non-S and the steering is direct and somewhat heavy. Two reasons why I bought it. I drive it about three times a week so I've only put 9k mi on it. However, because of the track duty it does burn through brake pads. Every time I slide behind the wheel I get a smile on my face. I just make sure to steer around manhole covers and bumps that don't bother other cars. If you are considering buying one get a manual or the JCW steering wheel with the paddle shifters. DO NOT consider a non-S. It is too slow. After a session on the track I've had Porsche Cayman drivers come up to me and exclaim how hard it was to keep up with me. A fun car that rides very firm. Good luck.
Bought a 2013 Mini Cooper five door manual Countryman from a friend and it’s a cool ‘big’ mini . 60,000 on the clock and drives beautifully. Some people knock it for being so big but, meh, I like it. It handles nicely, just like the smaller minis.
awesome video, all facts no filler, loved it
I was very apprehensive, but once we've took them for a spin we were sold.
Full MINI /BMW serviced cars we have. A UK build '12 Cooper (non-S), white silver convertible and a Blazing Red, Austrian build '14 ONE Countryman. Both a joy to drive, the convertible is so much fun. However for a mid size "SUV" the Countryman has a lot going for too in terms of practicality and looks great in my opinion. Check your oil once in a while and stay well within manufacturers schedule. Better to change engine oil in half the adviced schedule than leaving it to the max or even longer. Happy motoring and stay safe. Best regards from the Netherlands.
Thank you for your honesty...the world will appreciate it
I guess I am one of the luckiest person ever. Bought a 2004 R50 in 2014 with CVT and it is still fun to drive till today :) Everything is working fine but 4 months ago I had to replace the water pump due to leakage.
So glad to hear you are enjoying your MINI.
Thanks for the video. In my opinion, manual transmission 2005-06 R53 and R50 MINIs are the best - all the bugs were worked out by then (e.g., Getrag instead of Midlands transmission), and the first-generation cars are the purest design. I also think the first generation 1.6L Tritec motor was far more reliable than the second-generation motors. If you get (got) a MINI in automatic - you're buying it (bought it) for its looks, not its driving dynamics, and that's fine, but you're missing out on a lot of the fun driving experience. I've owned a 2005 R50 (manual, of course) since new and don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I look forward to driving it. I smile almost every time I drive it. And it's plenty fast if you know how to drive and appreciate a naturally aspirated engine. I don't have anything against R53s, I just couldn't afford one back in 2005!
I brought a Mini cooper S R53, it has a Pro-werx Racing engine installed, probably the best engine upgrade you could do if you want power and reliability with better fuel economy. The car is a beast.
I had watched this video before buying my mini coupe S , really helped !! Love it 😍
I’ve got a 2013 Cooper s. I’ve had the water pump failure around 155k. I’ve had it since 83k. I floor and abuse my car daily and drive it 120 miles a day usually. It’s been great. I currently need a turbo because the waste gates worn out which is typical for me having currently 176k. Pretty reliable car. Has its small quirks that need attention and basic maintenance. It’s lasted through my ridiculous abuse.
Thanks for your recommendation! I was able to get a 2012 cooper S with only 30k miles on it!
2013 base cooper with 6 speed got it a year ago at 74000, got 103k now still running like a dream only had spark plugs and coils changed original clutch too
I just bought a 2012 Mini. This gives me good information on my vehicle! Thanks!
how has it been working for you? I just got a 2012 a couple days ago
I'm about to shop for a used Mini. This video has been really helpful. Thank you so much!!
Thanks for such an honest and great mini review ! Best mechanical review I ever seen in years watching this kind of reviews . Th aka again !
Thank you Mike. I prefer first gen R53 manual. You're the best Mini Copper reviewer video I've seen. Thanks again brother. Bcool
You have one of the best ones! Thanks for your comment and watching.
I still have my r50 and it is awesome I love it
Omg,
Bought a '03 copper S modded 😥
The power steering pump was bad, and the gas gasket needed to be replaced. The bearings are still good and the brushings are still in decent condition.
I hope i can still drive it for about at least three more years. Thx for your vid 👍🏽
Point is if you love to buy a mini go for the 2011 to 2013! If you have the paper go for a 2014 and up.
Great video!! Good info ..I have a 2013 base coupe manual trans.. bought it in 2016 without 37, 000 miles on it ..52,000 now no trouble ..I was aware of the long oil change interval and engines being low on oil , as they use some oil..
My mini has been an endless money pitt.. looking to change it now
K24!
Just picked up a 2012 Countryman S all 4 with turbo. Looking forward to videos on this model - thanks for the videos
Have you had any major issues?
Thanks for this! I don’t know much about cars but I want to buy a mini soon.
Your welcome. Good luck!
Give yourself a break - don't buy a Mini used. The favorite of Mini buyers is to buy them new, let the dealer suck up all of the failures under the warranty, and sell them to someone like you at 70,000 miles, knowing that the drive train and electrical system is going to self-destruct in the next 20k miles. A total money pit.
@@randallstewart175 This is true for BMW products, I find they require major repairs at 100K. I'll never buy another BMW.
I agree with R. Stewart to a degree. The higher the mileage on a car you're considering equals higher risk. I bought my '15 Mini Cooper S 4dr hardtop in 2018 as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with only 21,000 miles on it. I believe it may be the best way to buy a used car. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened with my car but to be fair it only has 30,000 miles on it as of Nov/2020. I track my car, too, and still nothing wrong. Remember, whoever has no problems will like their car; whoever has problems will not. Regular maintenance!
Belive me do not buy a mini there just total junk the engines destroy themselves after about 30.000
Wow I don’t know much about cars so this was very helpful! The first time I saw a mini I fell completely in love and looking to get one as my first car now! Thanks for the great video 😁
Glad it was helpful!
If you are looking for the most fun MINI to drive, the answer is easy: R53. The R56 does not have the same feel as the first generation. No soul, no personality. The R53 is great. But I would stay away from automatic transmissions and convertibles. I love my R53, but I have had to learn to do mechanic work (changing seals in the engine to stop oil leaks, timing chain tensioner, supercharger oil change, new exhaust due to rust, change hydraulic motor mount, worn out wheel hubs). If repairs and service is too expensive for you, I reccomend buying a Toyota. They are very reliable and cheap cars.
R56 is a lot of fun and earns it soul if you modify it. R53 had soul out of the box.
I've been considering a 2011-2012 Countryman S for a daily driver, would u recommend me doing this or do you have any suggestions in mind?
I had a 2014 f56 mini cooper auto and put around 80000 miles on it without fault and still drove like the day I first got it
Hi Mike. Great video! I'm shopping for my daughters first car and it seems like 09 thru 11 are in our range. I had no idea the difference in engines starting in '11. Thanks!
Thanks a lots. This VDO is very helpful for me as I'm going to buy a used MINI Cooper.
I'm glad it was helpful. I also have another video like this one discussing newer MINI's.
Thanks. I bought a 2011 MINI Cooper 3 dr. It seem strange this one doesn't has bluetooth bild in, no phone symbol to pairing bluetooth or I miss something?
My 2014 Mini Cooper s automatic with 172000 on the clock still going well but I always looking after the engine oil also I drive like a old men I don't drive on spot mode like I use to lol
Super helpful video! We’re shopping for our first mini, going for a used one and this is the best info we’ve come across yet.
I have a 2008 clubman. Only things I've replaced on this vehicle in 123000 miles are as follows,
Water pump
Thermostat
Timing tensioner
H/P fuel pump ( under warranty)
Brakes and rotors (once)
I my opinion its one of the best vehicles i ever owned.
Lol ony thing?
@@DonJetblack00 I mean after 100k+ miles is actually not that bad!
05 Cooper S, Man. AC Compressor and Harmonic Balancer replaced $1500 plus total. 95% loss of power, driving at 10MPH after 2 days of noticing. I deliver pizza and "drive it like a stole it" but no other issues since(89K miles). I traded in my Audi A4 because of this "Pocket Rocket". "Racing is a sport, winning in a race is a feeling... Driving a Mini Cooper is a ... *_Feeling!_*
Fantastic video! Thank you so much for your well thought out, complete and easy to understand explanation.
Last summer I bought a one owner low mileage 2006 Mini Cooper S with an automatic. A great car and a ball to dive.
I’m turning 16 next month, looking forward to getting a mini as my fist car!
They are fun. If getting one uses, purchase from a reputable place and find a specialist if not taking it to the dealership for repairs. I have a video on helping with purchasing newer used cars.
Don't get a MINI as 1st car. Trust me. :)
@@ChuckyDoll79 why not?
@@cedraalkarri9285 They are a money pit to maintain. Check Hoovie Garage channel, he bought one which didn't have been maintained very well.
@@ChuckyDoll79 So a poorly maintained car puts a black mark on the brand? Brilliant!
I got the last year for the 4 cylinder JCW S, 2013. Great car, complete with grey union jack roof, mirrors, etc.
Nice! Enjoy
Excuse me!!!! 🤯🤣I have a 2005 Convertible Mini Cooper and with the top up is really quiet, no rattles or noises at all. A great sports car!
If only I’ve seen this video before I bought my Mini Clubman 2010 AT, I could have saved a fortune having it repaired. Even the Mini shop had difficulty diagnoaing the couple of issues it had b
i own a 2005 s convertible i live in rainy vancouver bc i have no leaks inside at all i have no wind noise pretty tight been great i forget i am in convertible sometimes i beg to differ buy a convertible there super fun with the top down and handles even better these are the last of the real minis the super charged mini s convertible 2005/6 will be a collector car one day
searaydrivingguy
I have the last of the supercharged mohicans- a 2008 Sidewalk edition convertible. Like you, I have no issues with the roof and it’s like having two cars in one when I put the roof down.
Absolutely love it and it has been generally reliable except for the usual wear and tear parts.
Completely agree on the convertible. I own two. 2008 Non-S manual (which is actually 1st gen) and 2019 S manual. My older one needs a clutch and the power steering went out while awaiting delivery of my new one. Really though, for 190k miles and driving her as hard as I did, I'm surprised that's all that's broken/worn. I'll get her fixed up so she can come out and play again soon.
Great video with the exception of one thing . . . . no mention whatsoever of the Mini Cooper D diesel for those of us chasing fantastic fuel mileage !! 11:10
Honest review, thank you for a very knowledgeable review....I bet second hand dealers hate you, lol.
Mini's are very fun-I have owned 3. R60's if I remember. 2 new and the last (plug in hybrid) used. Always traded before warranty expired. They are quick and handle very well and made me smile every time I got in it. Very expensive to fix when the time comes. My last one was the plug in hybrid-What a piece of junk. Crappy mileage on battery or gas, kept throwing check engine codes and the dealer(s) couldn't figure out why. Eventually, they replaced the "regenerative charging system" on one (or both) of the back wheels. Out of curiosity I asked how much that would have costed me if the car wasn't under warranty. It was some ridiculous amount of money like $6 to $8 thousand dollars or higher-I don't remember exactly. I started planning my exit strategy right then and there and eventually traded it in for a 2020 Toyota Rav4 hybrid and I couldn't be happier. My RAV is worth almost $10K more now than when I bought it. Mini's were expensively fun while they lasted. Don't think I will ever buy Mini again.
Thanks for your input !
@@MikeMDs Sure - thanks for the vid - I was looking the the all electric just for fun-it is competitive with other electrics and best of all: It a Mini! LOL I had a lot of fun in my Mini's-it was time to move on...