What Mini to own?

[Discseven]

Looking for opinions on what Mini would be best to own based on a few criteria...

• Older model / Easy to work on.
• Compact.
• Coupe.
• Dependable / well made.

.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Have you considered an Issigonis Mini? (One of the original ones from last century.) That would seem to fit your criteria well.

Modern MINIs are modern, and not that easy to work on. In the 2nd generation, a lot of things require you to put the front in "service mode", which basically involves disassembling the front and moving it to get you more space. Additionally, many things in the car are operated by the car's computers, which definitely adds a level of complexity to any work you do.

Modern MINIs are not the most dependable cars around. Each generation has its own set of issues. I'm most familiar with the 2nd generation (R56, 2007-2013), which seems to be less reliable than the 1st gen. Though that could be sample bias on my part. Problems are more common with the turbocharged 2nd-gen--meaning the Cooper S and JCW models--than with the naturally-aspirated ones. Examples include timing chain issues, turbo cooling pump problems (there's a recall for that one!), intake valve coking, and more.

The only major systematic problem I have heard of with the 1st-gen cars is that the CVT automatic transmission is failure-prone.

I have not looked into the 3rd-generation cars as they were not around when I was investigating MINIs. Mine is a 2012 Cooper Hardtop.

Parts tend to be expensive, as under the skin these cars are sort of little FWD BMWs.

That last issue hints at why we put up with the above, though. They are a major hoot to drive hard!!

--DD

[Discseven]

Thanks for input Dave. Looked up the original Mini and found Alec Issigonis being the designer. Fascinating, storied life. I figured I'd be looking for an older model to suit my prefs.

Is there a notable year when engineering / reliability went from good to bad?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I think they all have their problems. Your odds are better if you avoid problematic systems (e.g., CVT transmissions in 1st-gen cars; turbocharged 2nd-gen engines) but there are no guarantees. I haven't paid attention to anything past the 2012 model year, though.

From a few years back, it seemed like the 1st-gen cars with manual transmissions may have been the best of the lot. But they've gotten older since last I paid any attention, and that probably has affected things.

--DD

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by Dave at Pelican Parts

I think they all have their problems.
--DD

Nicely put Dave.

I must ask what constitutes a "1st-gen" car is?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

It's the 2001-2006 model years, the "R53" chassis.

--DD

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by Dave at Pelican Parts

It's the 2001-2006 model years, the "R53" chassis.

--DD

Thanks Dave. Looking into this.