[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The previous generation (2008? - 2013 or 2014) had issues with the S models specifically. The non-S models ("Justa" as in "Just a Cooper" as per snarky owners) shared a few of those problems, but to a lesser extent. The 2017 is the third generation, so a lot of those issues may have been solved. I have not kept up with that, so I don't actually know.

Remember that these cars are pretty much BMWs under the skin, and they tend to have a similar level of maintenance and repair costs. Many people believe that the factory-specified oil change interval is very optimistic, and we try to have it done every 5000 miles instead of 10000 or more. Or every 6 months instead of every year.

The mini2 and northamericanmotoring forums are both pretty busy. The mini2 one seems more focused on Europe, while NAM is obviously more US-focused. There are probably others as well.

I have found that my 2012 "Justa" gives a very rewarding driving experience. It has not been the most reliable car, with issues mostly focused around the thermostat and oil pump solenoid. And I do get a little paranoid about the timing chain. But it eats up corners and begs for more, has more than enough headroom for me (always a concern for me!!), and carries stuff that you would swear cannot fit in it.

I did get a loaner of a Countryman S All4 automatic back in 2014 (so the previous generation) and thought it felt no faster than my Justa. The AWD and slushbox, plus the extra weight, seemed to sap all of the extra poke provided by the turbo. That was a very subjective opinion, of course, as I did not do any actual quantitative testing.

MINI generally does not fall in the top ranks of most reliable car brands in Consumer Reports and such. Some years may be better than others; I know some years are very much worse. (If you find an old 1st-gen with a CVT, for instance, just stay away.)

They're not for everybody, but they are fun and cute so they may be right for you.

--DD