stockae92

Is high(er) mileage Mini Cooper (pre '06 base or S) a bad idea? maintenance nightmare?

I looked a few higher mileage ones for sub $10k, want to see if there's major concern or issue?

mchi5

in my opinion, yes it is a bad idea. mini coopers, unless i'm totally wrong, has not been the most reliable brand.

d1rtyc4r

77000 miles on mine, going strong, 0 issues.

There's no temp gauge on it - neither coolant nor oil, so that kinda sucks. But if you're not completely retarded that should be fine, we all know to let the sucker warm up properly before going aggressive.

I regularly beat the crap out of mine.

Of course, you're about to see posts from non-owners who's cousin or friend has one and it's always in the shop.

Grimnebulin

I've seen too many horror stories on the MINI forums and would avoid high mileage MINIs. I probably wont't keep mine past 5 years or 60K miles...or until the BRZ STI comes out.

David1

Timing chains, electrical, and bad shock towers from potholes. At 100K it will need shocks and all the other worn suspension stuff.

mosesbotbol

I'd stay away as well.

s.hasan546

It's a piece of shit. Have first hand experience with a couple of base coopers and cooper S

s.hasan546

But of course your experience represents the whole brand... Years of bad reliability surveys for mini means nothing...

d1rtyc4r

I take care of my Mini properly. Not sure how you f'd your Minis up so bad.

highwaystardoritos

i've come to befriend 3 mini addicts with my search of a mini clubman s recently. They've all boughten hi-mileage mini's 04-06 with 100K+ and they've had no major issues. There might be a sensor or small stuff but nothing major failure. From what i gather, the 06's have been the best year mini before they went turbo.