A mini cooper question.

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Drago

Legendary Member
I thought that BMW knew how to build good engines.
They can. But they've also built some lemons too along the way.

The 1.5 unit the OP's grandon has acquired isn't too bad, but neglect it at you (or his) peril, because if it does break old Brian's Dad's mate down at Bombsite Motors won't be up to the job. It'll be dealer or marque specialist, both of which are spendy.

But cherish it and you minimise the odds...but that's never a guarantee.

I wouldn't have problem, but I'd buy very carefully. i certainly wouldn't want one with 80k's worth of someone elses abuse on it unless I knew the person it had come from.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Mini's at least seem good on corrosion protection - those that mechanically still run look in good condition, and little rust, but mechanicals and electricals would put me off. I know too many people who have had problematic Mini's.
 

Drago

Legendary Member
I know people with just about every make and model who've had grief with their cars - you take your chances, but you stack the odds in your favour by doing your homework, avoiding leggy examples, and then not trying to be clever and maintain it on the cheap.

The R56 MINI with that engine doesn't fare too badly in either JD Power or the What Car Reliability Index, and as a brand they rank above Nissan, Vauxhall, Ford, VW, Mercedes, Audi and the Mothership BMW in the latter, so while I'd be cautious I would read the cold hard numbers and ignore the gossip.

I mean, people crow about VW's famed reliability and build quailty, and both are largely non-existent. Stick to the evidence when buying, not the legend.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Re there any cars that are cheap and don't? It's all relative anyway.

I can only speak of the car's I've owned. Toyota and Nissans - 20 plus year. My last Nissan was 23 when I sold it recently, and it passed the MOT with no advisories, and is currently being used by a new owner. Let's say, my new vehicle, 3 years old, I've bought two years servicing and warranty, and spent a long time researching the vehicle and engine variant before buying one.
 

Drago

Legendary Member
My Daughters 40 month old Nissan just ingested it's turbo 4 months out of warranty. Only ever dealer serviced, Nissan don't want to know, despite us now discovering it's a faily common issue.

Ive never broken a leg...that doesn't mean that millions of others haven't.
 

CXRAndy

Guru
Location
Lincs
Check for thick oil and sawdust in the gearbox.

From my limited knowledge but seen a few post re temperamental mechanicals. Keep it well maintained. Being BMW everything will be expensive if you relative takes it to main dealer
 

Profpointy

Legendary Member
Serious question as I now zilch. What would he do with a body kit ?

It would go well with this, which I posted in another thread

3184E7ED-EE5E-41D3-9145-B6E30A8B0B99.jpeg
 
Top Bottom