-Fuel efficiency (but if you factor in repair costs, did I REALLY save any money?)
-Styling (everyone loves it)
-Easy to manuever and park in urban areas (which is where you need to be to own one because it WILL break down and there are FEW dealers)
-Drives like a go-cart (and about as reliable)
Cons:
Extremely unreliable
-DSC sensor failure 60K miles ($350)
-Replacement keyless entry key ($125)
-Windshield wiper motor failure 70K miles ($608 !?!?!, who makes them, NASA?)
-Airbag light illuminated 70K miles
-Three headlamps at $25 each.
-Run flat tires (ride like a log truck and loud as a Cessna)
Patchy dealer network
Overall Review:
Expected "reliable" European manufacturing. Wife's 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport, 117K miles NO failures.
You better live in an urban area because YOU WILL NEED A DEALER and they are few and far between.
It's a very smart looking car. Great gas mileage. Good price back in 2003 when I bought it. I think it's a bit high priced now. I liked having a small car that could fit into tight spots and not have to worry about getting digs from the cars next to me because I knew thier doors wouldn't reach me.
Cons:
My MINI was a little over a year old when the front wheel bearings wore out and the control arm bushings had to be replaced. None of which were covered under the "extended warranty" they pushed me into purchasing. I parted with over $3000 to have it all repaired. The wheel bearings are in a sealed compartment. Someone please explain how these wear out at all much less wear out in a year!
Overall Review:
Overall not worth the trouble. I'd rather purchase another VW Beetle for the same price.
I absolutely loved my Mini Cooper S, it was great looking, had great performance, handling was outstanding, braking was also awesome, such a great car to drive at high or low speeds...has absolutely everything you need, auto head lights, wipers, sat nav, tv, auto climate control, double sunroof, leather interior, very good on petrol/gas. I have friends who are 6' 5 and they had plenty of room in this car, its suprisingly big for a small car.
Cons:
Reapris are very expensive, I had my car fr sale and noticed it had a small noise so took it to my local BMW dealer and they found it needed a new gear box, which cost me $6500 AUD which is huge when the car only cost me $29 000AUD and the car was only 3 years old when purchased ad very low mileage...
Overall Review:
These cars are soooo much fun to own and drive. Only thing is if they have a problem or something go wrong with them they are not ceap to repair. Some parts are more than all the BMW's I have owned...
The base mini still has the handling and speed to make it a great and reliable car. The fuel economy is around 34 miles per gallon. I do not use the premium fuel because I do not race it around. I still can do 80 without any issues. The ride is smooth but you do bounce a little with the tighter suspension. The special features like navigation and radio controls on the steering wheel make driving fun and easy. The seats are nice leather and the heated seats feel great. The back seat is a little tight but a baby car seat still fits nicely. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to down size or anyone that is looking for a great performance car with luxury and great handling.
