To buy, or not to buy a Mini!

[takidora]

SO! I just recently totaled my 2000 Jetta TDI... that car was my BABY. Loved it. And I'm looking at what cars to replace her with...

I test drove a 2008 mini manual transmission with less than 20k miles on it (going for $17k)... and I loved it. HOWEVER - I'm seeing on consumer reports and edmunds that mini's have a pretty bad reliability rating. BUT a great resale value. There is a 2005 mini S coming in this weekend (manual) that I'm dying to drive as well. I'm just really worried about repair costs and reliability. My jetta was a HORSE.

The other car I'm weighing against the mini is a 2001 Lexus RX - less than 60k miles, for $9k (owned by my mom, maintained awesome). However - I'm concerned about gas mileage (17 city / 22 hwy) and that it's an automatic.

Can anyone shed some light on the actual experiences you have with mini reliability? What about costs of repairs? I know they're made by BMW, so it likely will be pricey. Also - I heard that getting oil changed and work done can be difficult, because of the smaller frame of a mini... does that have to be done through a dealer only?

Thank you for your candid feedback!

[bad venge]

I have 60K and never to the dealer for repairs and only there for the "free" oil changes.
I can't bear the thought of 15K intervals so I change the oil myself at 5k /10K then let them do the free one at 15K and reset the trip.
Wifes 10 clubbie is nearing 15k and in for one repair , cigarrette plug no power, unplugged from harness 30 minute fix

[takidora]

I'm the proud new owner of a 2004 Mini S - with the heated seats and moon roof. LOVE IT! The six speed manual just DOES IT for me.

I'm in love with this car. Wow.

[bad venge]

Congrats that was fast ....

[CoopaTroopa]

From the Mini owners I've talked to, it seems like they love it and think it's the funnest car to drive. I was thinking about getting a Mini Cooper S, but after reading the section with all the tech problems, I'm not so sure anymore. I do want to test drive one though. I don't know how to drive stick, that could also be a problem.

[martin.maurice]

My HP net book is great, it runs about $350 dollars. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. HP has some great laptops anyone of they're would be a great balance between price and quality.