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!

 

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

 

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.

 

Congrats that was fast ....

 

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.

 

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.