I'm looking at buying a new car in February-April 2017... I will most likely go for a new one (lower apr and more warranty/maintenance coverage) and I'm looking at the Mini Cooper S Convertible 6 speed, and was wondering if it's a car that would still be reliable with higher mileage. I would like to keep whatever I get for at least 4 years, preferably 5-6, but no more than 7 years... only problem is my commute. I drive 55-75k miles a year, and that will be going up because I'm moving farther from work (so probably 60-80k a year). Assuming I follow the Mini reccomended maintnance, would the car make it to that 400k mark without any (or many) major issues (blown engine, trans rebuild, bad turbo, etc... anything $2k+ to repair)? I've been buying used cars with lower mileage (under 40k) but I've never had a payment because I have bought older cars, but I'm tired of needing another new car every 9-12 months so I'd like a payment on a new(ish) car that I can keep until it's payed off. The only thing that concerns me is I can't seem to find many Mini's (regardless of age) much over the 200k mark

long story short: would it be a waste of money to buy a new Mini if I drive 60k+ miles a year and want to keep it till it's payed off, or should I go out and buy a Miata or Camaro instead?

 

The bad news is the reason you don't see any over the 200k mark is because they usually don't make it that long. If I had your commute I'd stick with a tried and true brand known for continued reliability; like Toyota, Honda, or even Hyundai because of the insane warranties they offer.

If you want a fun car that will last I'd say Scion (Toyota) FRS, Hyundai genesis coupe or Veloster Turbo (again high mileage warranty), Miata, or Civic Si. I'm sure there are others but these are as close to fun-per-dollar to the MINI in my opinion.

Most cars a capable of 200K with regular maintenance and preventative care, but 400+ is a rare find. You may get lucky and your new MINI is the chosen one but If I was a betting man I'd put my money somewhere else. Definitely not a Camaro either.

my $0.02

 

I was looking at toyotas and hyundais, but they don't make a convertible 😕 I had it down to the Miata, 370z roadster, wrangler, Beetle Turbo convertible, Mustang GT, and Camaro SS because I want a convertible (I hate solid roofs, even with a sunroof) and hate automatics. I crossed off the beetle because VW's aren't easy to work on for how unreliable they are, crossed off the mustang bc they're common, and the wrangler for how they drive on the highway (not fun at 95 mph lol). With Mini and camaro crossed off I guess I'll see which I like more, the 370z or the Miata, I've driven both but not side by side to see the differences