reliability?! read lot's of stuff and don't know what to believe
 

I've been thinkin about gettin a used cooper (don't care which model) for a while. I read stuff that says they don't have good reliability but then i read stuff that says they do. Are they reliable. how much do you have to take it to the dealer. for what? is it expensive.

RE: reliability?! read lot's of stuff and don't know what to believe
 

My experience is that they are fairly reliable. Early ('02) 5 speeds were a problem. Dealers tend to be expensive (as are most new car dealers). But private repair shops will work on them if needed. I think Mini's get a bit of a bad name because of the sporting nature of the car, and subsequently how some people drive and abuse them. I have seen that happen. (No way I am letting my 20 year old son drive my Mini without me in it)

RE: reliability?! read lot's of stuff and don't know what to believe
 

If you believe in Consumer Reports, they reccomend them stating: "reliability is above average."

No matter what the car, things can go wrong. I tend to disagree with CR, but a few of the used Coopers I've sold have been great to their new owners... fortunately our dealer in WI has a very good reputation, and that's mainly what I look for.