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.

 

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)

 

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.