hi all, I know it's a silly question to ask here.
I want a car to drive to work(100 miles a day) good on gas and look good.
now, I'm thinking about the mini, should I buy the mini to commute or this is a weekend car only?
I read the consumer report, the mini has POOR reliability, what do I need to pay attention?
is it a high maintanence vehicle? ( coz I'm talking about 30K miles per year)
in my case, is Yaris a better choice?
please let me know

Thank you

 

Are you thinking about used ??? since you posted in the 02/06 section ...
Used I'd highly consider an extended warranty or certified preowned
New mini has the 3year 36K all maintenance covered but you'd burn thru that in just over a year ...
Mini has a longer oil change interval , that might help some with the amount you drive , but mini dealers are somewhat expensive for them ...

I use my mini to commute, but drive far less then you and use my motorcycle during good weather ...

 

thanks for your information, I think the better way is driving the Yaris to work and get a MINI for weekend. it'll save some gas and cut the bill from the dealer. right?

 

Yota's run forever with proper maintenance (minimal at best) ...
Mine has 22K and been to the dealer for three services, and needs to go in for an intermittant cruise issue

 

My wife's had a Mini for almost four years. No serious problems except for the tyres(changed to Michelin). Mileage is excellent and it drives well in the snow. A fantastic car that "hugs" the road. You'll be on a winner with a Mini!!!!

 

I have found my Mini to be extremely reliable and one of the more economical cars on the road to operate. Can't think of a reason not to recommend one for serious commuting.

 

That's what I'm wondering, too. Why is it rated poor in the reliability department?

 

Hi - I'm new here as well. In answer to your question, go for it. I do drive 100 miles a day in my 05 Cooper. I bought it used a year ago and I've put quite a few miles on it already. I"ve found it to be perfectly reliable and wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it as a commuter car.

Take Care,
Steve

 

Until the day I die will I continue to educate people on why NOT to buy anything BMW. Case in point, my 04 with 52k miles just eat it's THIRD manual transmission. I'll be posting the CURE (aside from running it into the dealer with 40 gallons of gas in the front seat a fire) later tonight on here.

There more reliable than a 20yr old Yugo but that's about it. I know 5 people who own these and NOT ONE is happy with the reliability. It's fun to drive but don't think your gonna save any money on gas with it. The money you save will goto repairs. Based on my 8 months of ownership I'm averaging 6mpg with repair costs factored in. I do about 40k miles a year.

BMW cars are just as bad. In case your wondering I've owned personally 36 vehicles (including the mini) and I'm only 31.

Most COMMON failures and costs to repair:

Clutch $1300-1600
Transmission (auto and stick every 20-30k miles) $4300-6700
Power Steering rack (about every 40k, first one is usually free ala warranty) $1550+ (parts are $800+400 core)
Tailgate hinges rot out - FIGHT for warranty coverage (I failed at the fight) $55 in parts + $250 in labor
Hub Bearing units - $400 each plus labor
Window switches AND motors (switch goes out, makes the motor run all the time) $450 per door

Those are the general yearly repairs you'll do. But some get lucky most aren't so lucky. It's built in the UK so don't expect it to hold together... For those in the UK please refer to British Leyland for references. Jag is Ford, now TaTa... That's gonna be a good joke later isn't it!

 

I have 116,000+ miles on my 04Cooper(bought new in 03).

Has she been as trouble free as the Hondas I've owned? No.

Has she been a mechanical disaster? Nope.

Have I ever, even for a minute, regretted buying her?

No.