My friend is looking to purchase the mini-cooper S 2010 and I have heard a lot of stuff about the horrible reliability and "cheap" feeling interior. I know that many of the members on board are experts on cars and wanted your valued opinion and thoughts about the car! She loves the looks of the car but the reliability issue is important for her as well! Thank you!

 

I have heard the opposite, have several friends who have them, they are reliable but front tie rods and ball joints wear out around 60k, it's a tight car and handles like a go cart.

The SC pulley is another weak point, but nothing that should become a problem until over 60k.

What are your concerns, I have friends who live and die by the Mini's

 

well things like minor problems that many european cars have such as electrical problems, things like the problems mentioned above, and any other small issues that may increase the visit to the dealer excessive.

 

From my understanding they are no reliable Lexus but later models have improved on quality. THe fun is in the looks, quirkyness, drive. The Mini is considered an uplevel small car.

Make sure the best gas is used for the Mini. Some owners experience fuel problems if they use horrible gas.

Cooper forum
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...talk-2007-136/

 

Venom, the new Coopers are now turbo'd

 

I have never met a Mini owner who has nothing but good things to say about their car. Tell your friend to go for it.

 

 

Reliability not so hot but resale value is..

 

These cars are a helluva drive. The S & John Cooperworks models are now turbo charged and deliver some sharp performance out of the box. As far as the interior being "cheap", the only way to find out is to experience it first hand. IMO, it is not "cheap". Check out miniforums for owners thoughts. http://www.miniforum.com/forums/

 

I haven't recently driven the S model, but, last spring, I did do a full-length review on the Mini Clubman:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...i-clubman.html

 

Im unsure, it's a combination of a turbo/SC, at least that is what I have been told, I'll ask

 

My neighbor has one, she is always complaining about minor electrical issues. Nothing that will strand her on the side of the road, but she said she spends too much time at the dealer.

 

I was looking to buy one too about 2 years back, but the price and reliability concerns drove me away. I also think a "fun" car like this should be RWD.