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 Posted: Jun 22, 2017 05:02PM
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Awesome information guys! Thanks! And yes, Wallace is missed.

 Posted: Jun 22, 2017 06:21AM
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CA
I own an R53 MINI and a Mini

They are very fun cars but can get pricey with some repairs (same goes for R56 generation). In terms of upkeep, I set aside 2k per year. Some years I only do fluids, other years I spend the full 2k on fluids, brakes or other big ticket item. Car drives really nicely, well planted, great steering and feel. Good power delivery and the s/c whine brings a smile on every onramp. My lifetime fuel consumption is about 26mpg. In terms of buying one: look for one that has been maintained vs one with low mileage. There were some important upgrades made in '05 including improved s/c and better gearing that make me recommend sticking to 05/06 cars only. 

As is the case with any generation Mini/Bini: there is a dizzying amount of options and customizations available. Familiarize yourself with them so that you know what you are looking at. As an example: the leather or CF JCW dash kits are very rare and desirable. Paying an extra 500 bucks for a car that has it might be a good buy on that alone. Same goes for mechanical things like LSD, sunroof, JCW brakes, auxhillary driving lights or JCW suspension (each was an $1000-1500 option/add on so it adds up).

Happy to give any further info. 

___________________________________________________________

Building a Mini... the full time job

 Posted: Jun 22, 2017 05:20AM
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Just a side note, Gromit, sorry for your loss, Wallace will be missed.

 Posted: Jun 21, 2017 08:31PM
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Absolutely positively stay away from any 02-06 Cooper Automatic (CVT). I can't speak to the Cooper S Auto, though.

My understanding is there were 2 different 5-speed transmissions used in the 02-06. Not sure when the change took place. At least one of them is purportedly junk. The 6-speed manual have a phenomenal reputation, and they came in the Cooper S, but the dual mass flywheel does not and it has been advised that if you have to do a clutch that you replace the flywheel with a single mass. I don't know if that really matters for a street car. But it's what Ive read.

Also, the 6-speed can easily be swapped into a 5-speed cooper. 

BigAl, we got the '06S for cheap and are deducting a fair amount for our time&use of it and just looking to pass it on, not profit from it. Doesn't seem to be priced too far out of what others are asking out here. 

 Posted: Jun 21, 2017 06:04PM
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I say it's a death ray! Didn't know NB had super villains! Thanks for the input, I have been avoiding the Autos because of those issues, then when they fixed the auto, they put in a horrid engine with self destructing timing chains... I'll figure it out somehow. Needs recently changed and I may need to get an auto, so that kills the Mini idea all together, but fingers crossed I can find a solution. B

 Posted: Jun 21, 2017 02:43PM
 Edited:  Jun 21, 2017 03:06PM
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CA
Gromit,

We own both.  In fact, we own a 87 RHD from Wales, and 2 BINIs.
With due respect, we get waaaay more snow than you west coasters in BC and sometimes the temps get down into the -30'sC here
and only a couple times were we unable to get down the road due to deep snow.(they always start though)
  The BINIS are pretty close to the ground so won't do deep wet snow very well.  A few " of normal stuff is no prob though.

One bought used,(mine) is an 09 6-speed with 160k on it and the other is a 2012 (automatic)(with 79k?). Both non-S's.  A few small issues and the normal wear and tear items.

There are several years in the 2002-2006 range where the automatics were horrid, so do your research wisely. (maybe even the standards too , with parts availability like rocking horse p00.

We've had the Mini 12 yrs and both Binis aprox 5 yrs with a combined kilometerage in those 5yrs of probably around 175k kms over rough (very rough?) NB roads.

I would buy one again, though it would've been nicer to have a local stealership, now that both cars are past warranty we've found a shop than can handle Bini specific issues.

My DD is now featured on an Arizona companies antenna website.  The photo shows the antenna folded over.  It's only like this when going under low hanging branches, low bridges, etc.  and is not an alien death ray.....LOL.....or is it?
VE9AA's daily driver Bini with huge antenna 

  ~ 30 minutes in a Mini is more therapeutic than 3 sessions @ the shrink. ~

  Mike  Cool  NB, Canada   

 Posted: Jun 21, 2017 12:11PM
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CA
Correct me if you will, but a 05 Cooper S with 160k selling at $3800. Is a bargain or am l wrong

That is sure some depreciation

Big AL

[email protected]

Niagara Ontario Canada

 Posted: Jun 21, 2017 08:50AM
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Good information. Some things I hadn't thought of, like the lack of longevity for a Mini before overhaul is needed. Adjusting valves etc... can't really afford to have that issue. When I had Minis before I was working as a mechanic, or had more time. Now I do a Morning Radio show and need to hit the starter at 4:30am every weekday and drive 20 miles to the studio. Maybe the Bini is more sensible. Still have The MK 2 project to tinker with.

Thanks for the thoughts!

That said, There are similar priced coopers and S's in my area.. is there a preference? both are pre 2007 so have the early non exploding cam chain engines.

 Posted: Jun 20, 2017 09:57PM
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I have owned way more than my fair share of classics of multiple configurations and my wife and I have owned a number of BINIS as well including a COUNTRYMAN and a CLUBMAN. I must say that the 05 COOPER S we have with ~160K miles on it is the absolutely best BINI I have ever owned. Every time I get in it I swear the odometer is off by 100K miles. It's tight handling, ridiculously fun to stomp the throttle, and it's a no-brainer to just jump in and turn the key and drive anywhere. It has no upgrades and is all stock. And it trounces an '02 Cooper S we had with fewer miles and a 15% pulley, koni coilovers and all poly bushings and a few other bells and whistles.

Driving this supercharged MINI S I totally get why people who remembered driving a mini "back in the day" totally fell in love all over again when they drove a MINI. And believe me, I was one of those "Classic mini til I die" people. Still love my classics. But for every day use and fewer quirks to deal with and the ability to cover longer distances more quickly and conveniently, you owe it to yourself to try the MINI

Sadly, it needs to be sold. Not because we don't like it, but because the CLUBMAN is replacing it as my wife's daily driver and I'm the kid hauler and it's less inconvenient to haul him around in a Mazda5 than it is to haul him around in a MINI. and if the MINI hangs around, it'll just get taken over by the local wildlife and fall into disrepair.

FWIW, we are going to be selling our 160K mi MINI S for $3800, so you can use that as comparison for whatever one you are going to look at.

 Posted: Jun 20, 2017 07:06PM
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classic mini is for fun and leisure, some people say they use it as a daily driver, yes it can be but how far do you travel on a daily basis? if you drive on a highway @65mph everyday going to work, i tellya, your engine will need overhaul in no time.  but if your work is just near say 20 miles and you drive at a speed of 40mph i think your mini is ok to be a daily driver.,,bottomline is, if you like your mini to last longer, don't abuse it.  i don't wanna say something bad about the new Minis, because the last time i said something bad about it, someone jumped on me..

simple, if you want comfort get the BMW Minis.  (emphasis on the word comfort)










noticed i didn't mention the word reliability?? hmmm just find out for yourself.

 Posted: Jun 20, 2017 06:59PM
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US
but then again my son has 180 K miles on his 03 S, but things do wear out...

 Posted: Jun 20, 2017 06:26PM
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Bit of a silly question on this forum!! We've had two Bini's in this family and I'd go for the mini every time! the mini is an appreciating asset the Bini is a money pit losing value every passing day.........................

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Jun 20, 2017 05:33PM
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So.. I really need a car. I sold the Jetta and my Jeep, and I want a Mini or maybe a MINI. I am no stranger to the "classic" as I have owned several, even as daily drivers. I am considering however trying the BMW type.

Here are my current options: 1998 Mini Cooper, jap spec with A/C and SPI. decent shape, good runner but needs some cosmetics and compliance items. Not a problem as I have done a half dozen or so already.

2004 Mini Cooper S looks good, haven't driven it yet, don't like the aftermarket wheels, but otherwise nice. 5 speed, no sunroof.

The price is about the same for the S, and the Mini (once it gets it's lights, drl module, clutch safety switch, tires etc)

Has anyone had both? or any experience with the "new" Mini? I have only driven the classic, mostly 850 and 998... just one 1275....

Your Thoughts please!