dido  what Dr Mini just said. buy a honda

Save yourself some money and heartache, buy a Honda.

It sounds like you are handy with a wrench, so the MINI might be fine for a temporary until you get your Delray on the road! 

Thanks.  I mean, yeah I am sure I will rag on it some.  But nothing crazy.  I like SUVs and trucks but figure what the heck.  Like I said, may do some mods since I can’t keep anything factory but will eventually sell it.

They are good cars. Fuel efficient. Fun to play around with, for sure. This particular forum is dominated by the classic (1959-2000) tiny mini coopers. There are other forums for the newer 2002-current MINI Coopers that may be able to give you a larger number of quality contributions / messages.

Comparing an Expedition to a MINI Cooper is kinda difficult as they have a completely different market share and they do different things. Certainly a better tow-behind than an expedition if you're looking for RV friendly...

the MINI back seat isn't the most comfortable, if that's a concern. Build quality is good, though.


the earlier 2002-2004 MINIs are plentiful in junkyards now, so finding spare parts when needed shouldn't be too difficult.

there is a contributer on youtube known as modmini who has a lot of helpful video uploads for how-to on the 2002 and up MINIS. No need to swap transmissions until there's a need. Dont fix what isn't yet broke.

buy the real deal. a CLASSIC mini. and not BMW MINI.. aka POS.. later bc

So, what does it take for a transmission swap?  I restore and hotrod cars for a living.  So, I got the ability.  

Sorry, gas mileage is not an issue.  Just looking for something smaller since my wife passed and I bought an rv.  So, I figured,when I took my rv the road for a while to get my head straight it might be a Good pull behind or on a trailer.  My main question, any issues to know on the mini?   Never owned one or worked on one.

Not enough information on why.

In general, if you can find a 2005-2006 you are better off. The midlands transmissions in the 02-04 are not known to be the most robust, but rebuild kits are plentiful on ebay. Seems the seals go bad and they leak out their fluid and then they burn up bearings.  The 05-06 had getrag 5 speed transmissions.

So, I may trade my 2000 Expedition for a 2002 base model mini with a manual, aftermarket suspension and wheels.  Manual trans.  What are your opinions.