What would be considered a "high mileage" mini?

[swimstarguy]

I'm looking at some non "S" mini's in the 2005-2006 range.
A lot of what I'm finding has between 100k and 130k miles. How much life is left in these things? I put ~10k on my DD a year and would like to keep it for a while.

From my understanding, that's the year for the better transmission, had a few of the wrinkles ironed out, and doesn't have engine problems like some of the earlier or later ones had.

I'm used to high mile cars like my Honda or my work trucks with 250k each that still tow ever day. I don't get the impression that Mini will be playing in that game... Unless I'm wrong?

[Pyewacket69]

I'm looking at some non "S" mini's in the 2005-2006 range.
A lot of what I'm finding has between 100k and 130k miles. How much life is left in these things? I put ~10k on my DD a year and would like to keep it for a while.

From my understanding, that's the year for the better transmission, had a few of the wrinkles ironed out, and doesn't have engine problems like some of the earlier or later ones had.

I'm used to high mile cars like my Honda or my work trucks with 250k each that still tow ever day. I don't get the impression that Mini will be playing in that game... Unless I'm wrong?

I would agree with your assessment of the 05-06 year models. They were at the end of the life-cycle.

High mileage is in the eye of the beholder. From a sales standpoint, the usual yearly allocation is 12K miles, with anything over 15K miles/year considered high mileage.

My wife still has her 2005 non-S Mini convertible, manual transmission, and I'd say its been as reliable as any other make, optioned up in the same way. She currently has about 75 K miles. There were a couple of things replaced under warranty early on, but like you stated, by 2005's time the series had been in production for a while, and the weaker points identified and modified/upgraded (1 example... Power steering cooling fan).

Since you have high mileage vehicles, you probably already know that it isn't the mileage that matters as much as the treatment/maintenance the vehicle has experienced, so I would focus my attention on that area when searching (and, I would add that the same goes for any manufacturer of any vehicle).

It's doubtful you're going to find a lot of examples of a 9-10 year old model with anything substantially less than 100K miles, unless you're really fortunate. Of course, my wife has one, but then again, its not for sale.

I wish you Good luck in finding something you'll like!

[BK544E34]

The average MINI that comes into the shop appears to be under 100k. We now see some that are 100k+ on average between 2002-2004 model years, if that helps.

[swimstarguy]

It's doubtful you're going to find a lot of examples of a 9-10 year old model with anything substantially less than 100K miles, unless you're really fortunate.

I guess what I am really looking for are examples with high mileage. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into wvhjjjjhen things get to 150 k or 200k miles. Does anyone think it they would even last that long even with the regular maintenance?

Do they get very expensive to maintain? Or are they like a Honda where you can just change the oil sometimes and it will run forever?

[Pyewacket69]

I guess what I am really looking for are examples with high mileage. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into wvhjjjjhen things get to 150 k or 200k miles. 1- Does anyone think it they would even last that long even with the regular maintenance?

2- Do they get very expensive to maintain? Or are they like a Honda where you can just change the oil sometimes and it will run forever?

1- Given the required maintenance, there simply is no reason a Mini wouldn't last 200K miles. The problem facing you, a a used vehicle buyer, is the real possibility of not knowing what maintenance has been performed on the vehicle prior to your ownership, unless you find one with documentation. Lots of BMW's easily exceed 200K, so why wouldn't a Mini?

2- A German vehicle, whether it be Audi, MB, BMW or Mini will always cost more to maintain that a Japanese vehicle, on average, with a few exceptions. However, what I really think you're asking is how a Mini would compare to, say, a Honda Civic, since they are both small cars.

Again, the Civic will cost less to maintain, on average, because of how its designed, as well as how its driven. A Civic appeals to a different driver and driving style, and again, on average, a Civic won't be driven as intensely as a Mini. Many refer to a Mini as having a go-cart style feeling, and many drivers will push a Mini much further/harder than they would a Civic.

I'll end up by saying this... In reality, a Mini will most likely cost more to maintain than a corresponding-sized Japanese make and model. If that possibility really bothers you, then I would suggest you examine other makes/models. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[swimstarguy]

I'll end up by saying this... In reality, a Mini will most likely cost more to maintain than a corresponding-sized Japanese make and model. If that possibility really bothers you, then I would suggest you examine other makes/models. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Dag, yo. I knew this was true but I was hoping I could be convinced it wasn't. :(

I just need a DD to replace my Del Sol and a Mini fits the bill perfectly. Finding small cars that aren't garbage is impossible...

[mjimport]

If you planned on keeping a high mile mini for several years I would bank on replacing the supercharger (if you ended up getting that model). I have a cooper s and love it so far. Bought it with 100k, currently has 120k with no serious issues. The front control arm bushings are a nightmare to replace which I just had done. Other than that its been great. I wouldn't buy one if I wasn't a DIY enthusiast though, as the superchargers have been know to wear out after 100-150k miles especially if they've been abused. They are pretty labor intensive to replace and are only cheap if you buy used.