Opinions/Major Problems In The MINI?

[FrustratedMunky]

Hey guys,

My girlfriend is looking for a car, and it's my job to do the research. Anyhow, shes interested in an automatic MINI, most likely not S.

Are there any major problems, other than the coolant tank, that should be looked into? Any downsides to the car, as in practicality, mechanically, etc, etc? Is an automatic base model MINI enough power to get her out of rough situations?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

Chad

[MandaBoo]

I drove a manual Cooper the other day and I was rather impressed by its power, and I really think that an auto Cooper should be pretty peppy too. I wouldn't worry too much about its power. While all cars have quirks, i haven't heard anything serious regarding the auto transmission. You might want to look in one of the larger MINI only forums as you will be able to get more answers from people that actually have an auto MC. I think all the people I've seen post here have an MCS

[FrustratedMunky]

Thanks for the reply. What MINI-only websites are there? (Sorry, I'm usually strictly BMW E30 :P)

[MandaBoo]

I really like northamericanmotoring.com. The people there are friendly and informative. There is also mini2.com. This site is a more international site. For news about MINI's there is also motoringfile.com

Hope this helps :)

[Koopah]

{snip}...Are there any major problems, other than the coolant tank, that should be looked into?...{snip}
Chad

The coolant tank issue was present in 2003 and very early 2004 models. A redesigned coolant tank is fitted on most 2004s and all 2005s.

Theo

[Glenn 328is]

My wife has a CVT Cooper. I would say it's peppy but not fast. A great highway car - very solid above 150kph.....

I do believe that Mini is coming out with an automatic tranny with gears...

I would say, that if she drive a standard, stay with it....

As far as problems? She has over 20,000 kms on it and the only problem was slight hesitation - which an ecu upgrade fixed.

[wmarcel]

A friend of mine has an auto Mini. She had the car for roughly a year. (Bought the car new). Her battery died last month and yesterday she had to tow the car to the dealership due to a problem with the power steering.

Apparently, power steering leaks, etc. is a common problem among Minis, according to the tow truck driver. How accurate that info is I don't know.

[euroracer]

A friend of mine has an auto Mini. She had the car for roughly a year. (Bought the car new). Her battery died last month and yesterday she had to tow the car to the dealership due to a problem with the power steering.

Apparently, power steering leaks, etc. is a common problem among Minis, according to the tow truck driver. How accurate that info is I don't know.
is it the girl in ur sig.