$5000 Winter Car | Long Term Mini Cooper S - Everyday Driver

With a budget of only $5000, Todd buys a car to survive the winter months in Salt Lake City. Here he discusses the buying process, and how the dynamics differ from the FR-S he's driven the past few years.
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Thanks for watching!

[@bradcomis1066]

Nice to hear someone talking about winter driving that actually has a clue.

[@chrishayes8197]

anyone driving from Park City to SLC in the snow is gonna learn quick ;)

[@severinhendrikx7893]

Totally agree.

[@647killa]

Todd, you are a real car guy. Both purist vehicles you own, drive them all properly, buy stick shifts and don’t worry about the reliability too much. It’s great to see people like you putting your money where it counts. I wish the Mini a good and long life.

[@josephfetz1748]

The center speedo has two reasons for being there. The first is that it is simply where it always was in the original MINIs, so they kept it there on the "new" MINI. The second has to do with MINIs rally racing history. As you may know, MINI was dominating the rally scene in the early to mid 60s. In rally racing, you have a driver (who has never driven or seen the course at all), and a co-driver (who has seen the course and has taken great notes regarding the course). It is the co-driver who navigates the driver through the course, and at the fastest pace possible. Both the driver and co-driver need to know the speed, but only the driver needs to know the revolutions (i.e. tach). This is the reason that the "new" MINI kept the speedo in the middle and the tach in front of the driver (with a digital readout for speed). The big, center speedo on the "new" MINI was nothing more than a hail-back to its rally days in the 60s.

[@ag690]

One of my friend has a 2004 mini, she's had it since new, Manual trans, and it is still on its original clutch at approx. 217000 miles. The car has been solid for her, other than the usual wear/tear items it hasn't given her any problems.

[@barbarasteed3966]

Yes I can believe you and I will bet the driver was responsible and did not hot dog the car and abuse it and service it regular..

[@TheGreatUniterIsHere]

First gen cars are good. Mini one, cooper d, cooper s. Etc. If you pick S model take care supercharger if broke expensive to rebuild. More than that solid car if well maintained.

[@severinhendrikx7893]

217000 miles is impressive…. Really The S model uses clutches much faster because of the added torque… i hear that they dont last 60000 miles

[@bigfootingermany]

Unfortunately, too many people don't understand this one simple concept.... 4 wheel drive, while wonderful in slick or muddy conditions, do great things for propelling you forward, it does absolutely nothing for stopping you. This creates a false confidence in people as they haul butt down I-80 over Donner summit. On top of that, the additional weight of the large SUV's creates additional kinetic energy when it does come time to stop... well it just isn't going to happen. Sometime ending up on the roof. I live in Germany now in the foothills of the Alps. I recently bought a 2001 first gen Mini Cooper. 165,000 km with a couple small dings here and there, for 1,700 euros. It's going to be a project car next Spring, just to see how far I can build this car up, and still be reliable. But first I have to get through this winter. So far, so good. It was a 2 owner car, but the first owner only had it for 13 months. The 2nd owner has had it ever since, and had it serviced and repaired religiously. It is interesting, in the US, the mini cooper is a fun little car that most owners really enjoy, and all over the country there are Mini clubs etc. But over here, the Mini Cooper is a huge status symbol. I still don't understand why yet. But it runs right up there with owning a lower priced Porsche, say like a Boxster or so. One of the things that is very very common, is for businesses to buy a Mini and have it wrapped with the company names and logos etc, and then park it along the road somewhere near their business, as a mobile billboard. At the end of the day however, they don't drive the car home. It simply goes back to the company and is parked. Now you can have any car wrapped with a company logo, and doing that to a larger van, would seem to make more sense. Easier to see etc, but it's something to do with the status of owning a Mini, it's almost the only vehicle that this happens to. Strange to me as an American living over here. Regardless, I am loving my Mini Cooper. Even though it's not an S model, it has plenty of get up and go for me now that I'm older. And even though in my younger years, I'd owned many high output sportscars and muscle cars, this is the most fun car to drive, I have ever owned. A lot like a go cart, even when you aren't pushing it through the corners. And with the tiny narrow roads they have over here, it fits perfect... Bob in Germany

[@jamesbower1511]

Although I agree with most of what you said four wheel drive does assist in stopping it creates drag on all four wheels giving you stability. Next time you're in a four-wheel drive on a slippery icy slope let off the gas and feel the difference. Or put your two wheel drive in neutral and feel how unstable it will become when you lose the drag of engine braking. Although four wheel drive does not help you stop quicker it does help you maintain control better well slowing down.

[@Huber872]

Hey Bob, I'm from Winnemucca, NV. I know very well what you've seen coming over Donner! Thanks for the comment, I love hearing a locals perspective on living in a foreign country.

[@althor5550]

I've seen Red Bull advertise their products with a big ol Red Bull Can atop a MINI in complementary color. It's a real eye catcher in Milwaukee...

[@ZIM252]

I got a '06 Cooper S GP, daily it from day one. 215 hp and supercharger whine in that little thing, will put a smile on anyone's face.

[@tmh44]

Been watching your videos and listening to the podcast for years. I think this is Todd's best video ever, you seem to be far more casual on camera...it seems like you're having some fun! This was a great video and I look forward to more on KZbin/Velocity/Vimeo/Amazon/etc.

[@michiganfanschmit2]

I just bought a 2003 mini cooper s for $1500. It has 130,000 miles. It's been great so far. Headed into my first winter now. We shall see how I like it.

[@castin5244]

I own a 2003 mini cooper S. I bought it for $3500 with 178k miles. I've owned it for 8 months and the only problem Ive ever had was the alternator went out. It's a great car. Super fun to drive and so far its been pretty damn reliable.

[@tscook10]

I bought an '06 last year for $3300 w/ 127k miles. BUT the car was pretty much undocumented, and needed a set of tires and brakes immediately. That said, I did a thorough inspection, put 900 into tires and track worthy brakes and I have a solid $4200 trackable/autocrossable car. I had the radiator fan resistor go out on me, which is a bit of a headache, and I think the biggest problem with these things is that most repairs seem to just take longer and more effort than you'd expect because that engine is positively stuffed under that hood. But yeah, dumb fun. Side note: I'm a big fan of the "One ball" mod.

[@Ericfloats]

I bought my 03 cooper S for $3k with 196k (the engine had 150 and the supercharger had 5k), had it almost a year now and it's been incredible. I spent $150 in performance parts and it's pushing 30 more hp. It's legen, wait for it, dary!

[@MrConnerhg]

my gf paid 3200 for her 03 cooper s at 124000 with tons of upgrades from an older gentleman he put a magnaflow exhaust, alta intercooler air diverter and intercooler water sprayer, green performance cold air intake, weight reduction kit to replace the back seat and he threw in the stock set of wheels with winter tires for free. Iv just replaced the coolant revivor with a $30 one from amazon prime and $35 ngk wire set. also in the slc area. well Layton ut.

[@EpicSquirlAttack]

I've had my 03 Cooper s for a year now. I paid $2800 for it and the only problem I have seen is the Alternator as well. I've put a lot of money into it in performance upgrades though haha.

[@uglyjihad]

Bought a Scion tC for 3500 with 150k miles 2 years ago, already put 25k miles never a single problem

[@EvendimataE]

i like minis because they are beautiful....whats holding me back from buying one is the negative comments about the reliability.....but im almost at a point where i will just buy one because its beautiful

[@olik136]

statistically minis are not worse than any other car- it is mostly up to your personal luck- I would go for a gen 1 like in the video or for the 3. gen (current) they have a much better interior and you get turbo engines with much torque without having to buy the cooper s. If you get a used 3. gen car ask the dealer if the crankshaft bearings have to be changed ( there is an ongoing recall because of a material error with the original bearings- bmw changes the bearings or even the whole engine on goodwill if you have the problem)

[@athousandtinycobras4349]

Like Todd did, find a 2005-6 car that's been well cared for and well documented. I wouldn't buy a first generation MINI from before 2004 because they had weak transmissions, and I wouldn't buy an automatic MINI (it misses the point of the car; driving a manual is more fun). Like any older car, it also helps if you learn to do minor maintenance yourself. The people saying these cars are unreliable don't know what they're talking about. Good luck!

[@JSchroederee]

I drove an 06 min cooper s from 2006-2016 and it’s a lot of small dumb stuff. For example, the power steering pumps are only good for about 40,000mi. Upper engine mounts don’t last much longer either. Parts are more expensive and harder to replace than similar cars. Mine just wouldn’t start on cold days and the dealer and a European specialty mechanic couldn’t diagnose. I think it was the fuel pump relay which was integrated into the fuse box(soldered in) for 2006 only. I traded it in instead. It was a thorn in my side from the start. However, I still miss the go cart handling and style of the car. My 2016 wrx is great but it just doesn’t have the same charm the mini had. The 2nd and 3rd gen are faster and better handling and more comfortable but I think they lost much of the fun.

[@nickdoeseverything431]

If you wrench on them yourself they aren't too expensive. Mine doesn't even beak that much, and when it does it's really small stuff

[@CrArC]

They're not markedly worse than other cars I think. late supercharged R53's are good, like 05ish, maybe avoid the 06-08 range early turbo engines, I don't know much about the 2010+ range but probably not worse than the earlier ones. Another thing (true of any car, really) is that as long as the seller isn't lying to you and you can check its history, if you find an older mini in good condition still then you can deduce it's probably one of the ones that wasn't "built on a Friday afternoon", as it were, simply because it's still on the road and hasn't fallen to bits yet! I'd recommend an R53 supercharged in manual; lots of fun, torquey and responsive over wide rev range, nice supercharger whine, crackly, poppy exhaust, and just small enough to drive glued to the road like a go-kart. Heated front windscreen is good in winter as well!

[@mattheweburns]

I absolutely agree with the dynamic you described about a car that you're more in-tune with. I haven't heard that worded the way you did before, and I finally understand why I keep this 04 Sentra around even though I have all wheel and "4 wheel" drive for heavy snow: it gives better feedback quicker...and it doesn't matter if I have to intentionally use the guardrail to get just the right angle to traverse bad ice. Jeeps do very well and can tackle snow that I probably won't encounter on any roads besides maybe a day or two every decade. Although it is significantly lower, the lil beater Nissan is more communicative; therefore I have more time to realize and react rather than feeling false security that delays reaction. You know you're sliding and controlling the slide sometimes too, which makes it less surprising when traction is lost; therefore, a safer correction can be achieved. Thank you for this video, cheers!

[@caperevans7128]

Thank you for that mini KZbin clip. I drove a mini a few months ago and loved the drive. Did not think it would be good to drive on the snow. Thanks to you I have decided to purchase a mini Cooper!

[@savannahsmiles1797]

put on the blizzak tires and you'll be just FINE, promise

[@AdamLeask]

I'm impressed by the mileage on the Cooper, that's some decent running. You're totally right though Todd, a well serviced vehicle is a good proposition. Look forward to the next long term on this car!

[@tonyflorio3269]

Having driven both RWD and FWD through Canadian winters, I hear you on the understeer -- until you learn to left-foot brake. Enter snowy corner in a FWD car with throttle still on, brake with left foot: more braking = more turning. You basically point the nose with the steering wheel and brake. Not only does that allow you to moderate the understeer, it means you can do it far more quickly than just lifting off the gas and waiting for the tires to regain grip. When you get it right, it feels great! Practice in an wide open parking lot first!! Also -- in terms of why people love FWD in the winter on snow tires - it isn't about handling balance. It's about low-speed traction ... not getting stuck. If you get deeper snow, FWD with snows is better. It's not that you go faster. It's that you go at all!

[@Staticclism]

Holy crap thank you. The FWD / RWD winter argument is something I find myself having with people multiple times per year.

[@Azonicracing]

I went for the same winter car, 2004 S with 90k miles, 1 owner, similar price range. Love it, money as the navigation which moves the speedometer away from the passengers. Great choice, great video

[@amatteroftimeisuppose8900]

I own a 08 mcs and it hasnt been the most reliable but i love driving it. One of the most fun fwd cars ive driven, and its great in the snow.

[@tw9925]

Got an 03 Cooper S with 57k for $4500. I'm approaching 60k now and so far it's been one of my favorite cars, it's actually very good in snow

[@Hyphessobrycon]

Let me tell ya. I'm in the spot in Canada where the winters are some of the worst... The prairies. Tons of snow. Extremely cold temperatures, sometimes reaching colder than -40 C (-40 F). I had a 01 VW beetle TDI for over nine years that I used as a daily driver/commuter. Just sold it this fall. She was absolutely AMAZING in the bad winter conditions. Put a pair of winter tires on, plug in the block heater the night before, and she always started and I could get through anything. That car could hammer through 8" of decently heavy snow super easily. (Mind you I did actually put a 2" lift on it) but if someone is looking for a good, bulletproof commuter, a Volkswagen Beetle, Jetta, Golf, or Passat TDI is a great choice. So reliable in fact, that I upgraded to another Volkswagen TDI. Now I'm rocking in a '13 Jetta high line!

[@cy6434]

Oops! You answered my question! I also live in canada and it drops real low from where i live so thanks for this!

[@cyprusdaedalus]

Literally have an R53 Cooper S that is specifically and solely a winter/storm car. It's holding up great and is perfect for this type of duty.

[@jeremyocampo1529]

I just bought my mini cooper s r53 2004 for my first car and where I live it snows 1-foot minimum like 6 feet max up in the mountains. I have all-season tires should I get winter tires?

[@rogerthat24]

I got a 2009 Honda Civic EX-L with 220K on it for $4K OTR five months ago. I only did an oil change and got used winter tires since then. Good for commuting short distances and it works well even for longer commutes (40 minutes each way) that my wife has been doing lately.

[@PickleballPhil]

Thanks for doing this video. I currently have a MINI and I think with the weight and winter tires it is a beast in the snow. The only thing that hampers it is the lack of ground clearance for the deeper stuff.

[@jordanbrown728]

I used to drive my Mini over the Santiam Pass in Oregon in the middle of winter all the time. GREAT car for driving on snow and ice!

[@PrepElephant]

Ah this brings back good memories. I had a 2004 Mini Cooper S in the same color. Picked it up with 40,000 miles on it and daily drove it all 4 seasons in NY. Had that car until 100,000 miles. It's funny because my clutch went out at 90,000 miles too (throw out bearing took a dump). Must be a flaw in the clutch they used. I also had the power steering pump die on me around 80,000 miles. That ended up being a recall. Honestly I loved that MINI. Despite having the worst throttle programming, seats that killed my lower back and neck, and the lack of any normal sized cup holders up front, I will forever miss the little guy.

[@TheTankss]

I drive a Mini Countryman and I'm so happy to see the minis getting love

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

a Countryman is no mini, it's just an overpriced crossover for badge snobs

[@TheTankss]

cant hear you over my AWD and spacious boot

[@VladoooThe]

Oh so you're one of the 4 people who actually bought a Countryman. Good to meet you, I was starting to think you didn't exist.

[@patrickforman8140]

Thats weird, over 125,000 MINI Countryman have been sold in the US since they debuted. You sir, are bad at math.

[@Lincolnator721]

I used to see so many countrymans. They must not be reliable

[@hoppysport2872]

Wonderful video and beautifully presented. Always loved those 1st generation new Mini's. Was apprehensive because I heard that they were mechanical nightmares. I guess 180,000 has proven naysayers wrong? I have a 2008 SAAB 9-5 FWD. With winter tires it's a mountain goat. Have been running winter tires since my bought-new 1991 Toyota Cressida RWD. Will never drive without them ever! From stopping distance to climbing uphill and descending downhill, they are lifesavers.

[@rjb77]

Bought one new in 2013. Love it. Just put a new set of shoes on it and it rides soooooo nice. Run flat tires are nice but, they are a bit rough and when they are down to the wear bar, they're very loud. Still, it's a fantastic lil' car in town, on the road and on those mountain curves (Glacier Park).

[@savannahsmiles1797]

ditch them for good sport tires and NEVER look back

[@robertpeckham8216]

I have almost the same car. Mine same colors JCW had 82000 mi paid 5400 needed 5700 dollars maintenance at Mini. Love the car hope to have it forever

[@boomerguy9935]

This parallels my used car story. My friend who is the head mechanic/technician at a Honda dealership and has serviced all of my vehicles for the last 25 years, has owned a classic Mini, a Gen 1 base Mini, a Rabbit Mk 5 and now a Gen 2 base Mini. He owned the Rabbit for 10 years before selling it to me for $3500 with two sets of wheels & tires plus assorted spare parts. It was meticulously cared for and has a Mini style front stripe on it. Knowing how he cared for the car, I bought it without even test driving it. It now has over 153K miles on it, has no leaks or other issues, and burns no oil. It pays to be at the right place at the right time. A local Mini owner has been trying to buy it from me for his wife because of the Tiptronic auto/manual transmission.

[@salsakka]

Never quite understood the misconception about RWD cars in winter conditions. I got my first RWD BMW last year and, with the right set of winter tires, it’s a blast to drive in the snow!

[@need4speed5353]

I got a Mini cooper R56 for 5k with 119k miles on it a couple months ago. At first it did horrible in the snow but after getting new tires, it does great! Sure, it's not as good as my mom's Pilot in the snow, but it's still really good

[@C63Miami]

Owned all Mini's. In my verdict, R53 reliable, R56 - STAY AWAY!, Currently got a F56 S - Very reliable 2.0 BMW twinscroll turbo, what else to say? :)

[@mtnbrfl]

I learned the hard way that even with low miles, a Mini can be a maintenance headache. I purchased a loaded Clubman S used a little over three years ago with 45k miles. Since then, I needed valve cover gasket, oil pan, front main seal, thermostat, coolant pipe, timing chain and tensioner, water pump, oil pan gasket again. A lot of stuff is plastic and breaks easily. Routine stuff included: battery, serpentine belt, spark plugs, brake pads, air filters, coolant flush, new tires, oil changes etc. All this before 75k mles. It's starting to leak oil again a few weeks ago. Luckily I'll be selling it in the next two months or so.

[@severinhendrikx7893]

Todd you are a hero man. In your T-shirt in a 20yo mini in the snow. Great video by the way

[@Logan-wv8qf]

I took a chance (after a LOT of research) on my very first Mini: a 1st gen 2006 convertible supercharged S, 6 spd manual trans with 84,000 miles. Clutch is great. Had it 4 months now. No problems, FUN AS HELL to drive. Comfortable too. Had a 2017 Scion FRS. Like this better. Wife even likes it. As fun as my old 1976 Porsche 914 2.0, from 35 years ago.

[@TheKiing81]

These minis are a fukn blast too drive... Driving a small car fast is the best

[@shankarbalan3813]

I live in India and I now own a 2012 Cooper S Turbo Petrol R56 Chassis. It’s Prince Engine was developed in collaboration with Peugeot. It is a heck of a little beauty. A daily driver and a total fun car. This car was launched in India in 2012 and bought by a person I know who hardly drove it the 8 years he owned it. He had done 33000kms! So I bought it from him and have had it for a year now and have clocked 8000 really happy kms in it. And it is fun. In India we only got the AT 6 speed from Aisin. No manual. But that’s ok. It is true that in developing markets like India these cars, which are considered mere standard cars for anyone abroad, are thought of here as luxury Marques and priced accordingly. That’s a bit wicked. And hence they are only achievable for a common man, if buying them used.

[@alienware409]

I love your taste in cars, they're all unique, sporty, and paint is not beige or green.

[@americanflyer4126]

I had a 2005 Cooper S in Electric Blue here in NH. Separate winter wheels and tires and the factory ski rack. It was a great little car. Eager little supercharged engine, fantastic shifter, comfortable seats (I'm 6'3" and it had plenty of room), super tight handling. The previous owner had put on an aftermarket exhaust that sounded fantastic. But it was my daily driver for over three years and the suspension wore on me. It was brutal. When I saw a pothole coming I squeezed my ass and gritted my teeth in anticipation. Ba-boom! Ba-boom! I read that the superchargers quit at 100K but mine had 140K and was running strong. It was starting to rust though. The doors and around the rear lights. I had the rust fixed once but it kept coming back. Once it starts there's no stopping it. So I sold it for like $4000. I miss it though.

[@TheCarVlogger]

I mentioned in my review of this car the traction control is really aggressive its almost impossible to drive fast with it on because it will interrupt you constantly and is unsettling but overall this car is still a bunch of fun to drive and that supercharger wine never gets old!

[@TheGreatUniterIsHere]

You can turn off on new gen. I think even on second gen you can.

[@athousandtinycobras4349]

For all the people (predictably) saying MINIs are junk, unreliable, etc., this video CLEARLY proves you wrong. I've also got a 2005 and it has 145K miles on it. Just had it on a 3K mile road trip and could cruise all day at 70-90mph. The car has never let me down; it's never stalled, it's never failed to start. The 1.6 Tritec motor is an incredibly durable platform. The 2005-6 cars are the best of the first generation MINIs; any previous issues were sorted out by then. The second generation cars (starting in 2007) apparently had problems with the timing chain, and MINIs have just gotten uglier since then, IMO.

[@conantaketwo620]

I bought my first $5000 mini and day two i needed a new clutch. here is about 2 weeks im getting a new bonnet latch cable and then a month after that it is going to be new break lines. while i know it is certainly not junk and i love my 09 cooper S i'm a little intimidated by these repairs as i also have an orange engine light on. Luckily the dealer i bought it though has a 6 month warranty excluding normal wear and tear i.e clutch and break lines oil changes belts lights ext. I just need this hood to open in order to start getting to that stuff and fix the minor problem before the major ones start coming up

[@eldomi-americano7097]

Conan Take Two Bought a 2012 clubman last week as a second car and have same problems you do. Replaced all 4 brake pads and rotors, purchased a $500 module last week, now waiting on bonnet latch cable and passenger side window motor. After all these fix it should be fine but Damn! I did not think all these repAirs were needed.

[@Vision33r]

Bad clutch means a bad novice driver with a stick.

[@tailorforeman7082]

I have a 06 mini I think thats R56 and I LOVE my car. its older but still happily goes fast for long hours and gets up pretty quick for a 12 year old car.

[@lesfa3313]

I have a 2008 non S Mini Cooper 91k on it. I had no major issues other than a maintenance . It definitely cost more than Japanese car to maintain but way less than an Actual BMW. The S type definitely have alot of issues so I would stay clear of those.

[@onlyoneromeo]

Can we have an update on this car please ?

[@9kaerosessed]

I have a 2009 corvette z06 in my garage and my winter beater is a 2008 Mini Cooper s !!!! This is a great car for a daily

[@alysnford4137]

The rear seat delete kit is money! I lost count of how many people commented on what we were carting up to our MINI at the hardware store and, subsequently, how many people walked away schooled. If she didn't have so many nitpicky maintenance issues, I'd say she has been my favorite (US market) car to own.

[@jeahluna2385]

a mini was accidentally passed on to me by my bestfriend who has a friend who wants to just get rid of it. i bought it for only $750 ive used it for doing some delivery and driving more than 100 miles to work sometimes..i just simply restored it because when i recieved the car it was really filthy from all of those years my bestfriend and his friend used for bartending..now it clean but still has some interior work needed to be done...still not bad..oh its a manual car as well it steers really good and the handling is great..with 1900000+ miles on it ive had no serious issues on it, btw i got that with like 1750000 miles but i already managed to add 15000 miles on it...its this type of mini that really lasts the manual 1st gen,, ive only had minimal maintenance on it moslty oil change and other basic fluid it needs...its really made to last i guess but im telling you this car burns oil especially when its due for oil change..adding oil is necessary but not a need after a long time...hes right w it being a winter car because i just love the heated leather seats i have as well...im just doin my best to restore it right now but overall my mini is a good reliable small car...oh btw just 2 weeks ago i ran it down south back and forth for 400+ miles 1 way is only $50 each way...lol..

[@dawsonjohannes613]

Really interesting perspective. This motivates me to keep my Civic as a winter car after I get my engineering degree. Although, I've always been a huge believer in one car for every purpose. Either way, cool to hear you talk about your Mini.

[@DCTag]

I own a R50 Mini. 180k and it's still going strong. 👍

[@JohnSandovalesq]

My Fiesta ST is a beast in the snow with snow tires installed. Whenever it stops turning I grab some e-brake and rotate the car KB style.

[@Dolfan0118]

I bought a 2009 Base Mini Cooper at the end October 2018 because my VW Golf wouldn't pass the emissions and it would have cost $$$ to fix, thus hello Mini. I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty for winter use (4x4). Well in late January the Liberty went into a ditch and lost reverse transmission. So the Cooper went into use with the winter tires which I got with Cooper all for under $5k. I totally agree the Cooper was a Trooper and made it through January-April Wisconsin Winter. The Winter Tires were a lot few saver!!! Plus the Cooper's gas mileage was almost double of the Liberty. Is it weird that I am more confident in the Cooper driving in snow than the 4x4 Liberty? Thumbs up for the Cooper!

[@HandsomeAlex25]

How to fix front wheel drive understeer: use the handbrake. Sometimes A simple tug when the front wheels have no bite corrects your line perfectly.

[@TheTankss]

Completely agree about traction control. It also hinders power to prevent wheel slippage during the dry seasons and makes the car a lot less fun to drive in any mini.

[@pettischristopher]

Oh look. At 7:12 a Mini speeds up in the left lane to get in the vid😂

[@jams3maddij]

Awesome vid. Just bought a 05 r53. Too much fun to be had with clothes on. Absolutely love it. Got to go. Nor-easter starting to dump snow.

[@jdrancho1864]

Your video popped up in my feed. Love the video quality, the editing, the energetic delivery, your vocal quality (no inter-mountain drawl). Yes, we are (YT) friends. Subscribed.

[@stephenstarling2578]

I got a mini copper clubman she has 2 owners but the catch was it was the same dealer that got 10 years ago even though there some quirks in my mini copper I love it and the dealer was very happy to see it go again

[@stephenstarling2578]

It has 166000 miles

[@EvanXDev]

Excellent review. Mini's a perfect at what they are, small little runaround cars. I own a MK2 and they are fun to drive.

[@stephenthompson773]

I miss my old R53. It was definitely the most fun car I’ve ever owned.

[@robertcollins7034]

There a lot of fun ! I have two mini cooper s at the moment r53 jcw, and r52 :)

[@paull4968]

i have 155K on original clutch. 2008 MINI R56 Base. 6 speed. Love my MINI and have snow tires for winter. AWESOME car.

[@kevinandmerrandaalbert2026]

We love our Mini Countryman S. People are always surprised how much we can pack into it

[@althor5550]

When you saw the "incident" a green MINI convertible went by ya. I bought a 2006 Mini S convertible and gotta find some rims for my "new" baby so I can mount some winter tires! I'm hoping calls to junk yards for rims to fit is in my future...

[@drew.851]

Now I’m googling old mini Cooper’s

[@joetarrant99]

This was an excellent summary of driving in winter, and car choice when doing so. Super well explained. Thank you guys!

[@DoubleOSevan]

I just picked up an ‘05 Cooper S JCW for daily duty. Still debating whether or not to track prep it or keep it a docile daily. Reliability is the main concern - though mine only has 48k miles. Seeing yours at 180k is definitely encouraging!

[@2cornersahead]

I have a mini and I used to daily drive a sc300 and I agree the rwd with snow tires is more predictable in the snow than the fwd

[@adamdrumonde1664]

I've bought a lot of

[@morganfleming21]

That is a beautiful car! I hope you are taking as good a care of it as the previous owner!

[@YearOfTheDog82]

Subbed for fellow SLC car enthusiast! I'm considering a Mini of this generation as well, you found a great one!

[@Dolfan0118]

Great Video I just bought a 2009 Mini Hardtop. A lot of Fun and learning about it everyday.

[@_abeez]

This guys gives me Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs vibes. 😭However, I just drove my r56 base mini in a snowstorm. The only thing I’m missing is snow tires and she’s good to go ! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@justincyr4903]

Had a 2005 Mini Cooper S and drove it for one year in the Canadian winter. Amazing fun little car but let me tell you everything just started to break. The exhaust system had a leak got a quote for $1500 from a shop. Rear main seal leaked, $3200 to replace. The seal was $50 the rest was labour. They have to take the whole engine and front end off to replace it. Gauges started failing, heavy rust on the rear lights and this thing creaked like mad. But hey it was my favorite car that I have owned so far. Your choice, minis are fun cars to drive but you loose out on reliability.

[@robertsetting7036]

Hey sir... Great Vid...we purchased a 2012 Countryman ALL4 S and loved the thing for 4 years... never owned one before I am total Toyota man... but the handling of that car and the handling in the snow and rain for my wife was amazing....@ 510000 miles we got the old...radiator is leaking into the oil syndrome and the dealer tried to hand us a 2k bill...my wife said that's it...they ate the bill because the 2011 was recalled for this very problem...we traded it in on Mercedes GLA 250... which has been awesome for 3 years she loves it.. My question is how is this mini riding.... I am in the Delaware area we get hit pretty bad in winter so my FJ Cruiser goes right through any of this stuff but I miss the handling of the mini and the manual drive. I am test driving Mini S's for sale in the area with over 100k on them under $5k and just want it for my 4 mile back road commute to work..so I was wondering how your clutch is holding up and timing chain because i have done the research and found the mini blogs have the R53's as the most fun with the supercharger but do have the expensive clutch problem. Thank you very much..

[@bjfoster1564]

Funny Guy! Great Video! Worth the watch, even if your not looking for a mini cooper or $5,000 winter car. Here in California we need "fire resistive cars" and, with all our fruits, nuts and flakes, seeing a car on it's roof is somewhat normal.

[@p3091992]

Thank you for your comments about rear wheel drive (and front wheel drive) in the snow! I'm new to the snow belt and was stunned how many folks just don't get it. I daily my BRZ year round with winter tires in winter and feel way safer than any SUV on all seasons would make me feel (TC off of course)

[@EverydayDriver]

We're glad it resonated with you. There's a lot of misconception and fear about driving in the snow. We did a few videos of Todd's Long-term FR-S in the snow... we're not surprised you like your BRZ on winter tires. Thanks for watching!

[@IntegraDIY]

2:11 that is for sure! In the mini, if you go 70mph, it feels like 50mph... so I’ve had a passenger ask me if that was the actual speed lol it feels slow while the speedo is showing high rate of speed

[@savannahsmiles1797]

drove my bro's from CA to CO and I got pulled over for going 100 mph, didn't even notice I was going that fast...the go cart HAULS, I was just getting through the gears after fueling the lil monster up in NV-known speed trap :-(

[@tommymercer7696]

this video was very satisfying to watch

[@TheOther-Dude]

Just got a 2004 mini cooper, always thought these cars would be filmsy and weak. But it's a kicker! And damn is it fun to drive!

[@Daveinet]

180K for $5K, you got took. I bought an '07 S last fall from a dealer with 105K for $5K. It has been a very good car. The only thing I've done to it was tires.

[@TS-1267]

...I think I'm going to watch a few of these Videos this morning....

[@VladoooThe]

When people ask me to recommend used cars, I never recommend anything between $5-10k. That is that middle ground where a it's a used car but still expensive. What I tell people is to buy either a 2 year old car that's already done most of its depreciating but still relatively new, or buy a $1000-3000 car because most are still good, and if it breaks you won't be out too much money. I just found a 2008 fully loaded Buick Allure CSX with only 70k on it for $3000 certified, for my mom. Its in like new condition. I also found lots of 2008 Honda Accords for around $3000-3500.

[@jamesallen6767]

Yup in the 60's we the knew to accelerate out of a slide, when in front wheel drive... Inclination is to brake, makes the rear overtake the front.. Going down a mountain can be freaky, accelerating when sliding? In B.C. my method of driving, is now to use better judgment and not be in such a hurry? I use Toyo tires with the embedded walnuts. They're great, in all conditions. Fairly reasonable cost, with a mail in rebate usually. They wear well. ... Yes, those new old minis are nice. You got a steal? The second clutch is likely a better one? Given the owner was so good? Better installation maybe? I agree, Spot is overblown. The early minis had a key in ignition, then push button start. It was always drive those cars zipping in and out of heavy vehicles in London. may as well keep spot? Makes it easy to find in the parking lot. Cheers!

[@MRDELAY-gd3ng]

My cooper now at 230,000km and still work perfectly.

[@lezzbmm]

had an 04 (auto) (handmedown from gramma) would frequently put 2x4's out the sunroof on home depot runs and put 3 ppl in the back gr8 car insanely nice interior for price point - a little loud back in the day, but very comfy and usable and pretty

[@lezzbmm]

daily drove 365/yr w great lakes snow (w snow tires) also daily drove z4, brz in same winter (w snow tires) honestly there were situations where one was better than the other but prefer rwd easier to turn in the snow w oversteer than understeer imo

[@shawnstell252]

I have a 03 Mini r50. Picked it up a year ago with 195k for $1700. Its optioned out with the panoramic and 17" wheels, even leather. Its been thru a MN winter and its hilarious how good this thing is in the snow at -5^. In the last year an 12k miles I've changed the oil twice, an O2 senor (which it needed at purchase) and an Amazon wheel bearing in the rear for $35 because the GF hit a crater of a pothole. Yes, the r53's r sightly more fun with the extra pep but superchargers can make super problems and truthfully this rev happy engine is fine without it in almost every situation. It's faster than you think it would be. My other car is an Infiniti G and I'm way more likely to get a ticket in the Mini. That speedo looks cool but it is stupid. Ill look over and I'm doing 85mph in a 55mph without realizing it. I'm amazed how stable and planted this car at any speed but be careful if you get one with the runflats. Theres no play in the steering. The slightest over correction will easily put you in the next lane but it handles like a go cart on the twistys and its a blast if your not scared to wind it out. My GF loves this car, I drive it like I stole it since its already paid for itself and it takes it and takes it well plus the hatch makes it pretty useful for cargo and you can park it anywhere. Thx for the review but a question to all: Do only the R53's have the digital speedo? Mine only does temp and MPG (constant and average mpg, i think) THX

[@debbiepeter112]

I bought my 02 R50 for £900 with 82,000 miles. Clutch went within a month.

[@DHAW10]

Another great video. I really enjoy your down to earth, real world perspectives.

[@halonski91]

My recommendation - General Altimax Arctic winter tires. Cheap, reliable, and should last me another season or two (this winter being my third driving ~5,000 miles each winter). Paid ~ $370 for a set of four 205/55/16 tires.

[@IYG-x7c]

Nothing better then picking up a car form enthusiast!

[@jamespostlethwaite7147]

i have had my 2007 R56 mini for 4 months its done 74,000 and its never needed anything replaced (apart from standard service parts and brakes) its got full BMW service history, neither me, or the previous owner have had any issues with reliability

[@MatthewGaither]

Todd - you own that "Spot" Mini name! My wife christened my current MX-5 "Mickey" upon her first sight of it and the name has stuck and now we all refer to it that way. Don't be ashamed of the name! ;-)

[@hunterjenkins7697]

FWD is better than AWD or 4X4 in my opinion, better control imo. Crashed my Jeep in the High Sierra's last year I work near Yosemite my 09 Jetta just went out and I've done fine with a good pair of snow tires and going slow. Just bought a 2014 Mini Cooper can't wait to drive in the snow.

[@Mr.Everything]

So far I’ve had an equal, if not better, experience driving a RWD Grand Marquis with winter tires, ABS, and traction control over a FWD Dodge Stealth with winter tires and no assists. However the Dodge was low to the ground and light weight so I got pretty familiar with how it handled and could let it slide out and bring it right back. The only problem I’ve ever had with the Mercury is getting a big heavy car like that to come to a stop/crawl going down a snowy hill.

[@mossmiller]

I drove a 1992 Crown Vic years ago, and was OK in the winter if you didn't let the car's momentum get you in trouble. Those RWD Fords would accelerate so smoothly that they were hard to keep in the 30-40mph range on a road with a downhill bias. Saw many a Town Car in the ditch on a snowy night. As for myself, I purchased a 1987 Dodge Omni as a beater back in 1994. With narrow all season tires and 4-speed stick, could get through anything. Sold the car a few years later and got my $1200 back after driving it 40,000 miles.

[@hechavarria100]

You’re correct! I just purchased a 2005 Mini Cooper Convertible and we love it. It’s just lots of fun and super cute (hot orange). I had another fun car and that was a 1978 Jensen Interceptor. Fun until a buddy of mine asked to drive it and fell asleep at the wheel way back in 1080!😡🤬🤯🤣Sht happens. The Mini just feels like a small space ship.🤯

[@lukefosterphoto]

They must be a hell of a lot more expensive across the world. I just bought a 2005 Mini Cooper with 79,000 and 9 months MOT for £1,600. Barely anything wrong with it despite the comments on them being unreliable. The central locking has gone a little bit faulty but is easy to live with and the reverse gear has got a slight crunch but these are just common faults with them anyways. A joy to drive and it does remind me a lot of driving my first car: 1983 998cc Austin Mini Mayfair

[@Brian-tw5no]

Just bought a 2009 Mini Cooper and I am enjoying it. I am learning more about it everyday. Can you suggest a blog where I can get questions answered?

[@jeanfresco5667]

I bought a Honda Civic for 3K CDN with 242K kms (150K miles). Had most of her service history. Drove that car across country twice with zero tools in the car. Put 60K kms (37 500 miles) or hard driving (drove her like a rally car) and nothing happened. Never thought once that the car would break down, not start. There's nothing wrong with a cheap hooptie car, you just have to take your time and shop around.

[@Sandor68]

I bought a 2002 Honda Civic 2 years ago for a winter beater. I paid $1000 and it's astonishing how reliable this 300,000km car has been. I'm due for a brake job but other than that I've only changed the oil and if I can get a couple of more years out of this I'm laughing.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

I love that supercharger whine...

[@JBaek24]

FWD in snow? E-brake and counter steering is your best friend

[@gedwardjones]

Yeah, when Todd said it just won't oversteer my first thought is "you're doing it wrong." Front wheel drive cars pretty much only rotate under braking. Trail braking is your best friend to get it to turn.

[@sunvol4503]

Just pull the E-break for one second and my mini will control the drift all the way around, traction control off of course

[@gedwardjones]

TheManInDboX There is a lot to dislike about modern Minis, but 100% of the range is available with manual transmissions and fully defeatable traction and stability control. The new ones do have annoying, electronic e-brakes, though.

[@q3b26]

The 3/5 door hatch still have old handbrakes, the Clubman and up have electronic parking brakes.

[@brynnski1]

A little "lift off" induced oversteer is usually all that's required.

[@shadowkeeper0]

We have a lot here in Europe, they are legendarily unreliable...

[@LorenzoClara97]

shadowkeeper0 get your fact straight. You are talking about the 1.6 turbo (thp engine) r56 that was shared in the 207gti. This is the r53 with eaton compressor. Extremely reliable and capable of 200hp on stock internals

[@shadowkeeper0]

Even if the prior engine is more reliable, the engine is not the only thing that needs to be reliable...

[@LorenzoClara97]

shadowkeeper0 yes but engine and gearbox is the most expasive thing to repair. The r53 is probably the most reliable mini ever made.

[@klasseact6663]

shadowkeeper0 ...R56 is waaaaaay worse than an R53, not even close!

[@MrSlowestD16]

Same here in the US, haha.

[@maxjohnson1695]

Wow, lots of negative comments about the Mini. I am a 150k miles 2002 r53 owner, i bought it for $4k, 5 years ago after watching one of your videos about the r50. I really like it. It has needed the power steering system replaced(covered by Mini), Clutch, resealed the supercharger and installed 15% pulley, and front control arm bushings. Besides that it has been a great car and it is quite easy to work on. Did the clutch in my garage with no lift or hoist. It is awesome in the snow with snow tires and TC off. For FWD, the handling is very neutral and it rotates very well. I have been very happy with my purchase. Good luck with yours Todd!

[@Fox350-f1u]

Now i will see BB-8 everytime i open a mini haha Nice vidéo! i love R53