What's the Best Used MINI to Buy

What's the Best Used MINI to Buy.
I will be explaining the pros and cons of the three generations of MINI's and which one is the most reliable in my professional opinion.
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------ IMPORTANT UPDATE ! ------- I have posted a new video called " Whats the best used MINI to purchase UPDATED"
It goes over the best used MINI of the 3RD generation. from 2015 basically. Use the search to find it.
Post video comments and Pro -Tips
- I highly recommend having the vehicle inspected "Pre-Purchase Inspection" by a MINI specialist , either a dealership or independent shop before purchasing. Not only could it save you a ton of money and future heartache but it can give you extra leverage in negotiating purchasing price.
-Once you do purchase your MINI ( congratulations by the way) it is paramount you check or have your engine oil level checked every other week, as the engines naturally consume oil and there is no oil level sensor to tell you when you are low on the first and second generations. You can use the dipstick to check.
-Recommend having the transmission serviced ( fluid, filter and computer reset if applicable) every 80k miles or less by a specialist. This will help maintain the life of the transmission. If it has super high mileage I would just leave it alone and hope for the best. Doing a service may just upset it and cause issues.
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And for all the motorheads out there her are the engine & body designations by year.
The following are the engine codes for all current MINI Cooper’s (Not Classics)
First Generation MINIs
2002-2006 R50 Cooper = W10 (W10B16) 1.6 Non Supercharged
2002-2006 R53 Cooper S = W11 (W11B16) 1.6 Supercharged
NOTE: 1st gen convertibles were made at the same time the 2nd gen Coupe was. Lots of people get confused when they have a 2007 or 2008 convertible and think its a 2nd gen.
2005-2008 R52 Cooper Convertible = W10 (W10B16) 1.6 Non Supercharged
2005-2008 R52 Cooper S Convertible = W11 (W11B16) 1.6 Supercharged
Second generation MINIs
NOTE: 2nd gen Convertible was released in 2009 in Cooper and Cooper S trim.
2007-2010 R56 and R57 Cooper = N12 (N12B16) Non Turbo
2007-2010 R56S and R57S Cooper S = N14 (N14B16) Turbo
2008-2010 R55 Clubman = N12 (N12B16) Non Turbo
2008-2010 R55S Clubman S = N14 (N14B16) Turbo
Engine change for 2011
2011 + R56 and R57 Cooper = N16 (N16B16) Non Turbo
2011 + R56S and R57S Cooper S = N18 (N18B16) Turbo
2011 + R55 Clubman = N16 (N16B16) Non Turbo
2011 + R55S Clubman S = N18 (N18B16) Turbo
2011 + R60 Countryman = N16 (N16B16) Non Turbo
2011 + R60S Countryman S = N18 (N18B16) Turbo
2011 + R60S Countryman S ALL4 = N18 (N18B16) Turbo
Source - Post by Professor on the Bluegrass MINIs site
Third Generation MINIs
The engines now have a B code and are modular in design. B37 and B38 are 3 cylinder, B48 is 4 cylinder.
2014 Cooper - B38A15A (1.5L 3-cylinder) - 134HP
2014 Cooper S - B48A20A (2.0L 4-cylinder) - 187HP
JCW - B48A20B - (2.0L 4-cylinder)
Cooper D - B37 - 114HP
Original Source
Written by: Nathan, Aug 29, 2012, MINI Cooper Engine Codes,

[@Grateful-wv6ty]

I bought a 2013 mini about 2 years ago and have had no problems with it. I bought it with 57,000 miles and I love it!!!!

[@MikeMDs]

Awesome!

[@papacos4745]

My wife has a 2013 mini cooper s and has 80,000 miles and still running strong

[@brianbeaubien7371]

@@MikeMDs 7

[@WKRPinCINN]

Curious to know.. how is it running now?

[@stania3814]

​@@WKRPinCINNsame 😀

[@mohammedjinnah1714]

It's my dream car.............mini cooper lovers like here

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

Don’t get this garbage. Is nothing but problems expensive fixes. I owned one for over a year because they cool looking but is nothing but headache. Stay away from this garbage if you don’t want to deal with junk

[@gisela-lg5ym]

@@MOUSEBOWEN i own a 2013 mini roadster convertible and have to say i love it and it performs very well so i'm not sure why you call it garbage ? maybe you missed services ?

[@lizards1122]

Mouse Gipson shat up gay subaru Japanese car lover my convertible Mini is perfectly fine ;)

[@ababner317]

@FUN-TIME Very reliable. SMH

[@vasilisrroshi8642]

2005-06 cooper s perfect in every way......no problems at all shure is expensive services but all bmw are...

[@joellara65]

Just bought a 2018 Mini S and I am COMPLETELY in love with it!!! 🙏🏼💯

[@rarazxra]

This video is so informative especially the part about the oil level and to look out for the engine rattling sounds. What a legend! Thanks

[@marten4436]

I recently fell in love with the mini cooper and this video was great helping me figuring out if i want to save up for one

[@craighicks1407]

I've just purchased my first 2012 Mini Countryman Cooper S. I had done some reading and followed a few videos on this car. I have to say this video has been very helpful so far. It's been 1 month and 2 days and i love it. Thanks!

[@MikeMDs]

Congratulations! Fun times ahead for sure. Just keep an eye on the oil level.

[@marksharon251]

I’ve got a 2008 cooper diesel , owned it three years , serviced once a year , around 10k per year , doesn’t use any oil .It hasn’t missed a beat and I get 60 plus mpg , great to drive , a brill car

[@free2chill727]

awesome video, all facts no filler, loved it

[@kosmiken]

What a great, honest, and thorough explanation. You have just saved a lotta people a hella lotta money.j Real experience (I can tell) and to the point of the talk. Well done bud - now I know what to get. Thank you.

[@GnarlyBuzz]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much for your well thought out, complete and easy to understand explanation.

[@russellbushnell1965]

Thank you for your honesty...the world will appreciate it

[@iselili2]

I love my mini and this has been one of the best videos I have come across thank you!!

[@themitsudas]

My favorite is the R53 and I am currently on my 3rd one (all 3 are 2005s). The other two are still in the family. These cars have character and soul, and are so much fun to drive.

[@RyanMilani]

Love my 2011 Cooper S (R56). 140,000 miles, with minimal work I've had to do. Had the hard plastic coolant hose break in the back of the engine which was kinda a pain to reach but was able to do it myself. Coils have failed a bit but probably an aftermarket quality issue with them. Replaced the thermostat at about 120,000. Purrs (and pops) like a kitten. Haven't noticed any irregular oil consumption but I'm usually on it with checking the oil.

[@bernardbarbour]

Thanks Mike, this is great. I own an MC40. It's a 2004 R53. Just went over 189,000 miles and still looks great and runs strong. It's hard top with manual trans. I do most of my maintenance. Keeping it going for many more miles to come and having fun. Your video is spot on, thanks.

[@williamdavis9943]

If you are going to own a Mini Cooper you have to educate yourself as a mini Cooper owner in the operation & maintenance of your vehicle?

[@AndrewsArcade]

Already own a Mini and this video had great input.

[@MikeMDs]

Thank you!

[@johntighe6221]

I had a mini for 3 years and no problems. Never checked the oil but had the car serviced once a year. Best little car out there.

[@natsal2553]

John Tighe what year was yours?

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

John Tighe Hahahaha not positive. My self and everyone that I know hate them for the many mechanical problems. Garbage pieces of shit

[@gisela-lg5ym]

​@@MOUSEBOWEN You keep on saying Mini is Shit but we have not heard you specifie why you're saying that.Would you please specifie your complaint?

[@1171]

We bought a 2017 mini automatic s7 so far it’s super peppy we love the gas mileage still under warranty My husband just loves it an we r retired and use it for lots of trips locally it’s so far a very good car .

[@xiaopoq3797]

how has your mini cooper held up so far?

[@andyn4797]

Thanks for such an honest and great mini review ! Best mechanical review I ever seen in years watching this kind of reviews . Th aka again !

[@floridascubadiver2212]

I absolutely loved my R52.. Nothing like the sound of that Supercharger whine.

[@papatee972]

Bought a 2007 convertible mini sidewalk with 64k miles on it for $5000 and the wife loves it!!!

[@MikeMDs]

They are just too much fun! Enjoy

[@SgtHooch]

Great video, very helpful. I still drive an '06 MCS and still love it. Thankfully, my MINI still has a dipstick and I check my oil regularly. Had lots of repairs, but there none were crazy expensive. Hope to own it for many, many more years.

[@freeffree4133]

About how much in repairs per year?

[@JQUICK21]

You are OK with "LOTS" of repairs? And did not move on to a quality automobile?

[@LvninLA]

Enjoyed this video. I own a Mini Cooper (base hardtop) 6spd manual, 2013. Purchased at 18k miles... Mini dealer, Certified Pre-owned. Now at almost 60k miles. Only issue other than wear items like tires/brakes, was the ignition coils... which were covered by warranty and no problems since. It's fun to drive on mountain roads and comfortable on long highway drives... great fuel mileage and reliable as a commuter. Some oil consumption and the clutch may eventually need replacement. Never had buyer's regret on this car.

[@Feraz69420]

I’ve been looking at some Minis and if I buy a cooper and not the cooper s is it still fun to drive on a track? Does it drive like a go kart since it’s not an S?

[@annmariehurley643]

Thanks for this. Bar a cracked radiator when I first bought it second hand, I have had no issues with my 2015mini CooperS. Get an oil filter change every 10,000km at my local garage in Cork and at 230, 000 km its going like a dream. Best car ever. Will never change!

[@paulwalker5005]

Very informative, Thank you. I have the gen2 John Cooper Works,so much fun, one of the best cars I've ever had and that's comparing it to my Porsche 911.

[@pye5386]

I have a Mini Cooper hatchback s and I love it. Driving it makes my day. Great mileage, incredible handling. It’s really fun to drive. I’ve had it for 2 years and there are no issues so far. Hope it won’t get me a headache. I really want to have my mini forever.

[@dawnjohnson7626]

I just bought a first gen, 03 6 speed. It's in outstanding condition and drives like a champ! So glad I researched first.

[@MikeMDs]

Very nice!

[@gwilson87]

Super helpful video! We’re shopping for our first mini, going for a used one and this is the best info we’ve come across yet.

[@billallen8505]

Love driving our 2006 Mini S convertible. My wife and I have a great time taking it on day trips Bought it 5 years ago with 52,000 miles. Only drive it in good weather.

[@swed8815]

I had watched this video before buying my mini coupe S , really helped !! Love it 😍

[@donaldsexton3501]

I posted a few months ago that my next Mini would be 2nd Gen 2011 to 2015. But the more I read and see that many of us Mini Lovers , love the R53 because it really does have a lot of character and so fun. Mine is a 2006 S, 6 speed, Electric Blue top and bottom, with 130,500 mi, and still going strong. Plan to stay with the R53. When this one is no more, I will hope to find another "one owner" like this one. Most fun vehicle I have ever owned, well accept my 2007 Harley Softail.

[@pemtax557]

I'm currently in the market for a used mini as a second, weekend and errand car and this video was very informative. I learned a couple of new things I was unaware of ... so thanks for your time and effort. Cheers, Dave

[@thegratefulsage]

Thank you for the information! That helped me avoid a major problem of buying one. lol I love honest people. Wish there were more of them out there. :)

[@keirahirons3332]

I still have my r50 and it is awesome I love it

[@joshkelnhofer5454]

Really informative, thanks. Especially the part about the 2011 engine changes. I have always liked Mini Cooper's, as well as the first generation Clubman's, but fear the reliability factor.

[@sean8051]

Thank you! I've been needing this vid for awhile

[@tyranelewis7763]

Thanks Mike! The oil starvation info help me with my daughters 2010 Cooper S .

[@carlomagnoaguilar5559]

Very informative! I wish I would've seen this video back then. probably saved us a lot of money. hehe currently driving a 2004 non S (almost 300k on it) but did a lot of preventive maintenance on it though. looking forward to see more mini videos!

[@Xxkilluminati91xX]

Wow thanks Mike! Excellent video and great information. I looked at a 2010 S model today that was running pretty rough. The owner mentioned that it would eat oil and he would have to top it off from time to time. He said it might have overheated at one point and that he just had to replace the turbo. Watching this video just made everything click. Many thanks my dude.

[@captainvector]

James Goose Run away from that car!

[@alexlamas6324]

Super helpful! Thank you! I'm a Mini owner since 2016 and you answered a lot of questions for me. I also want to buy a used Mini in the near future so this was very informative.

[@_hector__]

Thank you for this video, it had all the essential info I needed without it being convoluted

[@neilstleon6251]

Thanks so much this review is extremely helpful. Much appreciated

[@tedgegi155]

Thank you very much for your insight about these Minis.

[@dirtybeatzuk3292]

I brought a Mini cooper S R53, it has a Pro-werx Racing engine installed, probably the best engine upgrade you could do if you want power and reliability with better fuel economy. The car is a beast.

[@jeffreyljimenez]

I'm about to shop for a used Mini. This video has been really helpful. Thank you so much!!

[@azozmonem6845]

This is one of the best videos discussing a particular thing in which it’s aiming.

[@MikeMDs]

Thank you!

[@agingbjd]

This video is so clear and concise. Thank you for the images and the clarity. No annoying music is a plus. I'm looking to buy one that's been sitting for a month. according to the seller there's something wrong with the timing chain.

[@barrydawg7544]

I have an R50 with only 84K miles on it and have ZERO major problems with it at all... its 13 years old and most of those years it was in the elements. only small area's or minor rust at the corners of the doors... I replaced the header as it was drooping after these years. It still looks amazing and drives perfect....People can't believe its a 13 year old car... Thank you for the awesome video and information on the Mini's, Mike....

[@antoma6844]

I've owned a Mini One R50 2002 for over 3 1/2 yrs.ok a little noise from a door seal,but it hasn't let me down once,started up every time great on fuel,handling and quick.I think you are making this up as you go.

[@igorformosa3397]

Im buying mini cooper s 2011 Thanks for your advice.

[@xzqzq]

My 2005 'S' is still going strong. Just passed 100K miles. Dealer repairs super expensive - $1300 for alternator...Just paid $700 for p/s HOSES - the pump & labor covered under recall. You Tube invaluable for DIY. Metal & doors solid. If you want an ' S ', I recommend supercharged version, 2002-2005...Pulls through power band smooth & sweet. When I arrive at destination in my 2003 1.8 TDI New Beetle, I gotta let turbo wind down from 200K rpm w/ engine running, to keep turbo bearings lubed.

[@blankblank8468]

Good detail and much appreciated . I used my non s mini r56 as my daily . Good so far about 2 years in

[@bluefletcher4340]

Just got my 2014. I love the 3 cylinder 1.5 turbo. Torque like crazy and up to 35 37 miles per gallon on green mode

[@scottmcgowan5861]

The importance of checking the oil cannot be overstated. Like many cars my ‘15 F55 has no dipstick. So EVERY time I start this car I bring up Vehicle Status and check the level. Then once a week or so I’ll take the time to have the system electronically measure the oil level. Time well spent.

[@Ben-jq5oo]

Very helpful. Very informative guide and very well presented. Thankyou.

[@dean3845]

Great video!! Good info ..I have a 2013 base coupe manual trans.. bought it in 2016 without 37, 000 miles on it ..52,000 now no trouble ..I was aware of the long oil change interval and engines being low on oil , as they use some oil..

[@JeepsCafe]

Thank you for making this video. Now i know which model to to purchase.

[@wotcommander1234]

I have a 2004 mini base 5-speed and it is great! Wind out your gears between 4,500 rpm and 5,800 rpm or 6,000 rpm sometimes and it’s amazing. When I had the car stock as long as I was keeping my rpms up I can keep up with some muscle cars. I have about $2,800 into it in upgrades but the car now is perfect I have 5 upgrades as of now. Sprint booster remote, K&N Typhoon cool air intake system, Koni adjustable suspension, and a Borla Cat Back exhaust system. Stock the car was 100 horse power. Now I have it up to about 160 horse power. This car is not supercharged btw. It is not the S. Next I’m looking into a Chip for my car to increase horse power. Then 18” rims and tires. Just wanted to brag a little about how fun and awesome my little mini is (street legal go-kart). 1st gen minis around 2004 to 2006 are your best bet. Lots of fun to be had.

[@shawnshing614]

Awesome advise for us. Thank you

[@solace9500]

You have saved me from the 2010 and below. I was about to buy a 2009 today. Wew

[@stuartfoster5975]

Just bought 2011 Cooper S. Encouraging video thanks

[@WorldTrotterHereandBeyond]

thanks for the advice!

[@joanneweir671]

Thanks that’s really helpful. I have a JCW 2012, didn’t know about the oil starvation issue

[@turbogeoduck1]

Very informative, especially the n14 vs. n18 part. I'm looking for an S or a Works, so this really helps. Thanks, and Cheers!

[@mguarin912]

Bro...gem of a video. Well done and thank you.

[@craftbeerenthusiastunion2237]

Hi Mike. Great video! I'm shopping for my daughters first car and it seems like 09 thru 11 are in our range. I had no idea the difference in engines starting in '11. Thanks!

[@barefeats]

Bought a 2006 MINI JCW new. Still going strong after 12 years and 80K miles. Only mod is shock tower brace. Found a repair shop that specializes in the first generation "neo" MINI. In the words of my wife, "We're never getting rid of this car!"

[@SunnyJ89]

This was extremely informative, thank you so much!

[@tortangtalong1]

Thank you! Very helpful and straightforward

[@martinvelazquez8258]

Thanks so much for this!

[@ridgoro]

Thanks for your recommendation! I was able to get a 2012 cooper S with only 30k miles on it!

[@davidgutierrez1729]

Had an R53 with a stage 2 Dinan kit down pipe, supercharger pulley, air intake, sway bar, and CPU tune with a muffler delete, unfortunately I bought the car used and had it for just under 6 months before I found out the head gasket was blown, Miss that car so much I think I’m gonna buy an F56 and do a muffler delete/JB4 tune. One of the most fun cars to drive for the money, and no one expects how nimble and loud they can be. Great video.

[@alexajurjan1456]

I have a mini and I absolutely love it!!

[@AfricanSouthernCross]

Honest review, thank you for a very knowledgeable review....I bet second hand dealers hate you, lol.

[@ScrapYardDog64]

I bought my wife an 04 Mini Cooper S second hand back in 2006 we still own it, drive it everyday as I bought her a new car in 2014, so far I have bought 2 front wheel bearings a battery, drivers door lock and changed the wheels to 15" Ultralite F1 alloys with more side taller wall to soak up the poor UK 'B' roads. Its not economical but fun and reliable. Grey with full glass roof , lovin it still.

[@MikeMDs]

Thats awesome!

[@gayosso0709]

Thanks for the heads up I have a 2011 Mini Cooper S R57 N18

[@pahouseholder]

Thanks SO much for this video. Brilliant!

[@scottmcgowan5861]

I bought a CPO '15 Cooper S 4dr HT automatic two years ago. I do 4 to 6 HPDE track days a year and wheel around the mountains east of San Diego. It is a FUN track car; not so much on the street. If I still had a daily commute I'd drive something else. The suspension is far tighter and firmer than the non-S and the steering is direct and somewhat heavy. Two reasons why I bought it. I drive it about three times a week so I've only put 9k mi on it. However, because of the track duty it does burn through brake pads. Every time I slide behind the wheel I get a smile on my face. I just make sure to steer around manhole covers and bumps that don't bother other cars. If you are considering buying one get a manual or the JCW steering wheel with the paddle shifters. DO NOT consider a non-S. It is too slow. After a session on the track I've had Porsche Cayman drivers come up to me and exclaim how hard it was to keep up with me. A fun car that rides very firm. Good luck.

[@jero_mendez]

2011 oil is a known thing, but great explanation why this happens :)

[@BobK5]

Thanks Mike, great video with very useful advice 👍

[@bethcunningham1020]

I’ve owned a 2009 base Mini automatic and have loved that car! I don’t drive a lot and still have only have around 52,000 miles on it. I do wish I would’ve bought the S model though for more power. I’ve had a couple expensive repairs for both the radiator and the AC but fortunately I bought an extended warranty so it was all covered.

[@yohan-electwordofguardthem9173]

Had the First generation Red with white top great fun car's after 2 year's had fix power steering issue other than that it was fun manual👍 also🌞

[@erichpfeiffer8666]

First gen finally got a recall on this item .. you maybe able to get your money back

[@judechukwuelue617]

Good review.. very clear and logical.

[@MikeMDs]

Thanks!

[@na7tiu6ka]

Thank you very much for the video! I am considering getting a Mini! And found out a lot of useful things :)

[@masonn111]

Great video, I have a 2006s and wasn't sure if I was going to buy another one. Well...you definitely helped me with that decision. I appreciate the info~~

[@carlitos.593]

I was about to buy a 2008 mini but after this video I think is worth it to buy a newer version of mini. Thanks man!!!

[@tinamanley2875]

Carlitos S don’t do it they are terrible for gearboxes and weak camchains My mrs has had 3 gearboxes in seven years and she doesn’t crunch the gears and by the way hers has a manual gearbox

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

They are nothing but garbage caca to many issues. If you want to be broke for fixing this pieces of shit go for

[@Dashingdiva73]

I just bought a 2012 Mini. This gives me good information on my vehicle! Thanks!

[@mariavillasenor4847]

how has it been working for you? I just got a 2012 a couple days ago

[@harpritgrewal7987]

Thank you very much.Excellent information that every buyer of the Mini should know.

[@bonniemagpie9960]

I have a 2010 Mini R56, Pepper White, black stripes, it has done 136000 klm, yes the windows now won't open and reverse lights won't show because of the body control module but I still love it. Like this guy said about the thermostat, I had to buy a new one when it had only done 33klm. Still it's been a great car. Hopefully BMW have improved the comfort of the drivers seat.

[@PhilRounds]

Thanks! I bought a 2011 non "S" and it's been a great car so far with about 90k miles on it. Mine has the 6 speed Getrag trans and shifts like a pro! I used your advice and i got a good deal on a clean Cooper with only some very minor problems. The rear drop links were worn out but were relatively cheap to fix. The non turbo still has a reasonable amount of power and i don't have to worry about turbo burnout. One thing i would watch out for is the hood latch. If the car sits for too long and the latch isn't well lubricated it can stick in the latched position and the little plastic lever isn't strong enough to pop it. There isn't any way to open the hood save for getting under the car and trying to pop the latch by hand. So make sure you try the latch before buying and after make sure it's well greased!

[@MikeMDs]

Nice Phil. And great advice about the latch.

[@ivn-pL]

And what about minicoper clubman? 2009 manual 158k

[@traec1992]

Thanks for the info Mike. I just purchased a used 2012 Mini Cooper S with the manual transmission. The mileage was a bit high at 129,000 but I got a really good deal on it so I have set aside a repair/maintenance budget (which I'm sure I'll need... lol)

[@jaimejimenez8183]

Hey how much did you pay? I just bought a 2011 Mini cooper s with 127,000 for about $6,000 wondering if that was a good deal?

[@Mamoulikos]

Thanks mate! Really helpful video! Cheers! 😊😃

[@maskobuchi3396]

this video made the decision for me to get the used 2nd gen. thanks a lot bro great video!! im subscrbied and following your vids!!

[@Phah-Queue]

I just had an '05 Base convertible GIVEN to me!!

[@sahmadi1000]

I did it. I bought a 2015 Countryman S , ALL4 automatics. Its a blast!. I hope you are right about the reliability. Thanks

[@YourMom-wn7yq]

This is rly helpful bc I’m trying to shop for a new mini that I can rely on and drive around

[@OrianJamieson28]

this helped me so much! thankyou

[@MyRofaith]

Thx Mike, really informative, almost pulled the trigger on a '09 .... looking for a 2011 or newer now.... blessings!

[@dianaofmarkham]

I am thinking of getting a mini. This video is so informative 👍 thanks so much.

[@ShenryRNBSN]

I really appreciate you. MINI Cooper S Countryman all4 6 speed manual here I come.

[@zaneunique1215]

Thank you, very clear and informative.