Apologies if this question has been asked (many?) times before.

I'm interested in a 2009-era Cooper S but have read SO many horror stories online of blown turbos or full engines - for seemingly no reason - that I'm really concerned about the potential of many thousands of dollars in repairs, if I do purchase one.

I'd love to hear people's opinions, experiences and advice on this what is realistic to expect.

classic minis are 90% compatible with each other
the bmw minis are not .each series are specific to the year and series and i have been told almost to the season of manufacture, so be careful which one you choose.
if you get a good one great. nice car to drive.fun to play with.
talk to the people who maintain them. choose wisely.


and if you cant take a joke don't buy a car

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65 panel van Sprog
73 panel van Iggy

These are great fun little(ish) cars plenty of character & presence. As I say with ALL euro cars that are over 5 years old be prepared to spend about $2000 per year maintaining the car....some people tell me they have had not spent a cent for years others are regularly spending. Fact is the car that has not had any money spent on it will most likely need a few thousand on it in 1 go if the auto fails or needs a clutch replacement..... So like I say 2 grand a year in maintaining your euro car be it Merc, BMW, Audi ect ect. If you expect this you will be a happy camper with money left over, if you think you are buying a car with the reliability of a Toyota Corolla you are not. However drive a corolla sportivo then a Cooper S and the fun factor is like a kid playing with a stick for fun compared to a kid playing a 3D virtual reality game.

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A proper mini redlines at 13 500 rpm

Well I went to the dealer for some work and they said my car is too old and would need parts from Germany....

Considering it was made in the UK and the model run finished in 2013 I am pretty pissed BMW have bailed on me

Buy a toyota

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Videos - Turbocharged A-Series on Dyno & at Wakefield
Mafs waz not my strong subgeckt at skkol

I had a pretty bad experience dealing with The MINI garage here in Adelaide too when it came to parts

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Zulu...

1967 mini Cooper S

Stay away from anything with the N14 engine

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One of our customers has had one a while now, no major dramas but he thought he'd update to a new one. The local Mini dealers offered him $4000 as a trade! He still bought a new one.... no trade. Gave it to his daughter. Not very good when the dealers don't really want them.