I absolutely loved my Mini until it hit 80,000 miles. When the trans went followed in 5000 miles by the clutch, I was done. I guess I could've kept it to see if I had weathered the storm, but I was out of money by then. Engine parts and repairs are astronomically expensive. It was sad, but I had to. I still miss that car!

I bought the 03 cooper S as it has always been my dream car. Growing up around them, I always knew what styling I wanted. She has decent mileage for her age (241000km/ 150000mi) Picking her up was an epic day followed by a majestic drive through the mountains for the 4 hours home. Driving my lowered beast, sunroof open and riding her like i stole it. Then the fun started about a month later. First to go was the radiator. Then on further inspection, she got a full braking system, hubs and bearings. It then led to full front cv axle replacement plus upper and lower control arm replacements. Oh and a thermostat and housing. Finished over $2800 in work over a 6 week span for the serpentine to blow and take the pulleys and tensioner with it. Lets call it another $500 in. Now that being said, all the maintenance prior done included some major repairs; new timing, new supercharger and sunroof motor. The way i see it, yes i may have put in a bit extra to her but she is going to last me for many years to come. And she is worth every penny. So yes - buy the car. Have the fun. Just remember that even the best documented maintained vehicles can have issues.

This car (S model 6 sp) was a gift for my 5'3" wife. Once we got used to the interior layout such as window and lock controls in the center stack we loved the car. Also getting comfortable with the 6 so trans takes a while and I still miss a shift now & then. We live in FL and the sunroof doesn't come with a solid sun blocking cover so some days we wear hats to protect our heads. I've ordered a custom made interior cover to handle this problem. I, at 5'10", can easily get in and out of the car. We love to drive it. It is uncomfortable on long drives over 2 hrs but for around town it can't be beat. Park almost anywhere and make uturns in the narrowest of roads. Parts are expensive. We bought it used with 80K miles. We've had the AC compressor replaced, along with struts, alternator, door locks but it is an older car. Change the supercharger oil every 80k. On the way to east coast FL (4 hr trip) my wife had the mini lose power so I'll be leaving tomorrow with our big vehicle to tow it back to our mechanic. Our mechanic is very good and not a Mini specialist. Much cheaper repairs for example - $700 to change supercharger oil vs $200 at my shop. I recommend the car as long as you are aware that this is a sports car & a BMW that requires higher cost of upkeep & premium fuel.