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 Posted: Nov 11, 2021 06:54PM
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Not to sound too nit-picky Dori, but when talking to Mini/MINI maniacs in text form, MINI (all caps) denotes the newer style of MINIs from 2001 to present day. Mini (lower case), refers to everything prior to that. 

+1 for everything that has been said regarding the price of repairs, on owning a MINI especially. BMW 'anything', isn't something that you want to own outside of the warranty. 

Another way to go is to keep an eye on Bring A Trailer car auction site. There's been newer style MINIs showing up with very low mileage on them. Minis and MINIs have been a hit on there. There's a steady flow. Look at the past sales on them both to give you an idea. So you could get a low mileage one that would help save on repairs of the higher mileage ones. You may have to pay more up front for it, so I guess it may balance out in comparison depending on 'hammer' price. 

Acquiring a donor junker would also help with parts supply. But I'd say the wreckers would have enough as well. 

The model years you're looking for aren't terribly old, so you shouldn't have too much issues finding something you need for them. Just may not be so much directly from the dealer.

Another radical route to take is to gut the BMW engine and do a swap for something less costly to run, and repair. If you happen to find one with a blown engine already.

It all comes down to what your buying and repairing budget would be. I've owned both a Mini and MINI. They're a blast. 

Happy hunting.

.
Simple recipe for Excitement:  Take 1 Classic Mini. Throw in 1590cc's of engine. Add 5 gears. A dash of 94 octane. A sprinkle of style inside and out. Toss in 1 MadMan and finally heat tires and pavement to taste. Recipe produces 1 Mini VTEC conversion and full satisfaction. Motor on!
 Posted: Nov 8, 2021 07:09PM
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US
Unless you have very deep pockets, stay away, you may not get an extended warranty for a 10 yr old car, mileage may be over 100,000, an a/c compressor could be $3,500, most of these cars are not owned by school teachers driving 4 miles back and forth to work, could be driven hard and not properly maintained, nut in the end, buy what you want.

 Posted: Nov 8, 2021 01:09PM
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I would recommend having a pre-purchase inspection done by a shop familiar with MINIs. It will be $$ well spent.

I agree with everything Dan says. We haven't see much parts availability issues for the 2009-2011 models.

 Posted: Nov 7, 2021 04:50AM
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CA
MINIs can be fun if they have been properly maintained. They can be expensive to repair, especially if you are not able to do the work yourself or have a good local garage that can. MINIs are made by BMW and the shop charges are at BMW rates. Look for a car with an extended warranty that is transferable if possible. If you can also get the complete service history, so much the better.

For a 10 to 12 year old car, you should also look into parts availability... Not sure about MINIs in particular, but many car-makers don't maintain a parts supply system beyond about 10 years.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: Nov 6, 2021 08:50PM
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I am trying to buy a used Mini most likely between year 2009 and 2011.

But I have heard many people saying that there are many maintenance and repairs for the Mini.

I have never owned a Mini before.

Can you guys please help to give me more info about maintenance and repairs?

Thanks