Hello from Florida, land of very few turns and no hills. Looking (maybe) to purchase my first Mini Cooper. Hopefully I can get some insight to the Mini. Is there anything special I should look for (troubling items) in purchasing a two to three years old, manual transmission vehicle. I might note that I am coming from a Mazda MX-5.

Thanks in advance for your input

Ron F

 

Hope you move from Ma to Mi when it comes to car types. In 2014 the MINI changed over to BMW produced engines in the Gen3 cars. The Gen1 cars use an engine developed with Chrysler and the Gen2 engines were developed with Peugeot. Pretty sure others will chime with opinions on each type, in the interim can I suggest that you visit the Gen2 and Gen3 sections to pick up more information.

NAM provides an immense amount of information on the MINI brand between the threads, the members and the vendors.

 

Oh and a Mini can even make driving in the Land of Few Turns and No Hills more fun.

 

Thanks for the reply. Will check Gen 2 & 3 as suggested.

 

Welcome.

Check out and drive both, the gen2 MINI is more connected to the road as the gen 3 MINI feels a little softer and more refined. It also has all the latest functions. On the Gen 2 the manuals are pretty good, little smoother on the gen 3. The gen 2 just look at for a good strong clutch. No slippage or anything. On the Gen 3 the cars are still pretty new so unless someone has been doing smokey burnouts, it should be fine.

 

Greetings from 3 hours south of you, in Miami - the land of few turns (those on ramps are fun!), and crazy traffic.

Find a CPO Gen 3, and enjoy it every step of the way, with the extended warranty.

 

Welcome!


I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you find. My neighbor and I just came back from driving our twins (Gen 1 R52s) back from Sebring. Had a great time, you are right about the traffic. Great being zippy in the madness.


Motor On!

 

Florida neighbor here

who's owned

MX-5 Miata 1995 - 2007
GEN1 MINI S 2002 - 2007
GEN2 MINI S 2007 - 1013
GEN2 MINI S ROADSTER 2016 -
1979 Mini Saloon 2004 -

if you have any specific questions please feel free to PM

FYI there are local MINI groups and there WAS a good website http://www.sunshineminis.org/forums/index.php ... but they have all moved to Facebook (sigh) try searching for 'groups'

sunshine minis
minis of brevard
jacksonville area mini motorers

editorial

I spent less in maintenance on my Miata all the time on owned it, then I spent on my first MINI ...... and I am still friends with the guy I sold the Miata to ... it is going strong with minimal maintenance costs STILL ......

(ripe discussion topic: why did we buy a 'left over' Roadster versus a new MX-5?)

 

Maintenance is one of my biggest concerns. Getting to old to crawl under the car any longer. MX-5 keeps rocking with normal maintenance. Will stop by dealer soon for test drive. (have not sat in one yet.)

Keep four wheels on the ground at all times
Ron

 

Welcome from the East Coast.