Faults:

Short and sweet. Before buying, make sure you are saving up for a new clutch. As the others have posted, ours too is in the shop for a new clutch and flywheel. Estimate is over $2000. That's ridiculous for a car with only 70,000 miles and not at all driven hard.

General Comments:

It's a fun car, but the reliability is very poor.

Faults:

I loved my car when I first got it. I had no problems with it. Then my clutch went out at 17,000 miles. I am not hard on it at all. I actually treat it like my baby. I got the clutch fixed and they said it was my fault and that I had burned it up.

So then I was even more careful, well the clutch went out again at 33,000 miles. First of all, it is a sports car and it should be tough. Well I drove it like a soccer mom, meaning very cautious and safe, and the clutch went out. I have driven a manual all my life and never had this problem.

I believe there is a problem with the clutches on Mini Coopers because my mother has a Mini Cooper Convertible and her clutch went out at 9,000 miles, and that is RIDICULOUS!

Faults:

The transmission is failing. Supposedly, the dealer replaced the transmission twice under warranty, but each time I got the car back it had exactly the same fault to precisely the same degree as it did when I brought it in. This consists of an audible "clank" sound every time the clutch takes up the drive, in all gears.

Lately, the transmission has begun making a clearly audible grinding noise on overrun in all gears. I have made an appointment with the dealer, as the transmission is still under warranty, but I expect to get their usual guff about how my car is "within spec".

General Comments:

Great handling.

Good utility.

I like the looks still.

Very economical to own and drive.

Faults:

Rear wheel bearing failed at circa 35,000 miles

Bearing to fan belt idler pulley failed at circa 40,000 miles.

General Comments:

Road holding superb

Build quality very good, no squeaks or rattles

Fuel consumption - averages 57 miles per gallon

Performance - a little slow to pick up, but once motoring plenty of torque.

Not particularly cheap to buy, but I had all the extras.

Faults:

Power steering failed all at once at 48000 miles, total repair costs at $1000.

Passenger side locks lost power, could only be used manually.

Tire pressure sensor failed, my tire literally exploded from driving flat and the sensor never lit up once.

Gears stick badly.

Air conditioning and window defrosting smells horrible.

Oil leaks.

Engine coolant leaks.

General Comments:

This car is very cute and the interior is comfortable.

Cup holders can hold cans only or maybe a child size drink.

I do not recommend buying this car used, without the warranty the car is basically useless. I have paid more for maintenance and repairs than I have paid on the car loan. I have not been able to drive it for a month because I cannot afford to fix the steering failure.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing!

General Comments:

Probably everything I would have wanted in a small car.

Good Points:

Performance is excellent, if not slipping against the newer hot hatches.

Comfortable interior with an array of gadgets to keep you interested.

Build quality is fantastic, no rattles and trim is well bolted together. Feels solid to drive.

For the few times I've been back to the garage for servicing and MOT, the BMW/MINI customer service has been excellent.

Appears to holds it's value very well.

Bad Points:

Boot is a bit small, but this is a MINI I guess so I can't complain there. Back seats drop down and the car becomes quite practical.

Fuel economy doesn't seem to very good round town 28/29mpg, though I managed 42mpg on a motorway run.