Used 2012 MINI Hardtop

"The character of a real sports car"

"I bought my Mini Cooper S convertible in 2011 with only 16,000 miles on it. It was an Arizona car in like new condition inside and out. This one is the Sidewalk Edition which I was seeking. Today I have a bit over 60,000 miles on it. Miles have been everything from short trips to the store to 500 mile get always to Southern California. Only three repairs in that time but neither cheap. Two were the rear side windows. Both sides. Same issue- the cable broke and the electric mechanism had to be replaced. About $500 each. The third was the cam sensor which left me stranded on the side of the road. It necessitated removal of the cam costing a bit over $1000. This MINI is a delight to drive. I am an experienced sports car guy including a 2014 911S and have had many BMWs. So my standards for handling, power, comfort and noise are pretty high. The MINI has satisfied my need for a go to daily driver that’s also fun. It checks all the boxes. It looks good inside and out. Power is very good and the sport auto (from BMW) with paddle shifters is super. You seldom need to second guess it particularly in Sport mode. The engine (supercharged in 2008 in the convertible) has plenty of torque and good top speed. Torque steer is almost never apparent. It cruises comfortably at 85-100 easily. Too comfortably! Despite the seemingly small size and smallish in line 4 cylinder engine gas mileage around town is not great. I get about 24 mpg but I drive it like a sport’s car. And the supercharger does not help improve gas miles. But it does provide very good power so I’m good with it. Highway mileage is close to 30 mpg. In 2009 the convertible got the same engine set up as the coupe which includes a turbo instead of a supercharger. MPG and power both improved. Handling is right up there with the best of sports cars including the 911. Road feel is tops and the steering response is on the money. Not vague feel like many modern over boosted cars today. Seats (mine are the optional Lounge seats which are fully adjustable, leather and have lumbar support and heating) are very comfortable even on long drives. The cloth canvas type top is lined inside which helps with noise and heat. But at highway speeds there is more interior noise than a coupe. Still not bad for a convertible and I’ve had many. Climate control is excellent with really good ventilation. Sound system is very good with surround sound and good power. Instrumentation is good with the traditional center placement speedo- a quirk but good styling. The top works with one button operation for up/down with an intermediate sunroof position also. The power windows front and back can all be opened and closed with a single button or driver and passenger each have their own for their own window. Trunk storage is minimal. But the rear seats fold down to a flat position where you can strap down suitcases for a weekend for two. Or a modest Costco run. A set of golf clubs must go crosswise. So space in back is not large but it’s workable. For seating the back seat is basically useless for anything but children or a very small adult. Build quality is very good with attention to detail on paint, interior, top and fit. It’s like a BMW in that respect. My MINI has fulfilled the role I intended for it and then some. A fun everyday driver with easy top up and down. Comfort and handling like a sports car with no harsh road feedback or cramped interior punishment for the front seat occupants. Almost ten years and 46,000 miles later I’m still very pleased I own it. It is a pleasure to drive and look at. If you are looking at a MINI Cooper S convertible and find one that’s been properly cared for I’d say go for it. I love mine and will be sorry when I finally part with it some day in the distant future. I would buy another."

"Good car for someone who can turn a wrench"

"I bought this car for my wife in 2010 to replace another car she neglected...and blew up due to not replacing a timing belt.I own a classic right hand drive mini and she loved it so much she wanted a new version,and this mini fit the bill for the most part. Within the first year it went to the dealership a couple times due to the computer controlled windows....well...not working (they still hiccup once in awhile, reset the battery and youre good) . Beyond that, the car performed very well on and off the highway. She was pleased. But here comes the fun part. After about 30,000 miles, this car will begin throwing all kinds of diagnostic and check engine lights at you. I worked in Texas and she lived in Arizona, and it seemed like i was constantly turning off a light in her car that was a check the brakes, take me into service, or some other badgering light designed to get people into the dealership to be turned off. Yes, for those of us that actually do our regular service and maintenance, this is a very annoying thing. This little car has had premium synthetic oil from day one, changed regularly. (5000-10000 miles) As its gotten older Ive swapped to high mileage synthetic at the 10000 interval. The only real issues so far have been moisture on the transmission computer. (mounted on top of the transmission...under the front cup holders that drain onto it...go figure) and the occasional slight hiccup from excessive carbon build up on the valves, which will throw a check engine light. (google this, its way common on this car) I simply run seafoam through the motor about once a year and walnut blast the intake valves if they need it. (can also be googled) This has actually been a good little car...as long as you maintain it. Dont skip on the service, and dont get too crazy if you see service lights going off every few thousand miles...it wants you to take it to the dealer for a wallet-lift. if you are tool-inclined...the service on these cars is actually quite easy.....let me google that for you."

"THE BEST CAR."

"I have owned two Mini's now and they are the absolute best. My first model was an R53 (5-speed) and my second is a R56 model S (6-speed). I have driven both across country several times. They are super reliable cars and so fun to drive. I look forward to driving mine everyday and I've driven some really nice high end cars like 911's, SL550's, etc.. This is still my favorite car. Change your oil yourself and you'll save $. Repairs can be expensive depending on what it is. Just keep up on maintenance and treat the car well and you'll never want another car. I'm a Mini owner for life."