Should I believe what I've been told about MINIs?

Hi, I am obsessed with getting a MINI (One or Cooper), but I have been told that they are bad for people with any back issues, they are terrible for fuel consumption and they are unreliable. Is any of that true?

Tara Woolridge (Dublin)

Dec 2013 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Tara,

Well none of the above. Not really at any rate.

Early build (i.e. 2000-2001) MINIs had some issues with fuel pumps, but other than that they suffer from no major repetitive reliability problems. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve on the 1.6 diesel can be a weak point but other than that, as long as you keep it serviced on the button, you shouldn't have any problems. 

Fuel consumption is only a problem if you go for an early, supercharged Cooper S. Regular 1.6 Coopers should easily do 40mpg and I have personal experience of the fact that a 1.6 diesel Cooper will do better than 60mpg.

As for the back thing, well, I myself suffer from a bad back and I own a MINI and can report no problems. They are a bit low slung for climbing in and out of but the seat and driving position are excellent. Try before you buy and see how it feels.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe