I own a 2015 Mini Cooper Base Convertible. it came out of warranty 4 months ago but it only has 17,500 miles. The Check Engine Light came on and the car was stalling. Global Imports Mini, Chamblee, GA diagnosed the problem as Spark Plug Coils, and as a result over-heating and a new thermostat. $1250 later its running great. Don't keep a Mini past the warranty. Don't buy a used one out of warranty (unless you have a few thousand dollars to spare for repairs). The quality and robustness simply are not there.

The car has been cheapened to the point the quality is almost, but not quite as good as a Czechoslovakian Yugo. When Mini's first came out they were great value...but BMW was losing money on them. Year by year the build cost and the quality have both come down and the car is a shadow of its former self (in terms of quality and reliability).

By the way...Mini USA don't care if your are 1 day and 1 mile out of warranty.....you are on your own (if you didn't buy an extended warranty)! I asked them if the car is only supposed to last 17,500 miles before major repairs. They were really, really sorry and sympathized with me. But...basically said...tough luck, you are on your own!