MINI

BMW's MINI still looks fresh an amazing four years after its launch. It's also one of the most fun superminis you can buy and, especially where the recently introduced Convertible is concerned, the range has some of the strongest residuals on the market.

The MINI also pioneered the concept of a well equipped BMW at affordable prices - although it's still possible to spend serious money on this little car. But where else could you buy such a small machine with so big an image?

Checklist

• Warranty: only the earliest cars are now out of warranty. However, if the model is one of the few personal imports from Europe, it isn't eligible for the 'tlc' servicing package - and this could cost you up to £600 extra in maintenance costs.
• Electrics: early models were susceptible to water ingress into the electrics. Affected cars are likely to have been fixed by now, but check that everything works as it should. A new ECU (or DME in BMW parlance) costs £247.
• Windscreens: these can break all too easily, so make sure that there are no chips or small cracks which might turn into big ones. A new screen direct from BMW costs £384 fitted, but most owners simply get it done through their insurance company.
• Alloy wheels: MINI alloys are at least 15 inches in diameter. The 16-inch versions are popular, but up to 17-inchers can be specified. Replacements for badly damaged ones will cost £81, £88 or £129 each, depending on size.
• Air intake: the diesel model has a lower air intake than the petrol variant, which makes the car more susceptible to water in the engine - not that this is an especially common worry. But trash the motor and the bill to fix it will be £5,500. Ouch!

Prices

The cheapest MINIs are about £8,000. That will get you an early One in a private sale with around 40,000 miles on the clock. Buy from a showroom and the price will hit more than £20,000 for a Cooper S Convertible with extras. A dealer will sell you a two-year-old Cooper hard-top reading 20,000 miles for £12,000 or so, depending on spec.

Any MINI is desirable, especially the Coopers and Convertibles. Petrol cars have the sharpest handling, but all are good. The diesel engine sometimes has to be worked uncomfortably hard, while the petrol units can also be pretty coarse when stretched. A CVT box is an acquired taste, so try before you buy.

Recalls

Sept 2001: Static discharge fire risk if refuelling (cars built up to Aug 2001).
March 2002: Front suspension lower arm may detach (cars built from Sept 2000 to June 2001).
March 2002: Front suspension outer ball-joint may become detached (cars built from Sept 2000 to Aug 2001).
June 2002: Possible tyre wall cuts (cars built from 9 Jan 2002 to 11 Feb 2002).
Dec 2002: Handbrake may self release.

Owner comments

Vicky Kitchen from Redditch, Worcs, has owned her three-year-old Cooper from new. The young mother says it's been reliable, practical and the dealer service is excellent. She's less enamoured by the rear visibility and economy, though; 30-35mpg is less than she was hoping for, despite rarely taking the car out on long runs.

Verdict

BMW dealerships can be pricey to use, but the service is usually as good as you'll get anywhere. That makes the ownership experience much less frustrating, if potentially costly. Buy from a dealer and you will get at least a 12-month warranty, but you'll pay top whack for the car. As an ownership proposition, it's hard to beat the MINI if you're after a small model with good equipment levels, a strong image and a great drive.