CanadianDriver.com reports:

Sadly, it appears the new Minis have not enjoyed a consistent reliability record, with many trouble spots having been noted on NorthAmericanMotoring.com, a Mini-related Internet forum.

Key among these issues are failed power steering pumps that have been linked to engine-bay fires.

Many owners have found rust on their cars' door sills; this may be the result of water getting trapped under the weatherstripping.

There's a lengthy discussion on the topic of stalling engines and the combination of the Mini's stiff suspension and hard-riding run
flat tires gets the blame for cracked and/or bent front strut mounts.

The laundry list of common issues also includes faulty power windows; cracked and leaky engine coolant expansion tanks;
cracked windshields (another possible result of the stiff suspension); surging engines (known on forums as the "yo-yo effect");
a noise from the dash that sounds like bubble wrap being popped and hydraulic motor mounts that leak, a problem limited to
the 2004 and newer cars that use these particular parts.

Consumer Reports prefers later model Mini Coopers in terms of reliability, pointing out electrical system and transmission troubles
in earlier cars. This thread covers these and other troubleshooting issues.

As far as their fun-to-drive factor is concerned, the Mini was (and continues to be, with a second-generation set to go on sale in early
2007) a strong value brand new. Getting a used one a bit cheaper is an attractive proposition too, as long as you can work out a
reasonable deal. An extensive list of reliability problems is a concern, however, and certainly gives us the impression that these cars
can be frustrating to own, particular when no longer backed up by a factory warranty. We too would have a hard time saying no to a
good deal on one, so our advice is simple: make darn sure you really love the car, and are willing to put up with any possible antics,
before you sign the cheque.