How can I minimise damage to my MINI Countryman diesel's DPF on short journeys?

On 2 December 2010 I bought a diesel MINI Countryman ALL4. This is the first diesel-engined car I have ever bought. I am delighted with it as a car. It is comfortable and the performance is lively and...

Bill quality

The ABS warning light on my 2007 MINI Cooper recently lit up. I contacted Westerly Exeter, the supplying dealer, who gave advice and arranged for the car to be seen very promptly. When I went to pick up...

Looking for the right driving school car

I am 32 years of age and am about to start my career as a Driving Instructor. The company that I've decided to go with does not include a car with its franchise costs so it down to me to get one. I currently...

Is it worth swapping our MINI Cooper S for a newer model to save on running costs?

We have a MINI Cooper S 07-plate with 35,000 miles that we love, but feel it can be expensive to run. Our local BMW MINI dealer has told us we can save money by swapping now, with various savings on the...

Will a MINI Countryman diesel be ok for 7000 miles a year?

I'm thinking of buying a MINI D4 Countryman (and spare winter wheels/tyres) as I live in the Scottish Highlands, but most journeys will be only 15-20 miles each way and 6-7000 miles a year. Will this keep...

Is it common for the MINI Cooper S's power steering to fail?

I have a 2003 MINI Cooper S with 42,000 miles on the clock and today the power steering has just stopped working. I have looked on a couple of MINI web sites and this appears to be a serious problem with...

Inner sense

One month after the 3 year warranty expired on my wife's MINI Cooper S, and after 13,000 miles three warning lights appeared on the console. The manual identified this combination of lights as "Vehicle...

Will smaller wheels improve the ride quality of my wife's MINI Cooper S?

My wife runs a 2003 MINI Cooper S which she has had from new. In truth she would have been better served by a Cooper, as the ride quality is not good and potholes must be avoided at all costs. I have noticed...

How can I cheaply repair my MINI Convertible's faulty roof?

I have a MINI Convertible on a 54 plate with just under 33,000 miles on the clock. I have had the car about 18 months. The gearbox was replaced after a few months of my purchase, due to a manufacturer...

Which model is the best MINI Cooper?

What is the best model in the MINI Cooper range for price, performance and drivability, currently?