XXXX been asking me about mini's so here is the less TLDR version

Mark1 (R50/53) from 2000 to 2006 uses the Tritec engine. Relatively bullet proof engine however the gearbox and clutch do let it down but generally cheaper way to keep it going is to just keep changing clutch plates when it wears off to save from repairing the gearbox, and of course keeping the gearbox fluids as fresh as possible. The Tritec engine isn't very refined so don't mistaken it's coarseness as a sign of trouble, maintaining here in Malaysia might be a challenge as this isn't a common engine plus it is pretty much beyond 10 years old so even if you don't get a lemon realistically anyone buying one of these now would be looking at, at least RM5000 for touch up here and there especially things like mountings and absorbers which are pass it's sell by date by now. Unless you've got a trusty mechanic that don't charge you an arm and a leg to maintain better keep away. So what's he price like? Well, the youngest R53 would be sub RM60k year 2006 car so loaning one would be an issue either loan reject or limited 3-4 years loan. Not ideal.

Mark2 (R56) from 2006 to 2014 uses the Prince engine. Prince engine is a joint venture of PSA group with BMW. PSA is Peugeot and Citroen at the moment with a few other marques joining soon. Anyway the prince engine is the basis for BMW's twin power turbo engines such as the N-series but have been improved on alot by BMW. Both the turbo and non-turbo had issues, e.g. timing chain issues, power loss, death rattle, etc. were all problems facing Prince and BMW N-series owners. Prince engine has it's issues but it is a very common engine in Malaysia as Peugeot 308, 408, 508 and RCZ along with Citroen DS5 all uses this engine or a variation of it so parts wouldn't be an issue but to get it to be as reliable as you possibly can you need someone whom really knows how to handle this engine which not many workshops/mechanics can. The R56's would be starting from RM60k onwards, some 2008 models can be had for about RM68k not really a problem to loan and even bargain for cheaper as he prince engine gives it a bad reputation but you have to be seriously aware of it's flaws.

Mark3 F55/56) from 2014 onwards uses the BMW B38 engine. Things got so bad from the previous engine BMW made sure their new engines were exceptionally good and also marketing wise made sure their dealers let customers know the new engine is a much improved 1500cc turbo by BMW not a 1600cc turbo from the previous JV. So far from 2014 until now the B38's have been quite reliable. However, the prices for this model starts at over RM100k even for a used one made in 2014 so not much of a value buy doh.gif

so for anyone thinking of getting one under RM80k it is either the R53 or R56, basically both have issues it depends on which issues you rather deal with and able to handle.

as a high mileage daily drive, it maybe still possible but of course you can't be stingy on maintenance after buying and doing some betterment for it.