Hello everyone, new to the site. excited about the prospect of finally buying a mini. Have loved them since the hit the seen in '02. I'm overthinking which year is best for me as far as maintenance, drive ability, durability. It will be my daily driver for work. Looking for An 'S' model with a manual (why buy this car if you cant run thru the gears on your own terms?). I just drove my first one yesterday, an '06 'S' model at a dealership. I was hooked as soon as I hit 2nd gear. All those years of wondering how this car drives soon came to a pass. This baby even put me back in the seat in 6th gear when i hit the gas and was already doing 70. I'm going to be looking at an '03 'S' today. I will copy and paste the add below. My question is this, I've being doing alot of research on what year or what year not to buy for the mini. Alot of folks say that 05-06 is the best year to get due to the fact that it is the 2nd generation. Some say to avoid 02-04 because it had more problems due to the fact that it was the first generation. Lay it out for me! is this all hype as all cars regardless of year are going to have issues? This 03 seems like a pretty sweet deal on paper. Please give me all your opinions, good or bad. Check out the add below.


Original Cooper S. Ordered 1/02, delivered 2/03. All available options - dual sun roof, 6-speed, super charged, on board computer, Harmon Kardon stereo, alloy 17" wheels and two tone leather. Excellent eye catching paint, front seat covered since new making for a striking interior. All maintenance and service records - new clutch with 3 yr warranty. The best 2003 "S" in Arizona - one owner and always garaged. ONLY 66K Miles!!! $8000


Thanks everyone!!

 

Are you in the Phoenix area? If so,see if Jerry at Euro Tech can do an inspection for you. He is located at 1879 E 3rd St (480)656-0341 by Tempe Market Place. I have an 04 JCW that now has 80k on it and has not given me any problems to speak of. Even a new MINI may or may not give you problems. I have heard good things about Jerry and was told he used to work for MINI.