Your thoughts / opinions?

http://cargur.us/528fb

Think its a good buy? What should I look for / listen for if I go look at it? Regardless of the message about it not passing inspection, I have been assured that it does.

 

Looks pretty clean in the images and some good mileage. Always a good reference point is this buyers guide HERE, which will help you look out for common issues with that year R50. It's also a really good idea to get a PPI done by a MINI specialist before you purchase if you're able to.

 

What's a PPI?

 

Any other thoughts / opinions? Should I chase a later model instead?

 

Pre Purchase Inspection.

 

Oh, got it .. thanks.

 

Price seems quite high to be honest, you can get an S of the same year for that price, in good condition.

 

I like the new price.

 

I like the new price too - thats why I'm thinking of going after it. They said they won't let me take it to Mini for a PPI but if I agree to buy it, I can take it to Mini and they will guarantee that it will pass inspection.

 

Bav, I hear you about the S .. but truth be told, I've read and heard that I should not consider an S unless it's from 04-06 with the 6 speed GetRag trans. I've also read and heard that the base models are fairly good from each year but even better 04-06. I should also stay away from automatic CVT models.

 

Bav / Wis / others, do you think it's a good deal .. or do you think I'd be picking up a problem? Or should I chase an 04-06 instead?

 

It appears to be a manual transmission, which is good and means that it's not a CVT.

The only problem is if you're not going to do your own repairs...it can get costly. There will be problems with a car that is 13-years old.


Good luck.

 

Can you do your own repairs?

Be aware that the MINI dealer charges BMW prices for repairs.

The other option is to have an independent mechanic do your repairs.

It could be a problem child...

Will the dealer give you the Carfax report?

 

I can do some maintenance .. and I'm always up for learning. In addition, because this would be a 2nd car, if it breaks, its not as urgent to get fixed. I'm aware that there will be problems - I'm just hoping it won't be nickel and dime stupid problems. I want to enjoy it, not dump tons of money into it. If thats the case, it'd be better to wait for a later model.

 

The 1st Gen manual transmission that has had problems is the Midlands unit in Cooper models built prior to July 2004.

1st Gen Cooper S models have always had a 6-speed Getrag transmission, it's just that 2005 and 2006 models are geared for slightly better acceleration.

Cooper models got a 5-speed Getrag transmission beginning with 2005 model year production.

 

So the trans is known for problems in this car?

 

It's not as robust as the Getrag unit in later models.

 

Would that make you not buy the car?

 

As long as it's not an automatic (CVT), you're fine.

Avoid these models with the Auto Transmission:
MINI Cooper (R50) - Model years 2002 - 2006
MINI Convertible (R52) - Model years 2005 - 2008


You can also use the VIN Decoder to see the options.
This is the new VIN decoder: http://www.bmwvin.com

 

Based on the known info, think its a good deal?

 

If you're not allowed to do a PPI, then:
- Low Oil (check the level - a must)
- Leaking fluids (look from underneath too)
- CHECK ENGINE or other warning light on
- A problem during the test drive
- Dealer will not give you the Carfax (for FREE)
- If it's an automatic transmission (CVT)

 

I will check oil, and fluids. I will also test drive and I'm 99% sure I can get a carfax.

 

Looking at the build specifications ...

BMWVIN_TC36385.pdf

Not very many options ... doesn't have Sport Seats.

Pricing it ...

 

I think at 4500, being a 2002 justa, it's not s good buy. The price is too high, I see facelift S models in good condition going for around this price. Just have to look a little more for the right one, I'm not saying buy an S model just using it for price comparison.

 

Bav, I understand what you're saying. Miniac, thanks for the info. I'll see if they'll bargain on price. As you saw, it was initially 7k and I told them they were nuts. I saw it dropped today and got a little excited.