What are the common issues of a 2002 Cooper? (This is what I might buy this weekend). What is the difference between a Cooper and a Cooper S? What year, model should I be looking for in terms of the overall most satisfying MINI? (I do understand that cars all have their own histories). Thank you all in advance.

I must say, I attempted to search the site for answers but WAY TOO much info, makes for a very confused newbie, like me.

 

Ok, Im a noob too and dont own a MINI but Ive done a fair bit of reading lately. There are a ton of differences between the Cooper and Cooper S, the biggest one being that the S is supercharged. I also think the suspension is different as well as the interior, there are differences in bodywork (i.e. the hood scoop on the S) and the S also has a center exit exhaust. From what Ive read you should be looking for a 04+ MCS if your looking at a first Gen. BMW updates their models yearly and apparently the 04+ cars had the best upgrades. Sorry if I get things wrong, hope that helps.

 

A Cooper S is Supercharged. 50 more horse power and worse fuel economy would be the major difference. I've heard that 03 was a bad year, but 04 and up were much better. What are the details of the car your looking into? Is it an S? Auto? What color? How many miles? How much are they asking?

 

2002 Cooper, Yellow, black leather, manual, 78K miles. $11,000. Maintenance history explained and documented.

 

Sounds like you know you're stuff. Thank you!

 

Way overpriced. That's about what I'm asking for my 04 Pepper White: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=130773

 

here, this is all the info you will need to stay away from anything before 04, and if you can, go with 06-07 they are known to be the best.
its all rite here in this article.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Is it real black leather? The soft stuff? Leatherette is the standard, but leather is a $1,500 option.

 

Motoringfile made a buying guide for MINIs... it's probably much more 'noob' friendly than North American Motoring.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Welcome to the MINI world. Come on in and drink the Kool Aid!

 

When you are ready to take the next step past the motoringfile article, do a search on the word 'stumble' here and look at the earlier posts.

 

Wow! Lots of very good information! Thanks alot!

 

02's watch out for Door lock modules failing see if they have been replaced and Power steering fan seizing causing fuse to blow which is in the same line as the radiator fans which causes over heating, make sure the PS fan has been replaced or the wiring retrofit has been done. Newer model the wiring circuit was changed so when the PS fan fuse blew the radiator fans still worked. Also if standard tranny make sure the clutch pedal feels smooth no notchiness (notichiness? is that a real word??)

 

Since you spelled it different the second time...I'll guess it's NOT a word! Thank you for your input.

 

Great info on the link
thanks for posting that one

 

Sorry about the threadjack but what is bad about the 03s? Im looking for a MCS and 03 is pretty much the newest I could get. Ive read the motoringfile article and it didnt sound like there was too much to worry about with the 03s.

 

The main differences that I can see is that the 02-04s had a different transmission, less power, no factory JCW option, different tail lights, no factory xenon, and no factory lsd. Those are some of the major things that I can think of off the top of my head. I am sure I am missing things though.