Hello everyone,

I've been dreaming about owning a MINI for several years now and have finally saved enough for a decent down payment! After doing a lot of initial research and assessing my needs and wants, I have decided to look for a used MC from 2007 - present. My ideal MC would be automatic, chili red, white top, silver mirror caps, heated seats, and a good speaker system. Of course the other features are all really nice to have but they are things I can live without.

I have test driven a 2007 MC with no added packages, a 2010 MCS (too rough of a ride for the mean streets of San Francisco), and a 2007 with all the packages except the Convenience one. I actually made an offer at the dealership today on the latter but did not reach my maximum price so I walked away. After discovering this wonderful forum upon coming home, I am really glad I didn't buy the car earlier. I know nothing about cars so reading some of the threads about checking the mushrooming strut, leaking radiator, etc. really freaked me out! What's a single gal to do if she knows nothing about cars? I have spent so many hours just researching the basics about the car (like the CVT issues in pre-2007 ATs) and have spend countless nights digging through Craigslist, Cars.com, Autotrader.com, etc that I felt so defeated when I realized that I know nothing about what to look for under the hood!

Here are some random questions I'm hoping you guys could help me with to help me achieve my dream of owning a MINI:

1) I have yet to get a consistent answer from the dealerships about the CVTs. Every time I brought it up, they've always said that it's because the drivers of CVTs are not used to the way it feels. I'm really scared about buying a used car, which wipes out 95% of my savings, and running into bigger problems down the road. So, one last time, are the transmission issues all solved since the 2007 model?

2) Is it true that HK speakers have only become available this year. So, in 2007, '08, and '09 MCs, is the upgraded premium sound the "Mini Hi-Fi" system?

3) I've read generic articles about what to look for when buying a used car (such as tire thread, break pad thickness, etc.) but what should I do when looking underneath the hood? Does anyone have photos of where and what I should look for? Is there anything specific to MCs that I need to carefully inspect?

4) I live in San Francisco, does anyone have any other suggestions on where I can look for listings online? I've been looking on Craigslist, cars.com, and autotrader.com. Any other good sites that have listings of used cars?

Thank you very much for your help! I hope to be driving my dream car very soon!

Thank you,

Jane

 

Good luck with your search ! Yes i also did research on the coopers and consumers reports put me over the top . The rough ride you got was prob. run flat tires = they give it a very rough ride ! Ditch the run flats !Good deals on new one coopers ! I have a just a cooper no run flats of course !Getting 35 mpg all the time and couldn not be happier ! Took a long trip this summer with whole family & dog = 12 hr . ride and all was fine ! Go for it ! Drink the kool aid and take the plunge = Cooper owner for ever now myself !
El Tiger

 

yes stay away from the older automatic trans . it will save you much $ !No run flats ! No Run Flats ! It will give you much better ride !

 

Jane the problematic and sluggish CVT was dumped late in the first gen car cycle, replaced with an uber-dependable Aisin 6-speed slushbox auto so no worries there if y're going the automatic route. Also, 2nd gen cars dont have the mushrooming strut issue.

and Im sure first gen devotees will flame me for this, but the 2nd gen Cooper is a much MUCH better car across the board. I had plenty of first gen Cooper loaners when my previous MCS was in the shop, most of them with CVTs, and they were sluggish, crappy little rattle traps. The last time my 05 S was in the shop, however, they gave me a new 2007 Cooper loaner with the Aisin automatic and paddle shifters, and I was very impressed at the difference. Wow: a base Cooper with decent get up and GO!

But instead of an 07, you may wish to look for an 08 or 09 with low miles in order to have the balance of the (transferrable) factory warranty. MINI Nexts (the certified pre-owned) come with even better warranties.

Good luck to you

 

Hey Jane, I think you have most of the answers you were looking for, I agree if the finances will allow, go for a later model. The '07 was the first year for the R56 and while there haven't been a lot of problems reported it''s generally better to get the first year behind you.

The problem with the first gen CVT transmissions is they often break and when that happens it's going to cost at least $7000 to get mobile again. The '07+ Aisin 6 speed automatic is a great unit.

If you look under the hood you won't see much you understand, better to let a qualified mechanic look, listen and drive the car and get his opinion. May cost you a $100 but could be worth it down the road.

If I lived in SFO I would want an automatic, lots easier to drive with the hills.

 

Hey everyone! Wow, what a great community of caring and helpful Mini owners. Thanks for your comments! I will keep you guys posted as soon as I find something! Cannot wait but the search has been exhausting!

Thanks again, and any additional advice will be greatly appreciated!

Jane

 

I am 98% sure you could get the HK speakers in previous years (there is a review on motoring file from 2003 about them).

However, the 2010 HK system was completely re-done and I've heard that it is TONS better than the previous years. It really sounds amazing for a stock system.

The 2011s will be out soon (Aug/Sept) and should drive down the prices of a 2010...

 

I would go to my nearest dealer and check out their used 08/09 Mini Coopers. They usually wholesale out the high mileage cars or problem cars and keep the low mileage creampuffs for their used car lot. They usually offer at the least a 90 day bumper to bumper warranty.(or balance of factory warranty)

Find a salesperson you like and trust to call you when a trade comes in. I don't think people would be trading in a Mini on another Mini if they had to many problems with their first one.

Good luck on your search and let us know when you get yours.