Hello all, I am in the process of looking for a mini to replace our current toyota prius (2006). Without going into great detail, I have read and read and read most of the internet nightmares which seem to be posted by same 50 people about transmission problems and power steering problems.

The car in question I am going to look at tomorrow is an 02 Cooper S with the six speed has around 65K on the odo is all stock except for window tint. Is there anything special to look for other than sock tower mushrooming and normal used car stuff? i couldnt find any numerous hits on supercharger problems but read a few head gasket woes.

Here are my main questions.
Timing belt\chain what is the life of these and do the require special tools to replace?
Does the 02 have the getrag trans?
Does it require premium fuel? (remember I am going from a prius to this)
Any known electrical issues?
This is non sunroof car so I am guessing leaks shouldnt be that bad.
Do they really go through o2 sensors as often as internet states?
These cars came with runflats do you have to re-install run flats on the stock wheels? I know the car needs tires but, I dont want to buy runflats for it unless its required.

This going to be my wifes DD so I dont want to pick up a mini headache. Her current car is perfect on gas and is still fairly new, but is some what of a bore to drive. Also we have kicked around the idea of buying new one, but dont want a car payment, but its always an option I guess.

thanks in advance
mark

 

Also we are to look at an 03 base model with aero pakage? Anyway its a cvt with leather and full sunroof. Nice looking car and is super clean. But the CVT has me scared.

 

Test drive the new MINI MCS...

 

Welcome aboard...almost. To address your questions:

The serpentine belt should be replaced around 65k. There is a special tool, but you can find usually find one on the marketplace here pretty cheap. The 02 does not have the getrag trannie. I would recommend using premium fuel in the S model. You can install regular tires on your stock wheels. Check for rust under the sill weatherstripping. There is a stickie on this issue in the stock problems section of the first generation cars. I love my 02 R53...I hope the car you're considering passes your mechanic's inspection and that you have many miles of trouble-free motoring ahead of you.

 

I'm an original owner of a 02 MCS, and I have no doubt it has the potential to relieve Prius boredom . The 02 MCS can be a very good car, depending on how it was driven and maintained. The rust on the bottom door seal mentioned by veggivet is an issue on all Gen-1 MINIs. This is something worth looking at yourself, since a mechanic may not note this during an inspection. Here's my 2 cents:

Timing belt? No issues--the MINI has a timing chain.

However, do replace the serpentine belt that powers the supercharger and other accessories about every 65K as mentioned already.

The 02 S has the Getrag six speed transmission. Yes --great transmission --no issues.

The S engine is high compression and requires premium. You can run unleaded but it doesn't like it. Your fuel mileage and performance will noticably suffer.

No sunroof? Good! No leaks, rattles or sunburns, which is endemic on this generation.

O2 sensors go bad just like on any car, but I have 70K and haven't replaced one yet.

The first "mod" on my MCS was to put on "real" tires. Since the MINI S doesn't include a spare tire, you can run Tyre Guardian in your new tires that will automatically seal common punctures. Make sure you take it to a tire shop that is equipped to remove the RF tires. Some people have had their rims bent by shops not properly equipped to remove RFTs.

As any used car, have either a MINI dealer or MINI independent take a look at the car mechanically before you buy. This should help you avoid buying someone else's problems. All the best in your search and hold out for an exceptional MINI!

As a last thought, you should realize that the second generation MINI (2007-11) gets considerably better gas mileage than the Gen-1 model --about 25 to 30% better and has more power to boot! If this is important to you, I would seriously consider buying a new one ('11) at the 1.9% financing they are offering. That's almost giving you money to buy the car. Just a thought.

 

As to the second car with CVT, skip it, if tranny goes it cost $7500 to replace and problems with failure are high.