I found this mini cooper its a 2002 with about 64k miles on it.

I wanted to get some advice

I test drove a mini that I am seriously interested in and it was jolting. As soon as I switched from P to D, it jolted when i released the gas, as if you were driving a car with manual transmission, but this car is an automatic. I drive a stick normally, and it gave me the feeling as if you were letting go of the clutch too soon. The girl selling the car said it was normal and that all minis do that. Can someone please give me more advice on this?

Also, the car is a 2002, with 64k miles, it has an extended warranty and a lowjack system. it looks very good inside and out and its been a girls car, she is the original owner (btw I am a girl) but she took very good care of it. she says no accidents and never seen snow. it has an automatic transmission and leather heated seats. I was able to talk her down to $8,000 for the car. Do you think this is worth it?

The Cons: The mini has run-flat tires and one of them needs to be replaced. Also the jolting in the car (not sure from what).

Can someone please tell me what to expect from this car based on the condition and the details. I am really excited to own it, but I am putting my savings in it and I dont want it to be a mistake. Please HELP!!!

 

Finding any used car that has all the options you want isn't easy, especially in the case of a Mini where there are 10 zillion options, so you're definitely taking the right first step in not talking yourself into the car just because its so close to what you are looking for.

The easier thing to start with is the tire issue. If one needs to be replaced, then likely the one on the other side of the axle should be as well. Never a good idea to replace just one tire at a time. In this case, you may be better off buying 4 non-runflats for the price of the 2 new runflat tires. But that is only my opinion.

The transmission problem doesn't seem normal. I'd have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy it.

Also, I'd look into how long the extended warranty is good for. Although the mileage is low and the warranty may have a 100K mile limit, most likely it'll have an expiration date that will come first. I'd ask to see the service records or ask one of the mini techs/salespersons on the forum if they can search the VIN to see if any major work has been done on it. Make sure the lojack is transferable (its actually a subscription service that needs to be registered with the owner's info). Also, a carfax is a given.


Good luck and hope it works out!

 

Is this a base Cooper or an S? If it is base then it has CVT automatic transmission and with the jolt I would be alarmed. If the CVT goes bad a replacement runs $7000! And a lot of the CVT's have failed particularly the older model years. The continously variable transmission was eliminated after the 2006 model year.

Runflats should be replaced with normal tires.

 

Well, expect tons (metric ) of money to spend on her starting next day after purchase. You asked for opinion on the internet

 

If it's a base auto then I would keep looking, the CVT appears to be more risk than reward.

 

Yes if it's a CVT cooper run away and fast. A broken CVT can cost you $7k.

 

I'm sure you'll find the perfect MINI. Good luck!