So I just joined. I love Mini Coopers, but to be quite honest I am not really knowledgeable about cars. I am going to be purchasing a mini in the next six months and I have test driven and dreamily stared every time one passes. I am looking to find out what people think about the 2002, 2003, or 2004 Mini Cooper S. Most of the ones I can afford have between 80-100,000 miles on them and I want to make sure I am making a good decision in my purchase. I want to find out what the typical or potential repair needs and expenses are for them around that 100,000 mile marker. I don't want to buy something that I might end up having to spend a bunch of money on right after since I have been saving for a while, I would rather buy a newer one if I am going to hit major repairs around the corner.

Thanks!!

 

With a 100K miles you could be looking at some expenses, better to save enough to buy a lower mileage car, say 50K or less.

 

05-06 tend to be better. Also, find a MINI mechanic in your area.
A "pro" for a new one is that it is nice to be under warranty.
Check this out: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

ok so it looks like I'm going to be looking at the 04-06 models. With coolant & oil leaks being potentially an issue no matter what, how can I tell if that is going to be an immediate issue when I'm checking out/test driving used minis?

 

Stay away from the 02s, for sure. And as was mentioned 100000 seems to be the point at which big repairs have the potential for popping up. Like supercharger replacement. What price range are you looking in? You might have to travel a bit to get the one just for you.

 

I am definitely more then happy to travel to get one. I have been driving crappy cars the last 3 years in order to save up for one. Any where from $10,000-$16,000 is my desired range. Anything more I would have to save up some more. I want to be able to pay most of it put front then get a small car loan for the rest. But It worth the wait and the searching. I've been to 10 local used car dealers and looked at and test driven their minis and I'm right near sacramento ca and places like San Fran, LA, or anywhere off the main highway is no big. I love road trips and have friends in all the main cities in Cali.

 

$16k should get you a nice 06. With low miles. Try looking in AZ, NV, UT, CO, NM. CA is going to be one of the pricier markets. My ex-06 could probably be had for $12k or so, but it has 99k miles on it. Have you used Edmunds.com car search?

 

Try looking at the NAM Marketplace ads.
At least you will know that the cars listed there have been taken care of.

 

If you have a mechanic/car-type friend or family member, take them with you when you go to look at the cars. Once you've narrowed it down, have the car inspected by a MINI dealer before purchasing.

 

Check out local club Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts.

 

gotta warn ya that CA has a bad rep' for way high prices both for purchase and service....

'course that ain't unique to MINI

{btw, the current car is the MINI, not to be confused with the classic Mini}

Former Novato resident here . . .