Hello everyone. I am looking at a 1st Gen MINI Coupe and joined the forum to get a feel for the recurrent problems and solutions. I've driven several and pretty much hooked.

 

Welcome, dbuck.

You came to the right place. Plenty of recurrent problems posted here, and even some solutions and sympathy. If you're already hooked, you're doomed.

The first thing some here will say about Gen1 MINIs is to avoid the Gen1 CVT automatic in the non-S (sometimes called a Justa here).

Good luck in your search.

 

Hi Jim,

Gen 1 goes to 06? Great advice.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I have no interest in CVT for a Cooper. Looking at an 04 Cooper-are the 5 speeds generally ok? I would prefer an S, but might get a non S the first time.

My main concern I guess is the power steering issue-is this every car or just enough to be considered common?

Based on the ones I have driven-the MINI is almost like an extension of your body-you think and it does with regards to handling! And I do think I am doomed already, but want to know what to expect and plan for.

thanks.

 

From what I've gathered the Midland 5 sp man has some issues with the bearings breaking apart & destoying the gears. A help may be to change the fluid every 7500 miles, that's from one mechanics post.

I wouldn't mind a non-S. Just keep the oil clean!

Dave

 

Was it '06 or late '06 that the Cooper Non-S went to the Getrag 5spd? I hope someone chimes in to confirm or correct, but they are said to be more robust and reliable than the Midlands.

For what it's worth, I have a late '06, although I've had it less than a year, and it's a solid little car. However, every now and then shifting into 1st is very stiff and no one can tell me why. Day to day it's great and has given me no troubles otherwise.

Shortly after purchase I did need to have the thermostat housing replaced to fix a coolant leak, which is a common fault with these cars but not a very expensive fix.

 

It's better to stay 05-06 rather than 02-04 for transmissions sake. The Midlands were almost as bad as the CVTs (although much cheaper to fix). BUT there are plenty of 02-04s living long, happy lives as well.

Common issues with the 1st gens include:

Power steering fan/pump (one or both crapping out)
Topside motor mount (craps out in rapid fashion)
Suspension bushings (they wear out and are a PITA to replace)
Mushrooming strut towers (which there are aftermarket parts for)

I know there are more but since upgrading to a 2010 they escape me, not having to worry about them as much!

 

2005-06 are the best of the 1st gen Mini's.

 

At what mileage would the bushings need to be replaced?

 

This is a very useful article on the first Gen. I had an '06 MCS and am hoping one day to get another.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Annette

 

good article and helps sum up the changes and potential problems for the years in which I am interested.

 

[quote=MLPearson79;3232336]It's better to stay 05-06 rather than 02-04 for transmissions sake. The Midlands were almost as bad as the CVTs (although much cheaper to fix). BUT there are plenty of 02-04s living long, happy lives as well.

OK, good advice! So late 06 on the Getrag 5sp, goes w/ the Gen 2 upgrades. I've been looking for info on what are the better year MINI's.

That's seems to be pretty standard fare for most cars, stay away from the new models, till all the bugs are worked out.

I did see a Power steering pump new, on ebay for a 02-06, was like $700. Are the pumps on the Gen 2's re-enginered as well?

Thanks,
Dave