Posted this initially in the R50/53 forum, then thought this might be more appropriate place for it.

Don't know exactly when, but recently was bitten by MINI bug and now can't stop thinking about them and how bad I want one. Anywho looking at 05/06 Cooper S's and was wondering what everyone thinks the upper limit is for mileage on a used Cooper S automatic? Specifically in relation to the tranny and assuming it hasn't been serviced/ flushed yet.

Thx in adv.

P.S. Really hope I end up w/ a MINI, can't tell you all how much more helpful, positive, friendly NAM is compared to my current car's forum.

 

WE are, indeed, a very friendly/helpful group. Welcome and enjoy your mini, they are great fun to own and drive.

 

Yep, we caught the bug too. The only antidote is, well, you already know the answer.

 

I bought my '04 S last year with 124k miles on it. Mine has the 6 speed so I can't comment on the auto reliability, but the odds and ends I have replaced would have cost me thousands more if I hadn't done the work myself. If you look in the 100k range, expect to be replacing CV boots, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, struts and shocks, and numerous o rings and seals that will have dried and shrunk causing oil leaks. Outside of regular maintenance I have probably spent a little over $500 getting my chili red screamer back in shape. It's easier to work on than my Mustang was and I had far fewer curses for the engineers that designed the car than I did for the Ford. Just remember, if you buy a MINI with miles on it, you're going to spend some time under it or you are going to pay someone else to spend time under it. But don't let that scare you off from the MINIs. I wanted one since my test drive in 2002 and I finally have one. The time I have spent under mine getting greasy has just made the time behind the wheel that much sweeter.

 

I bought a 2005 cooper s a year ago with 62,000 on it. Mine is also a six speed. IMO to get the fullest experience of driving a mini is to get a manual trans. I am sure you would still have a great time in an auto though. Mini's are a stronger addiction than smoking, lol. Good luck on your search.

 

Sadly, one hour of sitting in LA traffic only releasing the brake periodically to creep forward a few feet is enough to sway anyone who lives here from ever having a manual tranny. Planning on doing everything myself I possibly can (wish it was closer but still very glad as an apt. dweller to have found the diygarageca.com ). Have the world's best mechanic for anything else. Hopin to find 06 MCS automatic w/ 75k or under, immediately change the oil w/ synthetic (engine, tranny, and supercharger), change the belt, new filters all around, new sparkplugs, wires and ignition coil, assess PS pump/fan and timing chain status, prolly swap out some bushings, and go from there.

 

Well it sounds like you got it all figured out there, darlin! Alsmost exactly what I plan for mine in about 6 mos, if not needed sooner. Mine's '06 Mini with manual tranny, 66K miles and not many problems so far, but I think a bunch of the '06 models had problems with the thermostat, replaced it, so far no probs.... Good luck to ya!!!!

 

I bought my 07 35+ thou on it. You will find out that MINI owners take very good care of their babies. I think the only reason we sell them is to upgrade. Good luck. Any MINI is better than none.

 

'Good luck with the search for a new MINI. I'm a new owner myself (used '06, manual).

 

Hi All:

Really enjoy the forum and am looking at a used mini at 98k miles. I am not planning on doing any work myself to keep it in good running order, I simply don't have the time or skill is paying for typical maintenance over 100k miles cost prohibitive on a pretty tight budget?

I appreciate any advice you all might have.