Well I've read a lot from this forum and decided this is the week I pull the trigger on my mini.
I've been looking at used minis in NNJ and am going to look at an automatic with 100k miles and factory nav. It's a base cooper and its automatic.
Now I know the horror stories of these automatics but I intend to do a pre purchase inspection and when I have it I will change the fluid every 30k( I think that's what I read was suggested)
I am super excited to get my mini, I think it compliments my other car (Audi TT) because its small as well but at least I can fit more than a bag of groceries in it
Anyway, lets get this search started!!

 

What year are you looking at? The auto tranny is fine, it's the CTVs in the 1st gen non-S cars that can be very expensive to replace (not fix).

 

It's a 2004 so i believe its the horror show of the CVT

 

I know there are horror stories about the CVT, but I've had two and couldn't be happier -- do the fluid change and don't push the rpm's.

 

Well I ran the carfax for the car, 3 accidents in the first 36,000 miles.
Wow!
but on the good side It's been maintained well according to car fax...

 

Welcome to NAM and congrats on your new MINI. Where are the pics?

 

Haven't purchased it yet!I am looking at 2 or 3 coopers and will make a decision by saturday :D
It's scary though buying used. Worrying if a CVT will blow up, Or if its been taken care of...
I've found a 2005 convertible base with 85k miles but the AC doesnt work for 5900...going to look at it and get an estimate for AC repair.

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Just spoke to him, says its a computer thats bad that costs 300.00 and sits on the passenger side...Interesting

 

So I think I'm going to pay for it today, Test drove the 104k one, the r50.
I really like it,It needs a new battery apparently which they will put in.
The tranny felt smooth,but when i put it in the "manual control" mode it wouldnt go over 3. Maybe battery related? Because i drove it to 75 and it wasnt reving weird or anything. needs a little body work but the past owners really did maintain it at the dealer and other place that updated the car fax.
anyway heres some pics.
Suggestions? I really like the factory nav!

 

Best suggestion I can give ya on a cvt vehicle. Flush regularly as suggested and periodically drive the vehicle in manual mode. Ive got 2 customers that do this and they also track their cars several times a year and both have 180k or more on their original cvt's. Good luck.

 

Thats the plan. I plan on replacing the fluid next week!
I'm just a little worried it wouldnt go into 3rd but then again it was only at 3000 rpm i think, cant remember now!
It sure did downshift though :D
Also they offered me 6 months free CARS protection plus included but come to find out they dont cover mini's and i dont trust aftermarket warranties, except maybe autoPOM, but thats 2300.00 :O

 

I personally would stay away from a cvt vehicle, but like I said ive seen them work very well. Ive also seen what it cost to replace one and its not pretty.

 

Pretty sweet, minus the dents. Thanks for the pics.

 

You might want to save a little more cash and get an automatic S. The R53s had a conventional automatic transmission that is relatively bulletproof compared to the CVTs in the R50. There's always a chance that you can get an R50 with a CVT in excellent shape, but if it fails, it will cost more to fix it than the car is worth.

 

CVT is a gamble, regardless of how it was looked after. But best of luck to you!

 

I think I might do that, as I probably want a supercharger and regret not having one. Also in a month or 2 the other person driving might figure out how to drive a manual confidently and I can just get the 6 speed!! for 4900 it was a great deal with the factory Nav, But i think the search might just continue

 

Where are you located, roughly? Maybe we can help find a car in your area that suits your needs. Also, have you checked the NAM marketplace? You may be able to find a well-cared for Mini near you. Good luck on your search!

 

Hello all.
I've been using the site for a a few weeks to check it out and have decided to join the club.
I recently purchased a used 05 Mini Cooper, 5spd black on black leather. Needs some work but it will be a work in progress. Im from toronto, canada. Ill add some more pics as soon as I get them. Thanks