So somewhere around 10 years ago I saw The Italian Job and Ive been hooked on Minis ever since. More recently (last summer) I almost purchased a loaded 2005 Pepper White JCW but unfortunately I was not approved for financing. Not due to bad credit but it was my first loan and I had to settle.

What I ended up settling for was actually another car that Id had my eyes on for the better part of a decade. It was a Blue 2004 SRT4. I fell in love with her as it was completely stock and in pristine condition but our relationship came to an end when I hit a post in low lit parking lot.





But I work close to home so my wife drives me and I can ride a bike most days. Anyhow...

My goal is a 2002-2006 Cooper S in either Pepper White or British Racing Green. It has to have racing stripes with a roof color to match them (black if pepper white, white if BR Green). It also must have the JCW aero and performance kits.

I know that the kits are rare so Ill probably end up getting a standard S that matches my color preferences and then buying the upgrades I want

What problems should I look out for once it has passed the 50,000 mile mark?
100,000?

Are JCW aero kits easy to find? How much do they cost?

 

Ok so I found out that since Im aiming to get a manual that I dont have to worry about transmission problems except maybe replacing the clutch/flywheel but that is normal for any car with a MT.

Ive read many places that the coolant tank needs replacing sometime along the mini's life.

Also Oil leaks occur around the crank seal/gasket as well as the crank sensor.

Door sills are prone to rust.

I should listen for any sort of chirp at take off to tell if the driveshafts are worn.

are there any other problems I should be watching out for??

 

Hi! I'm a future Mini owner too! I thought it was difficult to buy used MTs because of the unknown wear and tear...?

 

Search for: Carbon buildup on valve, timing chain problems (go listen to this on Youtube). I think the Getrag 6speed is a very good transmission. Check to make sure the clutch isn't slipping and there's no groaning throw out bearing. I don't know what the options would cost (you should be able to estimate based on used resale value vs new incremental cost) It's fun to get your MINI and then research and execute where you want to take it. I think it's very important to start with an S. I recommend a 2007 or later base S and do the mods as you go. You'll have a better car in the end, IMO