I hope to get a better understanding of these cars, as it's been a while since I've looked into a Mini. We have always liked the styling, but now I'm thinking that a used Mini might be some thing fun in a lower price range.

When I last test drove a Cooper S, it was probably a decade ago. I remember the ride being too harsh. With more models available, I'd like to give the Mini another chance.

 

Welcome,
If you want a softer ride look at the Gen 2 MINIs 2007+ up, most people prefer the 2011+ MCS. If you want the softest and most comfortable, then gen 3 MINI 2014+, newer body style.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...talk-2014-428/

 

Thanks, that helps! I'll try to test drive at some point, and that will help too, but I have time to get an idea of what I should be looking for.

 

Holy cow, there are a lot of complaints about various issues. There needs to be a cheat-sheet for this stuff. ;-)

 

Performance enthusiasts look to the Gen1 for it's ability to turn quick and stop quickly, as a light weight car it is very capable but at a price in the parts department as they age so be aware. If you are not into the hobby of DIY then steer clear of the older Gen1 witH higH mileage.

 

Generation two cars are lighter and more powerful than generation one cars, they also have bigger brakes and get better mileage. They continued the styling of the generation one car and refined it without affecting the handling.

There were some problems with the early N14 engines, but by the last year of the N14, 2010, they had sorted things out. The N18 engine was introduced in 2011 and has even fewer problems. The normally aspirated N12 and N16 engines have the fewest problems.

The engines in the series two MINIs must be kept full of clean oil, it is their weak point. If you change the oil every 5000 miles and check the oil every time you fill it up with gas, they can be trouble free.

 

Sherman89 is spot on. I recently paid $5,000 cash for an 04 R53 with 160,000 miles. Mostly because the car is a Monte Carlo 40th JCW car, otherwise I could have found an 02-05 probably for around 4,500. The mileage I'm not so concerned about because I'm a DIY guy. I'm spending another $2,500 to make the car absolutely take me trouble free for another 160,000 miles. So for $7,500 I have an awesome little collectable fun car I can toss around and maybe get back a few pennies back in a few years. This is not what everybody thinks I should do with my (MINE) money lol, of course my wife said get a Prius or Fit (boring) As I was looking I ran across quite a few cars owned by enthusiast that are in good shape for a 10 -12 year old car. Good luck.

 

I would go to a Carmax or other dealers and drive the different generations to see which one you like best. The newest ones I feel have lost a lot of the soul the R53s had. So comparing a Gen 1 and Gen 2 car to see which you like better is the best for you to see the differences. Also make sure the cars you drive don't have runflat tires as those will really ruin the ride.

 

If you're looking for a gentle ride the first gen is probably not for you, but is closest to the Classic Mini in performance with a great many refinements. It's a handling, performance car in the Cooper S mode. My R53 is an '04 with 79,000 miles in near perfect shape for under $7,000 dollars.

Any questions, please check our website or just ask!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

OK, I probably don't want a 10 year old car, but sounds like it isn't completely crazy to pick up a used one. I'm not settled as to the budget. When I get that figured, I'll be in a better position to decide what to get. But in the meantime, I should test drive something. I did visit a Carmax, and they weren't excited to show me cars unless I was more sure about what I wanted. (How do I know what I want? Catch 22....)

 

Still waiting on events before I finalize a budget, but I finally test drove a couple of Minis. A new hardtop S with sport package was probably as close as you could get to the GTI that I'm also looking at. Things were a bit tighter than I would have liked (I felt a bit cramped in the footwell and with my elbow on the center console), but overall decent ride and not as spine-crushing as I recall from 10 years ago or whenever it was that I looked at them before. The rear seat was sufficiently large.

They had a used Paceman S that I wanted to look into. It had more room and some nice features for the $$$. Value wise, of course you're going to get more out of a used car, but the handling was noticeably looser/less sporty/more top-heavy-feeling. Still fun, but I'm less sure about this one. Visibility out the front windshield was better. (The Cooper hardtop felt a bit cavelike, without a sunroof, with the roof coming so far forward.) The Paceman is an odd one-- I think I don't like that it's less sporty, but overall, we liked it.

 

Sounds like you are taking your time before buying a used one, and that is smart. It took me about a month before I found my R53.

Here's at least a partial checklist to help when narrowing down your final choice:

Basics to Check when Buying a Used MINI

Chassis site lines for alignment
Air conditioning/heat/fans
Windows/door locks
Pull on wheels vertically and horizontally, check for movement from the control arm bushing or wheel bearing
Tire wear, wheel damage, brake pad wear
Moisture by battery box in trunk
Lights, wipers, buttons and switches, pedal feel, clutch, gearbox feel
Smooth idle, no noise or rattle, reservoir tank line, hose check
Strut tower bulge
No bouncing or chirping from tensioner assembly
No fraying or cracks on serpentine belt
Valve cover gasket and any oil at back of engine
Water thermostat – let engine get hot
Check jack points under car for bending
Check for oil leak behind front bumper at crank position sensor O ring
Oil filter housing
Power steering fan & pump inlet hose
Engine mounts
Listen for clicking sound from drive axles when test driving and turning
Clutch slave cylinder dry, oil filler cap any carbon or sludge?
Brake fluid color
Dipstick breakage

Hope this helps!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.