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1st GearNew members: make an initial post and introduce yourself as you shift from Neutral to First Gear. Current members: meet some of the new members.
hello everyone. I am getting ready to purchase a, new to me, MINI Cooper S. It is a 2005 with about 145,000 miles. I haven’t driven it yet, but will be on Saturday. If all goes well, I’ll be purchasing it.
I understand and these aren’t the most reliable cars in the world, but I’ve always liked them and always wanted one. I mainly need a vehicle for work commute. Just curious for anything I should look for on this 2005.
Also, just how unreliable are MINIs? Like, am I going to be flooded with constant problems, or is it just like any other vehicle where they pop up from time to time?
Get a 6 speed manual! The automatics in gen 1s, leave something to be desired!
When you get it, expect to do the 100K mile service, as most are not done!
When that is done, get yourself a good set of tires, good ceramic brakes and go out and drive it like you stole it!
The gen 1 2005 and 2006 are top choices!
Keep us posted and you can learn a ton in the gen 1 area here!
Welcome to NAM! Don't believe for a minute that they are unreliable, just do the maintenance.
Hi and welcome to NAM! Home of the street legal Go Cart!
Thanks! It is a 6 speed. Dealer states it has new clutch, pressure plate, new water pump, radiator, and a couple other things I can’t remember right off hand. It looks to be in great shape. Has the navigation, sunroof, stuff like that.
Have you checked out the thread below? Lots of information relative to the generation that the 05 falls into. The partial list of new parts is good, the supercharger at those miles if original has seen better days.
There is a good section in the thread about a PPI.
Yep. I read through that. Great information. I’m heading there tomorrow to check it out and drive it around. As long as everything checks out, I will be taking it home with me. Paying cash for it, so that’s a plus. here’s a couple photos from the dealer site.
So I spoke to the dealer today to get a little more information.
The guy guy bought it pretty cheap, and they replaced quite a bit. It’s been tuned, new radiator, water pump, thermostat, power steering was replaced, alternator replaced, new battery, new clutch and pressure plate since it was never done previously, and everything has been looked over really well by a mechanic who is familiar with Minis. Sounds like a pretty good deal with a lot of new parts. Most of it was just because he wanted to make sure the engine was good to go.
The only thing I don't like is the navigation. The gauge package is my preference!
Thats pretty nice! I’m ok with whatever on the gauges. I don’t necessarily NEED the navigation stuff, but it comes with the car, and it’s within my budget. So I can’t complain.
So, I picked her up on Saturday! It’s got some cosmetic things that need attention, but she drives great and is a lot of fun. This little thing can go! Interior trim pieces has some scratches. Thinking about painting with plasti dip. But not sure what I want to do with them yet.
