Good afternoon, I'm back to a mini cooper as a daily driver after many years. I had a 2004 MCS and a 2012 MCS and absolutely loved them both. After I sold the last one I bought a large truck to pull our RV and since I worked from home a lot I never got another car. I finally talked my wife into letting me get another used car to drive to nearby states to save gas and the high maintenance on my turbo diesel dually. After looking around at the best high mileage cars for the buck, much to my surprise the mini cooper was one of the best in the 4-5K range. I looked at several and finally landed on a 2006 Base Hatchback with 193k miles for $3,300. This car had a single owner for 150k of the total miles and had 4 pages of maintenance on Carfax, including a clutch, coil packs, spark plugs, power steering, brand new tires, radiator, and regular oil changes. I was obviously apprehensive but it ran like a dream. The only problems were a broken radio **** (pelican parts for $15) and the radiator reservoir was empty. I also have a little rattle in the back end, but I think it's sway bar bushings. For the radiator, it didn't lose any fluid in the radiator after a 1,000 mile trip to DC, but the reservoir just goes dry. I think maybe it or the hose to the neck has a crack. No smoking or oil consumption and oil was still full and clean. Any way, I'm just thrilled to be back in one.

 

Welcome back. Sounds like your reservoir problem may be a quick fix to avoid a huge expense. It is interesting that the prior owner kept it in such good shape for so long but left it with such small problems at the end.

Post some pictures when you get a chance.

 

Thanks, I put a pic in my signature from the night I got it, but it's kinda dark.

 

Weclome!

 

Welcome back! I traded my mini in 2015 and have been sick about it since. It was a GREAT car!!! ZERO issues! Loads of changes in my life since so I have decided to get another mini....... I am researching like crazy trying to decide what I want to get this round. Guess I will 'see' you around!

Judi