I'm considering buying a used 2002 mini cooper (not S) and I was wondering what some common problems are. I read about the midlands transmission problem and am somewhat afraid of that. Is it safe to assume that if it's been replaced it's fine? Also, how do you know if it's been replaced?

Specifically, the one I'm looking at is Green, Beige interior, 45,000 miles, lot's of options; heated seats, leather, sunroofs, hk sound, $15750, I'm hoping to negotiate down to about 15500 out the door. It was a trade in for a new Subaru, the Subaru dealer is selling it certified with a 6 month warranty.

 

Build date is 02/02, I'm planning to seal the deal on this car today, any comments would be highly appreciated.

Also, any thoughts on an extneded warranty, I know they're generally not a good idea, but if the transmission has a very high chance of going, maybe it's a good idea?

 

It's Just out of warranty, That sucks....I have a 2002 MCS I bought used exactly 1 year ago...It's had a few issues and I have about 46000 miles on it now (bought it with 37000) I know they are diffrent cars but, I would try to find out (through a local MINI club) if there are any mechanics (not dealer) that work on the car. I've had a small share of problems with the car I'll list..

Peeling steering wheel (replaced under warranty)
Broken windshield wiper motor (replaced under warranty)
Rotted fresh air vents (plastic) replaced under warranty
Leaking coolant resovoir (replaced under warranty)
and now my airbag light is on (MINI has extended the warranty on this to 150,000 miles or 10 years I believe) I'm getting this fixed on Saturday for final pre warranty expiration check up (08/02 car).
I would probably get an extended warranty if you cannot find a local trusted mechanic...
Do I love this car.???...Absofreakinlutely.....(if that is a word)
I have heard of issues with the transmission in early build MC's, but I don't know.
I love my 2002 MCS and will never part with it...
I hope this helps but I think I am biased...

 

uberdeep, I think the warranty is a good idea. Have you given it a thorough test-drive? If so, how did the tranny feel to you? Sounds like this is one of the earliest-built Coopers, too!

 

I bought my 2002 S model with 13k on it for 15k from a private owner. Save your cheese and buy an S, youl be dissapointed with the NA model.

 

I test drove it twice, everything felt good both times. Rattles were dominated by the licence plate that was not too securely mounted by the rear window. Shifting felt smooth, no strange noises. First test was with 2 people (400 lbs), 2nd test with 4 people (800+ lbs) and the AC on, it was fine.

I'm not too agressive of a driver, so I'll be fine without the S, I wouldn't be able to stand the S' fuel economy anyways.

Thanks for the advice. I bought the car, 17 out the door & they agreed to fix all the problems I had with it. A comprably equipped new car would have been about 25 out the door. I'll probably spend about 2k on a nice extended warranty. If anyone has any reccomendations on the warranty, I'd love to hear them.

 

You should be able to give any MINI Dealer the info and they can print out a service record for you to show what has been done.

My 05/02 build MC had the following problems:

Ticking problem in engine, cant remember what it was or what was done(pistons?), before 30K
Transmission done before 30k
Clutch needed at 35K
Seat recline mechanisms fixed multiple times then replaced
Coolant fan on shared circuit. Blown fuse causes no fan and overheating, circuit must be split (common problem and fix)

 

I had problems getting my 02 Cooper into reverse. If yours is smooth, then you are probably fine. I think an extended warranty is a good idea. I have no issues with my 2003 MCS's Getrag tranny, though.

 

My 9/02 prod MCS has had some of the "common" ailments as well: all
fixed by dealer.

Coolant Fans - Power Steering fan fuse on a single circuit: split into two circuits.

Leaking Coolant Reservoir (only MCS is pressurized and so prone): replaced

Seat reclining cable issues: replaced

Window track clips breaking: periodic and ongoing.

Noisy Sunroof: Dealer "felt" pad install.

Excessive paint wear on underside of bonnet: MINI issued pasties installed.

Foam in fresh air vents rotted out: replaced with new "foamless" units.

The '02 MC has the dreaded Midlands gearbox, many have been problematic. Make sure yours has been replaced/rebuilt.

Happy Motorin'

 

Whoa....was there no interior? No wheels? That's unbelievable.

I bought my 2002 MCS last spring with 17,000 miles for $20,000. Has everything but NAV and that rain-wiper thing. An expired lease from an un-inspired lessee.

As for repairs under warranty in the last year:

- Replaced driver side window motor
- Adjustments to the sunroof
- Re-aim the windshield spray nozzles (ok, I could have done that myself)
- Standard Inspection I with nothing out of the ordinary

Yet unfixed:

- Rattle at the sunroof control panel trim in cold weather (I just saw the "dealer felt pad" post. You wouldn't have a photo of that would you?)
- Chip in the windshield (too small to care)
- The cig lighter died (but most wouldn't care about that)
- Air vent foam starting to tear

 

Don't have my digital camera with me but you can go to Wal-Mart and buy a velcro fastener kit that contains both the nylon pile and the felt with tape backing. I'd say that the tape backed felt is exactly what my dealer used.

 

My freind got fed up with hers. She traded it in this year. She had all kinds of of fuel related problems. They replaced her full fuel system twice, her gas tank, and it still would die on her. They wouldnt lemon law it. Every time they enterned what they did to her mini in to the system they would make sure it was writen up differnt.

BTW , it was Irvine BMW/MINI. They sux