Hey guys, right now I am an owner of a 2003 MINI Cooper with about 112,000 on her. I want to sell the car when its paided off because of all the tranny problems. I am thinking about a 2002-2004 MINI S in the future if I could afford one. Should I stay away from 2002-2003 MINI S's because of more problems? My price range is between $10,000-$16,000 What problems should I look for when looking for a used S?

THANKS!!

 

My '02 is as sweet as they can get. No problems here, though if buying a used MCS go with a 05-06 as they have better gearing in their maunal tranny.

Paul

 

The price is more though! I'm kinda on a budget lol!

 

They have different trannys. Early Cooper has known tranny probs surprised warranty did not cover it. I had 04 mcs with 110k miles that was modded, tracked, autoxd, and always driven hard and never no tranny problems, actually no maintainance issue other than passenger airbag light (relay) that was fixed by dealership.
I WOULD GO FOR A 05-06 BETTER GEARING AND PULLEY. AND SOME WARRANTY LEFT. LSD IS A NICE OPTION, TOO.

 

You can probably expect to find a higher mileage 02-04 S in your price range once you pay off your car, but at that price, you might have to take whatever you can find.

But the prices of older models are going down sharply since the 07's have come out.

I expect to sell my 2003 S in the middle of your price range this spring/summer and it will have about 90k on it by then. The blue books don't value it much more than $14-15k at this point and I expect I'll be happy to get $12-13k for it at that time.

 

Integra Type R. I know its blasphemy, but seriously, what an awesome ride for for what you can afford.

 

As said, depending on when you're in the market, you might be able to get an 05-06 for under $16k. Prices are dropping by the day. (rats!)

 

Actually, I prefer the longer first gear on my 2003 MCS's tranny. It's a personal preference, and the best way for the OP to figure out which is best is to test-drive a variety of used MINIs, to determine which he prefers. I love my 2003. I may buy additional MINIs, but I will always keep my Wicked Wanda.

 

listen at the back of the SC to see if it's starting to rattle, this is the sign of loss of oil in the back SC area, and the gears will destroy themselves. But if it goes out, you can find used SCs with low mileage for $300-$650, and a rebuilt is ~$1200, new is about $2k.

Make sure there's little or no mushrooming on the strut towers (This happens to Coopers too).

Check the front control arm bushings, as they tend to go out on the cars as well.

Read this thread as well... https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=123346

Matt

 

I don't know how much longer before you're ready, but I think you should be able to buy an 04 or 05 for about $16K in the not too far future, just need to be patient. I know that's the high end of your budget.

 

My 2003 has been bulletproof for 86k miles. The early S cars are my favorites, although the LSD option that came after the gearing changes would have been a welcomed option back when I bought my car. Get yourself an 02 -04 and have a blast.

 

Nothing wrong with an 02, if it had all the warrenty work done. If the person you are buying it from never took it to the dealer (fat chance) then I would skip it. Check the steering for clicks....sunroof rattles....clutch life....

Personally I like the 05/06's. They really addressed some of the issues with the older cars, like interior rattles & interior paint. If you plan on leaving the car stock, I really like the 05/06, they drive nicer than my 02 did when it was stock. (read quicker)

 

I have and 2004s and had the trany change at 46k it now 53k whit no problem but if i change my mini i go whit and 05 or 06 ...

 

Why not just install a tranny from another S car?

 

The OP asked what issues are there with early S models cause he was going to use the bad tranny in his COOPER as an excuse to upgrade to a used S. Most of the replies were about anything but the original question....

Matt

 

Thanks for the replies guys! I am also considering a Toyota Mr-2 Spyder, Subaru WRX, Bmw 3 series(E46). My car will be paid off towards the end of 2008 so I have some time!