Hi. New to forum. I sold my O4 Audi A8 and am going to buy a Mini cooper. The kids are gone now ,so I'm down sizing. I want to spend about 12k to 15k on used Mini. I'm a DIYer (you have to be a DIYer to own an Audi). Would you please point me to used Mini checklist and problems to look out for. I will be using it for daily driver mostly. Which model/year would be best for me? Thanks, I appreciate your responses.

 

yikes! an A8 to a mini cooper, that's like going from a yacht to a row boat (size wise, not necessarily quality wise or fun factor wise!)

*As for years to look for, I'd steer away from the early models, (02-04) and try to find something between 05 and 06. You might be able to find a new body style 07 for around $15k these days, now that the 2011's are out, the value on the 07's may have dropped into that range.

 

R53 (02-06)- Supercharged
R56 (07-)- Turbocharged

On the R53's- The '05 & '06 the superchargers are coated

Also transmission is better, but for the most part 02-06 are of the same reliability.

Keep in mind if you go with the "S" the superchargers are only good for around 80k-100k miles.(many have had the original sc way past 100k miles

You could with out a doubt pick up a used mini with low miles for 12-15k

I would always check in this forums market place and see what people have for sale. For the most part people on this forum probably took better care of their cars than if you would go to a used car dealer.

also, if you opt for a base model mini, first generation or second, you will be able to find killer deals because they are much cheaper.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Definitley go for an 05 or 06 with low miles if you can, but make miles your biggest factor. make sure theres no fluids leaking, and that the strut tower braces and shock top-hats are crack free. also make sure theres no funny noises, and no check engine light. I got an 03 with fairly low miles (68k) for 10k even back in june. i expect the prices will have gone up a little bit, but you should definitley be able to find something in the price range.