So ive wanted a cooper s for a while so i started to look around. I was hoping you guys can give me some pointers on what to look for. Things i might want to check out specifically (problems and other issues that are common). Ive looked at models from 2003-2006 in the 40k miles and under range. ive seen prices from 10.5k up to 14k... So really im just hoping your guys can point me in the right direction to help me get in the best s i can! Also i live in NJ so alot of the minis are coming from NY, CT, and PA i feel that matters cause a NY (city) is most likely going to have a lot more wear and tear that others..... also im getting a 6 spd ive read the 5 spd was not as good a tranny..

Thanks,
matt

 

if your getting an S its always going to be a 6spd... 5spd are the regular coopers... i would look more at 05 06's just because they are the newer models in the r53 range and have all the kinks worked out in them... definitely look at the carfax and make sure it had no accidents and it had its regular maintenance done... search around this site as well there are several threads like this one that have a lot of info... what color are you looking for?

 

Well, if youre getting an S, youre getting a 6-speed, regardless.

The Cooper 5-speeds were of two types. 2002-2004 have Midlands which are problematic, and the 2005 and 2006 have Getrags which are as good as the 6-speed Getrags in all the S's up through 2006.

 

I see you are from up north. Check for rust in the door sills, apperently this is a common problem. Check for oil leaks from the crank seal, oilpan gasket and crank sensor. Inspect the front strut mounst for mushrooming.The control arm bushings take a beating on harsh roads. Ask for service records. I am new here I am sure a more experinced member will chime in.

 

I had an '06 that was pretty much trouble free other than a few under warranty things (a power steering issue was the only thing that comes to mind). Someone else posted this earlier, it's definitely worth reading.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
Annette

 

I've had my 06 Cooper S for almost 2 years now. Bought it with 18k miles and its got over 43k now. The only problems were simple warranty issues, the biggest one was a failing belt tensioner. I drive it hard and it still drives just as good as the day I got it. My car was a NY car but they lived in suburbs near brooklyn. I honestly think the car was beat on a bit considering the owner has an RS4, but even then it still drives great.

Reliablility issues arent really a problem. Theres a few things but nothing major to worry about.

Oh and not true about all S models having the 6 speed. the early S coopers had 5 speeds. Just get an 05 or 06 and you will have a 6 spd.

 

Checkout this Buyer's Guide: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

THats weird I never heard of an early S having 5spd.

 

Proof?

I've never heard one thing about Early S models having a 5 speed. Nothing about it is even in the Motoring File guide, which briefly details all of the changes about the MINI over the years. And a Google search brings up nothing about S having 5 speeds.

 

All 02-07 1st Gen MCS have Getrag 6-Speed. Of course, there is the 05-07 Aisin auto trans, too.
Think, OP is referring to Justacooper's 01-04 Midland's 5-Speed and later 05-06 a Getrag 5-Speed trans.

 

Really? I thought they had a midlands 5 speed.