My husband and I are looking a buying a MINI for our daughter. She won't be driving for another year and a half or so. We are jumping the gun because it cost us $94 to fill my expedition the other day. She has wanted a MINI as long as we/she can remember. Figured I would drive it for now and then hand it over to her when it's time. Our budget puts is in the 2002-2004 year model range. Is there anything in particular we should be looking for or watching out for in these year models? We have noticed that rim damage is prevalent in all MINI's which I don't understand. If someone could shed some light on that, that would be great too. All input is much appreciated!

 

I've found this buyers guide to be very helpful when researching first gen MINI's. http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

This is here nor there but I just can't stand the design of the 2002-2004 MINI steering wheel. Also, please compare 1st Gen to 2nd Gen to make sure you want a 1st Gen. They are completely and entirely, a different beast.

 

+1
Also, whenever people ask for advice about earlier gen models, I always advise to stay away from the automatic tranny's, as they're notorious and prone to problems. If you can teach your daughter stick shift, it'll be her benefit, you can stick within your year range, and it'll be better gas mileage. Otherwise, if you're deadset on an automatic, I'd go with 2006 and up. It may be more expensive, but so will a dud 1st gen automatic transmission.

 

+1. Be wary of the CVT auto in the regular MINI.

 

Yes do not buy any Cooper with a CVT automatic trans. or you will be out a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ !
El Tiger

 

I believe you mean 2007 and up.

+1 n teaching your daughter to drive manual, it's a valuable skill to have. There may be an emergency scenario where it's the only option.

 

+1 on learing to drive the manual!

I didn't learn until I was 22 or so, and now that's all I drive - gives you a lot more flexibility when you go to buy a used car as well.

 

A friend at work is going to be buying her daughter a Mini and she wants a stick. Her parents aren't so sure about that, but I told him they should encourage her and get the stick.

Defianately avoid the Mini's with the CVT transmission. For some reason, they never got it right. (Nissan, on the other hand, has an excellent CVT.)

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I would never consider anything but a standard. Daughter isn't in favor, but she hasn't figured out how much fun it can be. I do have another question though. We've noticed a lot of MINI's have pretty major rim damage. What's up with that? Also, when buying a MINI, is 75000 miles too high for say a 2004 or so? I just hate paying so much money for a vehicle that already has that many miles on it. I feel as if I could probably put double that on it and feel comfortable, but I want to make sure I'm thinking correctly. Thanks again for your help!

 

Too many people who don't know how to parallel park

 

Around here (Silicon Valley) I notice very few cars of any kind with dinged rims. Perhaps it's the roads in your area? Lots of potholes? And the Mini shouldn't be any more susceptable that any other similar size car. Don't worry about it.

 

What area do you live in? Trying to solve the rim damage mystery. Our Southern California roads are fairly well maintained where I live and work.

 

By rim damage, he probably means "kerbed" as the Brits say. Perhaps you have high curbs in your area, or maybe you are looking at cars that were driven by people who didn't know how to parallel park. Personally, I wouldn't be scared of cars with 75k or even more on them. I just turned over 100k and have never had a car be in such good shape at that point.

I definitely understand if you want something newer, plusher or better equipped but I feel that the first generation (especially the '02-'04 models, before the facelift) are the best looking and carry the Mini/MINI heritage forward the best. You're buying a British car, so join a club, learn to do a bit of work on it yourself, and enjoy. You'll soon own a true classic, IMHO.

Val

 

With the 3rd generation, reportedly with a 3 Cylinder engine, the 1st Gens are really poised to be a classic!

As for rim damage, I agree with valvashon, just poor parking is the most likely explanation. I scuffed my last set of wheels while not paying attention. It was the day before I was set to trade them into the shop for a lighter set, ended up costing me $100 more due to the damage.