I'm currently in the market for a vehicle. My past vehicles have been a 2007 GTI, 2006 B6 S4, and a 2008 R32. My original roots stem from VW's and Audi's however I'm currently exploring other options. I've decided to take a career change and will need to hand over my company vehicle. I'm in the market for a car preferably a mini cooper s. My range is between 7-8k. The goal is to get into a mini cooper s that can handle approximately 70 miles per day. I've located a 2004 6 speed mcs with 108,000 miles, serviced regularly with documents to prove it and no accident. clutch was replaced at 45,000 through the dealer. My question is how long can I expect to have this vehicle to last with my commute? I know the timing belt will need to be replaced soon which will be an added expense in the near future, to anyone who has done it how much does that typically run? Is there a particular year that is better than all the rest ? Thanks for any help / suggestions.

 

I can't speculate how long your car will last, but I know there's a member here with a first gen MCS (2002-2006) with 295,000 miles and running strong. The 2005-2006 model years are generally known as being the best.

 

Welcome! I might be the guy Danny is referring to. As long as routine maintenance has been done you should be fine. A 75 mile commute is good as long as its not a stop and go commute. There is no timing belt, these have a timing chain. It does have a serpentine belt that runs the supercharger and accessories. They cost about $30 and are pretty easy to change. I do mine every 30k. At 108,000 some things will start to need replacing, or at least be aware of them.
- front control arm bushings (car will wander a bit)
- supercharger (rated 100,000 miles, my first one w/ 15% pulley lasted 190,000, my second currently has over 100,000 on it also)
- door lock actuators (seem to start failing about that age)
- ps pump (04 has an upgraded circuit, so are a but more reliable)

As long as you keep up on regular maintenance you should be fine. Mine is getting ready to turn 296,000 and has never left me stranded. The most reliable car I've owned.

Good luck.

Nik

 

Hah! There's someone with over 500,000 on here too , not me though.

Read this http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/ and then try to buy an 05 or 06 .