So, I m looking to buy a 2003 Mini Cooper S with a 6-speed transimission.

I know that older Minis may have problems regarding transmissions, but I hear that the 6-speed transmissions are better when it comes to reliability.

My question is: Are 2003 Mini Cooper S's reliable? Does the supercharger shorten the life of the engine and transmission? Is 170k miles too much for a Mini Cooper S?

Also what general maintanence is performed on this model? and can anyone provide a maintanence guide that I can follow?

Thanks

 

It all depends on how it was taken care of and maintained by its previous owners.

The transmissions on the 03 S's are bullet proof. The problems with transmissions in the early models were the non-s 5 speeds, and the CRT (I think that is the name)

Reliable? Again, depends on the maintenance. in over 334,000 miles on mine, I have never once been stranded.

Supercharger: no, they are designed to deal with it.

Not really any special maintenance, just follow normal schedules. Oil (that a debate) every 3,000 to 22,000 miles depending on what you are comfortable with. I follow the OBC (on board computer) and change mine around 20,000).
I change the belt every year, tires and brakes when needed, etc nothing special.
Some change the oil in the supercharger. It is a bit of a job, but may be worth it for some. I took my first one off at 191,000 miles, (it is mechanically fine, but will have it rebuilt at some point), and my second one has over 143,000 with no problems. They are rated to 100,000 miles, but obviously "results may vary".

The main pulley on the crank will likely need to be replaced on the 03, they tend to fail.

My 03 S has a lot of bolt on mods, is my daily driver, and one of the most reliable cars i've owned.
It has:
15% pulley
2% crank pulley
colder plugs
wires
CAI
Intercooler

etc.

Watch out for the mod bug........

Nik

 

Hey, thanks a million for the response! I'm glad I got a response from someone who has had one for 330k miles that makes me feel a lot better about buying one!

 

all comes down to how it was driven....
cars that saw track use or were wailed on are junk...run away...
cars driven by actual adults that drive mini's responsibility...with the occasional burst of speed and GOOD regular maintenance are good cars...
cars that have been neglected, abused or raced are best left for the next buyer...they will rapidly become $$$$ pits.

 

PS
remember, a mini requires premium fuel....less will burn a valve, causing misfires and a $2000 fix....do not think you can save $2 at the pump and buy lower octane. just a fact of life driving a car with a supercharger.

 

Have used only 91octane Toptier fuels since day one. . Only positive results.