Going to look at a 05 mini for a commuter car that is priced fair imo pictures look clean has 86k on it and is auto needs a control arm bushing so I’m told I’m not scared at all to do some wrenching and am able to do my own maintenance. Only question is this would be my first mini what should I look out for and is it a reliable car? have owned bmws in the past that went pretty high in mileage as long as you took care of it it was cheap to own.
Also how do I know if it’s an r50, or whatever
any feed back or opinions lmk thanks
im sure I sound very amateur at mini talk

 

Sent a PM

A huge diff eve if it is a non-S CVT vs an S regular automatic.

CVt’s are prone to failures at an expense of replacement only for $6000! I would not buy nor recommend this type of non-S MINI! (These are model R50 for hardtop and R52 for convertible. Non-S does not have a hood scoop, S does have a hood scoop)

I’ve owned my 2005 non-S manual for 166,000 miles and have had regular maintenance issues. Happy to answer any questions.

 

From what I’ve gathered is do not buy it if it has a cvt trans and the s model has a regular auto trans option that is ok?

 

S regular automatic is a regular traditional automatic with the normal automatic pros and cons.

You said you saw pics? Can to see if there is a hood scoop?

 

no hood scoop hard top
for the record I’m not opposed to manual at all just happened to see an auto

 

This is a non-s R50 with a CVT base on no hood scoop and hardtop.

I would not recommend at all.

Do a search up above for CVT, 478 results of problems, big expensive problems!

 

thank you I’ll take your advice

 

I love my 2005 non-S manual with it’s Getreg transmission. Earlier 2002-2004 non-S manuals use a Midlands transmission, not as good and prone to failure, I would not recommend those either.

please feel free to PM (private message) me to discuss in detail.

 

Here is a good read about decoding MINIs with pros and cons of each model. Jon at Crooked River Garage is a well respected MINI shop in Ohio!

https://www.crookedrivergarage.com/s...-MINI-Market-1