Hey, guys. I was looking at some used MINI's. One in particular I found is a 2004 Cooper (Not S) and has 75K on it. I am concerned about the high mileage. I mean that is only like 15K a year, and it only had one owner.

Still, with MAG - the only dealer in town... I am slightly concerned about the cost of maintenance for a car with that many miles on it. Given, MINI isn't Honda or Toyota - how long do these cars last usually?

I only need this car for the next two years of college - but will be commuting to Columbus from Delaware every day. I don't want to get in over my head with a car with such high mileage.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. THANKS!

 

A lot depends on condition. Mileage is only one indicator. That mileage is IMO not too high. You might consider taking it to a trusted mechanic & having it checked out. Also take the VIN to MAG & see if they can give you the service history.

If it has a CVT automatic transmission, run away. FAST!

 

Oh, really? I forgot to mention that. It TOTALLY has an automatic transmission.

If I continue to look elsewhere, how many miles is too many for a automatic?

 

Some people have had good luck with the CVT, but others haven't & that is a huge expense if it dies. MINI stopped using the CVT in 07 & should say something about their reliability.

The auto in the Cooper S is a conventional automatic & has not been problematic at all. If you want a MINI & need the automatic the Cooper S is the way to go.

 

+1 on no CVT. As far as mileage goes (check out my signature) I put 106K on an '04 MCS without any problems at all. As Chuck suggested, run the VIN past the guys at MAG and see what they come up with.

I agree, they are not Honda's or Toyota's, they are MINI's which in my opinion makes them better

 

From everything I have read about the CVT, just say no. Get a manual.

 

+1... I've yet to read anything complimentary about this system, I'm afraid. Plus, manual is so much more fun to drive!