All,
I've been lurking on these formus for a couple of weeks as I'm looking to purchase a 02-04 MCS in the near future.

I'm wondering if any of you might be able to point me to a Buyers guide or specifically what to look for when looking at an 02-04 MCS. (maintenance schedule to see what services have been completed, etc.)

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Andy

 

Is there a reason you picked 02-04? There were alot of good changes for 05-06. Can you post pics of your three cars? Sounds like a fun garage.

 

Price. This is going to be a driver for the wife that I'll likely use for auto-x every now and then.

current cars:(sorry for the big pictures)

 

M3

 

I would start with this.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

I understand that price is a prime consideration in picking the daily driver -- but based on your car tastes and interest in auto-x, I would urge you to consider an 05 (even if it has to have a few more miles to bring it in price range of an 04) due to the gearing changes introduced that year.

 

Solid point. This is the type of info that I'm looking for that might sway me one way or the other. How difficult is it to find the Limited slip differential in the 05 cars?

Andy

 

Hard -- the one option I couldn't find when looking for an used cabrio last year -- but easier than '02-04 (it was added as an option in 05).

Best bet to find it is probably here in NAM. MINI enthusiasts who are more likely to post in the NAM marketplace are more likely to have dished out the extra $500 or so for the option. I have seen a couple listings in the last couple months for cars with LSD on there.

 

LSD is the way to go, I've had both. What's your price range?