Hi guys and gals. I posted in the 1st gear forum already but in a day got no replies so I decided to try again here. Looks like more people visit this forum.

I have my lifted Jeep for sale, and I want to buy a Cooper S to replace it. I am willing to spend $14,000 so I am not expecting a low mileage late model car, but I am definitely ok with waiting as long as I need to until the right car comes along. My main question is what to look out for? I have bought a lot of vehicles, then later found out I should have bought something else. Example, I bought my TT, then found out they offer a 225hp version of it. Bought my S2000 then found out if I had bought one year newer, I'd have got different gears, and a glass rear window. Bought my Jeep, found out about better axles... etc.

I want to make sure I buy the right thing this time, and would really appreciate some help from you all. I know there are some nice examples out there for 14K, but any help steering would be awesome. Thanks!

-John

 

OK I feel bad that no one in our beloved MINI community has offered 'a bone' to you. I don't know everything. But here's my try, for simple, simple starters 2006 is the last built year for the first generation MINI. If you want a refined first generation in stock condition look for a 2006. That said, this isn't to say that a 2006 is better than a 2005 or so, it really depends on after market mods put on the car and the love and care that the owner has placed on their MINI, regardless of what year.

Just compare the 2nd gen (2007+) to the 1st gen and you'll get a significant difference in the type of engine and performance. I'll leave you to do the homework on that (or somebody else can chime in).

2006 MINIs are the only MINIs in Coupe hardtop editions that had the options for SILVER roofs. So if you're looking for one 'special' edition in body colors that's one to look for. In other words whenever I see a MINI Coupe with a silver hardtop but with a different a body color, I know that's a 2006 model.

Happy hunting for your first MINI.

 

so 07+ are more powerful? have better suspension? or is it the other way around? Probably doesn't matter though since I can't afford one that new.

 

You will have a difficult time finding a 2002-2003 MCS for around $14K. Maybe a 2003-2005 MC.

2006 MCS are going for around $19K and MC can be had for $17K

For a Mark I R50 R53 MINI they started the refinement in 2005 and the year to have is the 2006. 2005 signaled the death of the two spoke steering wheel and the 2002-2004 cars were geared for more top end 2005 they changed the gearing, sacraficing top end for more off the line grunt.

I hope you can find the MINI you want in the price range that you can afford.

 

maybe they are priced lower here in Phoenix? There are some JCW kitted cars here for under 15...

 

I sold my '02 Wrangler Sport on eBay for $10,000 and put that money down on a brand new '05 MCS... Man, if you can afford car payments, why not buy NEW. You'll have no questions as to the previous owner's responsibilty with the MINI. I like that piece of mind.
Good luck!

 

Welcome to NAM John! I started out with a 2004 MC but wanted that extra the MCS has. I know have a 06MCS which I really enjoy. I doubt you'll find a decent 05 or 06 at 14K, but you never know. Is this going to be your only means of transportion, or a fun car to mod and play with?? Check the market place here on NAM and you may find what your looking for. All the
02 to 06 cars have their little glitch's but the 05 and 06 cars seem to have most of the start up problems worked out. You'll read a lot of pros and cons on this forum and some will scare you silly but all cars have their problems
and MINIs are no different. Good luck on your search!!

 

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

Play special attention to the gearing change that came with the 05s so you don't --
The gearing is a BIG difference

 

Also with the older MCS models the horsepower was rated at 160HP compared to the newer MCS with the updated gears had a power jump to 168HP.

 

well the way I took the guide I think I would really like to have an 05 MY but could settle with an 04 as it seems like the gremlins aren't too bad. I'm not considering an auto transmission so thats one big problem I'm not worried about.

Seriously though, are these cars not too reliable?

and thanks for all the help so far.

 

they are very reliable .. you just have to do your part too.. you take care of them and they will take care of you.. i say get a newer one with turbo instead of the sc.. better mpg.. faster.. and i just like turbo more.. i have a 02 mcs and i'm taking my sc and putting in a custom turbo... i would of rather started with a turbo....

 

On the first generation MINIs 2004-2006 rated above average in reliability and as a car 'recommended' in Consumer Reports - the link is embedded in a Motoringfile article.

 

thats enough for me...

 

From someone who did quite a bit of research before buying, I would buy a 2005-06. I bought an 06. If you don't have enough money I would wait a touch until you do or the prices drop (before calling me a fool for not knowing the prices for this late of a car, I am in the UK and thus don't know the prices of 2005-6 cars. From all I have read and spoken to folks about, the largest amount of updates happened in 2005 thus my recommendation. I like the coated rotors the best for wear resistance in the S/C.

cheers and enjoy the hunt.

In this time of economic stress, I would be you could find some steal of a deals on cars in private hands from folks in financial trouble. Not a nice way but in actuality you are helping the seller as they need the money.