I live rather far from a dealer, but I noticed on Sunday that my local BMW dealer has a 2002 EB/W MINI S on the lot, presumably from trade-in. it is sitting there being sold as a used car.

Im going to take this opportunity to do my first ever Test drive in a MINI. Is there anything that I ABSOLUTELY have to take note of in driving or inspecting the car? (i wont be buying this particular model in any case). Im bringing along my digital camera just for fun, to get some shots of my own of details that I cant often see in other photos.

But what about in driving it? im only an amateur with stick shift, but im confident that I can handle it (i drove my cousin's '03 eclipse without problem after convincing him that I have been driving stick for years when in fact that was my 3rd time ever. I have since practiced on my friends Jeep numerous times).

Anyway, thanks for the advice, Im REALLY excited about this!

 

>>I live rather far from a dealer, but I noticed on Sunday that my local BMW dealer has a 2002 EB/W MINI S on the lot, presumably from trade-in. it is sitting there being sold as a used car.
>>
>>Im going to take this opportunity to do my first ever Test drive in a MINI. Is there anything that I ABSOLUTELY have to take note of in driving or inspecting the car? (i wont be buying this particular model in any case). Im bringing along my digital camera just for fun, to get some shots of my own of details that I cant often see in other photos.
>>
>>But what about in driving it? im only an amateur with stick shift, but im confident that I can handle it (i drove my cousin's '03 eclipse without problem after convincing him that I have been driving stick for years when in fact that was my 3rd time ever. I have since practiced on my friends Jeep numerous times).

The first thing is does it have the stumble? See "stumble" thread on Beneath the Bonnet. If it doesn't you might be better off than a whole bunch of us! Our '03 cars cough and have the hiccups! I'm not kidding, check it out! And MINI can't fix it right awaw. We have to wait until December!

Graham



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'03 MCS, MM CAI, Rear Sway Bar, Control Arms, H-Sports, QS, Alta Pulley, Powerchip ECU remap, & Big Bore Throttle Body.

 

>>I live rather far from a dealer, but I noticed on Sunday that my local BMW dealer has a 2002 EB/W MINI S on the lot, presumably from trade-in. it is sitting there being sold as a used car.
>>
>>Im going to take this opportunity to do my first ever Test drive in a MINI. Is there anything that I ABSOLUTELY have to take note of in driving or inspecting the car? (i wont be buying this particular model in any case). Im bringing along my digital camera just for fun, to get some shots of my own of details that I cant often see in other photos.

Lets assume that there is maybe 10,000 miles on the car. If more then check the tires for replacement vs wear. The runflat Pirelli or Dunlop tires last about 10,000 to 12,000 miles or less so you might have other tires on. Make sure the pressure is about 33psi if there are only two people or 37 psi if there will be four in the car.
Check the coolant tank under the hood for any brownish dried coolant that leaked out onto the silver pan under it.

Be sure to drive the car in the 4000 to 6000 rpm range for full effect of the supercharger and intercooler. Ask about any modifications there have been on the car like intake or exhaust etc. Look at the seats- are they leather- do they have any unsightly wrinkles on them?

>>But what about in driving it? im only an amateur with stick shift, but im confident that I can handle it (i drove my cousin's '03 eclipse without problem after convincing him that I have been driving stick for years when in fact that was my 3rd time ever. I have since practiced on my friends Jeep numerous times).
>>
>>Anyway, thanks for the advice, Im REALLY excited about this!

Have fun driving the car and before you head out turn off the DSC using the toggle switch on the center console - the switch is in the mid left. If you leave it on- it would be safer but it would interfere with your spirited driving. DSC comes standard in the Sport package for the MCS along with the 17" wheels and Xenon lights.

If you are interested in audio then try out the stock audio system. Since this is a 2002 it won't have the HK audio upgrade.

 

For the MCS there are issues with cold start, stumble or hesitation and "yo-yo". Check the threads to learn about these.
Essentially anything other than smooth crisp acceleration is what you are looking for.
My 2003 MCS has none of these. Perhaps the earlier models had it a bit more and this is a 2002 model so it is possible.

 

:smile: Drive it like it's yours - make sure the seats are comfortable for you as they have 2 different options....You'll get the hang of the stick in seconds - it drives like a dream!!

Chow!

Donna
donna@dcmetrominis.org

 

Check to see if there are any plainly visable mods to the car (intake, exhaust, pulley, springs, rear anti-sway bar, aftermarket wheels and or tires) these could indicate if the previous owner was an enthusiast, and to what degree. Like all used vehicles, get the VIN and do a CarFax check. Hate to say it but there have been a number of totaled MINIs, and you should not trust a dealer, it might have a salvaged title. Besides that, follow the other advise re: stumble, etc. and enjoy the ride.

 

As it has been stated..... many,many,many.... times here..:smile:

DRIVE IT...LIKE YOU STOLE IT !!!!!!!!

See what it can do...put it thru it's paces....drive.

be safe & aware :smile:


Peace,
D

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I own a 2002 MCS w/ alot of stuff on it.

 

Try to find out what month build it is... even with all the little problems that some 02's have, mine is problem-free...

Rocketboy_X

 

Don't take any corners fast...you'll want to buy it on the spot!

 

I just got back from the dealer. this is not a mini dealer, but a BMW lot who bought this mini to show because they have had so many requests to see them. Being a fairly large town thats 3 hrs from the nearest MINI dealer, they get curious calls all the time.

Anyhow, the guy who came out and talked to me was one of the BMW salesmen, and he knew NOTHING about the car. I asked a question and he told me that I would know more than him.

This town, State College, PA is a college town, lots of students. He asks me if I like studying at the university, assuming thats where I am (which is true). tells me that If I want to test drive it, I have to come back tomorrow, that he has appointments for people to drive it all day (yeah right).

This guy was very cold, almost mean, and rude. the worst part is, he doesnt even want to talk to me cause Im a student. doesnt matter that I have a really good job or that I have money saved up or good credit.

well i will be going back tomorrow for my drive anyhow. but i will make a real point of driving hard, and maybe even grinding a gear or two for him right at the end. not a very good experience today... I just have to get to a real MINI dealer before Im gone for the next 10 months in Paris.

I will let all og you know what happens

 

Sorry to hear about the rude dealership.

I got the same thing when I first went into the dealership in downtown Toronto, when I was visiting one day. I walked in just after they opened one morning, plenty of employees there...and I had to go up and ask for help. Maybe I wasn't wearing the "right" clothes. (I was coming from the gym!)

Maybe they really thought "poor student".

 

Oh, and a Carfax would be a darn good thing too..

Rocketboy_X

 

Thanks for the tips. But remember, Im not actually going to buy this car. So Im not going to worry about carfax etc. My brother who was with me yesterday asked how many miles were on it and the dealer told us 4,700. My bro asked him why so low, and the dealer told us all about his millionaire customers with garages full of BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexus's and how they like to have cool cars but that this one just lost its thrill in a real short time... grrr

 

>>the dealer told us all about his millionaire customers with garages full of BMWs, Mercedes, and Lexus's and how they like to have cool cars but that this one just lost its thrill in a real short time... grrr


Smells like BS to me. Anyone who finds a MCS no longer thrilling, shouldn't be driving anyway.

 

>>Don't take any corners fast...you'll want to buy it on the spot!

Thats how I got mine!!

 

THey "sold" it. ya right. its just sitting in a garage until i'm off the lot. never going back there again, except maybe to **** all over their doorstep...

 

this means you get to make the pilgrimage to the mini dealership!

 

Sucks you had a bad experience with the BMW guys.

Towne MINI in Buffalo, New York lets you test drive solo. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Plus, it's nice wandering amongst the MINIs on the lot.

 

>>THey "sold" it. ya right. its just sitting in a garage until i'm off the lot. never going back there again, except maybe to **** all over their doorstep... :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

well surprise: My parents tell me that tomorrow is an obligatory road trip day to the grandparents (last chance to see them before a year in France). They are 20 minutes from Otto BMW/MINI in Westchester, PA. so tomorrow morning, thats where I will be, driving the MC and MCS.

cant wait.