Ok, so I have been looking at buying a Mini for quite some time and looked at quite a few. I have been looking at 02-06, and the only reason I have been looking at the newer ones is because of the lower mileage. Work pays for my transportation to work so I take the Metro to work and the Mini would be parked the majority of the week besides a trip to the grocery store etc. My dilema is, do I buy a higher mileage and have a lower payment or do I get something newer so i dont have to worry about something breaking? I am posting a link to one with higher mileage that I have been looking at. The only concern I have with this one is the amp for the Harman Kardon system seems to be on the way out, and it seems to pull from side to side when under hard acceleration. It is a one owner vehicle that was bought at auction by the dealer that has it now. No accidents/paint work etc.. and is reasonalby clean. Your input would be appreciated.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

 

I suggest you look only at single-owner 05-06 models which are being sold directly by their owners (ie, not by dealers). These owners must also be able to show you all of the maintenance records including documentation concerning any accident repairs.

Take your time, look through all of the records and ask lots of questions. Don't rush the process - there are plenty of cars available!

BTW, I'm suggesting 05/06 because these are the most evolved, bug-free R53 models, imo...

 

The pulling side-to-side could just be the torque steer...

From someone who's been inside the car business: buy the newest, lowest mileage one you can afford without 'stretching' ...

 

Good advise.....
A higher mile 06 or 05 IMO would be a good deal compared to the hassels of the earlier cars....and do not under any cirmstances get a CVT. Period. Remember this. It will save you $$$$ and lots of hassels in the future. Beaing an enthusit car that is tracked, do not think low miles equals a car that has had an easy life (many have been weekend track cars, etc). Get an inspection from a mini dealer.
I would also checkout the buyers guide on motoring file.....very useful, especially in your case.
Good luck!! You will enjoy your car!!!

 

The amp is very pricy to replace....there should be minimal tourqe steer on a gen1.....compared to other cars in the same class or gen 2 cars anyway. The dealer is already washing his hands of it.... The I know nothing....worries me. I would walk, or get an inspection at a dealer... They know stuff in the BMW system like service history, recalls, etc that only they know. If the car was really good, the dealers ****** them up, and call them certified used....like I said be careful....

 

+1 for checking the buyer's guides at motoring file. They are chock full of excellent information. The link is www.motoringfile.com and the guides are located on the right side of the page, near the top.

 

While the pulling left and right could be torque steer, it would worry me unless you had a knowledgeable professional check it out. I personaly prefer lower mileage newer cars and in the case of MINI's '05 or '06 is a better choice for a first gen.

 

Yup! Unless you're in the VT/NH area, cause that's what I'm shopping for ...

 

Thank you to all that have posted, it is greatly appreciated. With what has been said, I am leaning towards something a bit newer with decent mileage. Going to look at an 05 with 52k on it this weekend. Has all the options I want and they are asking $13.9.

 

I purchased a '06 MCS six speed with Cold Weather, Leather and 25k miles this past June for 16k still under warranty from a non-MINI dealer (drove 65 miles) but I had already owned an '02 MCS so I knew what to look for. I stayed away from sunroofs, autos and navs.

In my opinion, the '06 model year is the best one made (flame suit on). (If you're looking at an '06 out of warranty be sure to ask if the thermostat was replaced and if the clutch was replaced due to cold weather growling. Also check that durned motor mount for leakage.) But even with these foibles, the '06 is tops in my book. Better be.....I bought one.

And whilst you're at it be sure to check the strut towers for bulging towers and/or broken hard rubber strut tops.

...Les