Hey guys and gals presumably, my name is John I live in linden new jersey and I'm like 99% sure I want a mini Cooper. It will be a type s but auto because my gf needs to be able to drive it as well. I'm interested in the 03-06 model only because I prefer superchargers to turbos and I read a few places that you feel more involved with the driving and closer to the ground and what not. Also I read a lot of ppl feel as if they handle better or give the feeling of better handling. Now with that said I'm saving up and looking around at dif. Dealers because I am going to have to finance. Now I was wondering within the year range of tge 03-06 is there any advances or ugrades on like say the 06 that the 03 didn't have. I seen a few 06's with auto on headlights and the intermittent wipers and heated seats, but I don't know. Like for example I know the 04 and 05 Sti are the same exact body style but the 05 has slightly wider rear fenders. Any help, advice, or tips will be appreciated. Opinions are welcome as well.
P.s.- sorry for the long story lol

 

Hey what's up from New Brunswick. Nice to see another local interested in joining the MINI fam. You've chosen this place, NAM, as a resource and it's a good one. Another one is motoringfile.com. Check out this article:

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

For more specific questions about the 1st gen models you'll want to post in the 1st gen forum. Good hunting

 

Ok after reading that I'm leaning more towards the 05-06 lol the only thing that bugs me is the rust and oil problems, but I guess I can't expect a "perfect" car. And high mileage on autos seems to be the warning in there though, kinda has me thinking. How much would it be for a new auto trans if it does fail?

 

If you're looking at 05-06 MINI went with the Aisin transmission, which doesn't seem to be plagued with the issues the CVT had (at least based on what I've read). I've never seen a quote for the Aisin replacement, so at least that's a good sign.

 

Also you mentioned you were looking at dealers cars so it is still possible to get extended warranties through the dealer on used minis not only mini next but other warranties are offered. Our friend purchased an 04 with an extended wrranty from the dealer that icluded tires & rims as well.

 

What's the difference between cvt and aisin? How do I know which one the car has, because I haven't seen either advertised in the dealers write up...

 

^Basically you can tell by the model year:

2002-2004 Mini Cooper - CVT
2002-2004 Mini Cooper S - Auto not available

2005 Mini Cooper - CVT
2005 Mini Cooper S - Aisin

2006 Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S - Aisin

Without getting too technical (ha like I really could), the Aisin is more of a traditional automatic w/ torque converter, and is considered a much more reliable transmission than the CVT. After reading some threads here, the CVT's reliability has been questionable, and many owners have reported full replacement of the transmission after relatively low mileage to the tune of $8000+. OTOH there are those out there who haven't had CVT problems who have properly maintained their CVTs with regular fluid changes.

However, overall I would say the complaints about the CVT far far outweigh the complaints about the Aisin, so really your safest bet is to stick with a model that has the Aisin transmission.

 

ok well I want an 05-06 cooper s I wouldn't get a base anyway lol

 

I have an early 05 s, love it, and it has been pretty trouble free. Just a minor hickup or two, covered by the warrenty.
Weak points are the 1) ps fan---duct kits are avalable to remidy that, $80.
2)upper motor mount... Oil filled, they leak. A solid aftermarket is avalable from TSW
3)cooling tank, thermost leaks, most likely already done on any car you buy.
4)all "S" listen to the SC before you buy it...if it sounds a bit like chains dragging...stay away, a new one will be needed shortly.
Other than that the 05+06 S are great little cars.. Clutches are expensive to replace, so knowing if it has been done yet or the type of miles, city vs highway, might be nice to know!!
Good luck, and remember, many of the problem threads here are from folks who race/track/heavily modify their cars. As long as premium fuel has been used, IMO, you should be in good shape. If a private seller says low octane is ok...run away IMO.
Good luck!! My Mini is the most fun to drive car I have ever owned...and if you get bit by the modding bug, it will only get better!!

 

Hey from across the Bay! Looks like you already know about MINIs a lot RaMpAgE. Hope to see your MINI on the road some day

 

Welcome. If your going to have to get an Auto, make sure you get an S, the transmissions in them are a 100 times better than the CVT trans in the Cooper and have alot less problems.

 

Hey I think I messed up on my last post, the 2006 MY regular Coopers did have CVT transmissions, but since you're already set on the S I don't think it matters. Burble on!

 

That's my plan I'm not into base models when it comes to any car lol

 

Sounds like you have your priorities set out, now you have to go out and find your MINI, good luck in the search.

 

indeed i do, and ty

 

So umm 1question, when I go to look at the coopers, how can I easily tell if the headlights are halogen or xenon because I really prefer the xenon