Hi I am new to the forums and am interested in buying a mini... I think I could only probably afford a 02 or 03. I've used the search function and found the typical things to look for and pretty much everyone saying to buy a 04+
What I'm curious about is if these are really that bad or if it'd still be worth the money.

I've found 2 that I'd like to look at this week one is a 02 the other is a 03. Both have around 65,000 on the odo. I'd appreciate any help in knowing what to look at when I go or if I should even waste my time. Thanks in advance and just from seeing some of the threads I've already read you guys have a very nice community here.

 

I think the key is to find one that has been well cared for no matter what the year. I have a 03 MCS and love it. It has about 68k on it now and is my daily driver.

 

You'll probably have a couple of maintenance projects with an 02 or 03, but they are basically solid cars. Check for cracked control arm bushings, since that's the better part of $500 to fix, and check for leaky sump and valve cover gaskets. If the car sounds like a cat in heat, you have the old style PS pump that may or may not give up the ghost. There's nothing to do about the pump, but just be aware that it's expensive to fix.

I'm not trying to scare you: if the car is well maintained, you'll love it. Oh, and don't worry about the '04 model: it's not that much better than the '03. If you can afford an '05, then get it, it is that much better.

 

I'd go for it. My '04 runs fine and I've had few problems. I looked at a lot of MINIs before I pulled the trigger. Once you seen and driven a few of them, you'll have a better idea of what to look for.
And, as they say, you'll know it when you find the right one.

 

I bought my 03 used and it now has 58,000 miles with no problems. Go test drive some different model years and see if any jump out at you. Once you drive one be prepared to buy one, because you won't want anything else.

 

I just picked up a 03 MCS and I love it. It only has 26k miles on it. The car is so fun to drive, the wife says that I will get a ticket within a month. Good luck shopping.

 

Hi, and welcome to NAM!
I've had an '02 MCS for almost 4 years now, and I've not encountered ANY problems with mine. It has been rock-solid dependable, and provided more smiles-per-gallon than any car I've owned.
Someplace around here is a check-list for buying used MINIs.
I'm kinda sad to be selling mine (just turned 49K), but the economy being what it is, I'm forced to part company with a great car.
Best of luck in your search, and again, welcome to NAM.

 

Well I found an 03 S with 48k I'm probably pulling the trigger on. Giving a call and hopefully looking at it within the next couple days.

Any more tips would be great...

 

Go drive it ,the mileage sounds OK. If you have MINI dealer or specialist sevice operation have them check it out before you buy, it will be well worth whatever such a check over cost and maybe avoid buying a bunch of trouble. Still would look for an '05 if you can afford it.

 

I have about 12,500 to get something out the door... So I really don't think a 05 is going to happen. I'm also hoping to have a friends german service garage look it over. I'm pretty car knowledgeable and have a few friends that tune Hondas so a lot of the obvious leaks and cracks won't be a problem finding.

I'm going to check it out on Tuesday. If I snag it I'll be making an intro and everything on here. This is also one of the better car community forums I'm on. It seems like a lot of the others are nothing but a lot of bashing among the occasionally useless post. The Mini and Rover forums are like the only two with a ton of detailed information available. Thanks for the help and a lot of other questions I've had I've been able to find someplace in the forums.

 

Check and the numbers on the documentation. I just read here on another thread where someone was trying to pass of a car whose numbers were questionable. The seller didnt want to show the buyer the car's VIN paperwork right in the bank during the loan and transfer process.

 

Well I got a call from him yesterday and he said they've decided not to sell it...

The hunt continues. There are a few 2002's at dealers within my range I'm just worried about them. Is it normal for 2005's to go very cheap? I see a couple at dealers that are significantly under even private party kbb and I haven't looked at them cause I figure they probably have severe problems but I'm just curious...

 

I wouldnt avoid them completely. The last time I went used car shopping, a couple of months ago, they gave me a carfax report on a vehicle I was seriously considering. Just make sure they let you see the report before you put any money down. At the same time, dont take the report as gospel. Have any car checked out independently.

 

I've seen some 2006s go on Ebay from very reputable sellers for under $11,000 (no reserve auctions)... The question is, how comfortable are you buying a car sight unseen? I wasn't, so I ended up getting my 03 with 85,000 miles for $8800.

 

i wouldnt avoid older models just because of what people say. as far as ALL cars go, older cars can be riskier if they are not taken care of/maintained but the same can be applied to the newer models. it is all about knowing what to look for and a small bit of luck since you can never totally tell EVERYTHING on a used car.

i have a 2002 and i am perfectly happy with it.

 

We have a 02 MC that has 120K miles on the odometer...so far its been a good daily driver. My wife doesn't really take care of the vehicle but its a sturdy vehicle...it has the typical problems ...passenger side door lock and window...had the transmission rebuilt (she ran it to the ground) but otherwise that's it...We drove it to AMVIV without so much a hick-up. But I would really recommend that, as was stated earlier, you need to be on top of things that when an issue arises - attend to it and also know a good MINI mech. Someone mentioned that its best to invest in an 05-06 if you're looking for a Gen1/MK1 MINI. I drive a 05 MCS JCW which I bought from an Ebay car dealer. Hope this helps.