Hi First post looking at an 06 Base Auto, 20,000 miles. There looking to get 10,500. 85 yr old women driver, some damage to rear bumper and tire molding doesn't seem bad. Looking for an idea or opinions on offer price. First mini and the reviews on line are scary, I need your honest opinions do not hold back. Thanks John

 

Search the forum (or Google.) for MINI CVT failure... the first gen auto in the non-S can be problematic. However with that low mileage it might be pretty safe.

Just saw an '06 Base auto sell on a Honda lot here with a sticker of $13,999.

 

I made an offer of 8500 and it looks like they are going to take it. However after reading the reviews on the 06 auto I am skeptical at this point. It looks like you need to change the fluid every 30,000 miles at 400,00 a pop to be safe

 

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

Check it out here was just reading about it

 

Thank You for the great info I can buy the car for 7000 but I am really turned of by what I am reading. WTF, OIL LEAKS BLOWN MOTORS AND TRANSMISSIONS WHY WOULD YOU TAKE A CHANCE!!!!

 

stay away from CVT's, my sig is in reference to BMW's choice of CVT in their first gen coopers

you've been warned

 

Thank You Rusty 85 yr old owns the car 22K miles for 7000 and I can't by it. It really is a disgrace that they would sell a car to the public with this many serious problems. I am a first time buyer of Mini and if I had not done some research I would be in trouble down the road.

 

Is the 06 R53 6 automatic or CVT? I was under the impression that they changed to 6 speed auto Minis on or after the 06 model, I don't know what I'm talking about but for that price and low mileage I would buy it and make a profit reselling it if you go to a dealer I don't think that you'll ever get it for less than 10,000, make some money on it if the car is in good shape why not.
Get it checked out

 

I recently bought a one owner '06 Cooper 5 speed with 100,000 miles on it.

Had it for 3 weeks now, seems good so far.



Paid 6750.

Gord

 

All first gen non-S (R50) autos are CVT.
They switched the transmission in the manual Non-S cars from Midlands to Getrag in '05 I believe.

The Cooper S (R53.) automatic never had the CVT. It was an Aisin auto, I believe.

 

Ok I have decided to buy for the condition, mileage, and price. it is against my better judgement but I am going to roll the dice to get in. Older couple never driven hard at the very least I can flip it.

 

if NOT TOO LATE, have a PPI (PrePurchase Inspection) done by a mechanic familiar with Minis so that you will not have any "hidden gremlins"

 

I agree with that but I am dealing with an 85 yr old and they are rather skittish but I am going to try. They say they have all service records and I have the vin # to check out here someplace I thought I saw it last night.

 

Just picked it up and it is very nice better than I thought. The only draw back is no stick but this will allow my wife to drive. Thanks for all the advise but the CVT has me worried.

 

Congrats!! Did you get it for last price quoted? If you did it's a great price.
Now post some pics, enjoy it.

 

I ended up at 7000, because of a little damage to the rear bumper that they did not tell me about until my first inspection. The CVT has me nervous but if I give it to my wife it will not be abused and she does maybe 8000 mi a yr. I would much rather have a stick.

 

Very good price. Like I said before you can sell it and make some money, good luck!!

 

I just sold it for 9700 I just couldn't keep it with the CVT hanging over my head

 

Pretty successful transaction, and you'll sleep easier! Are you on the lookout for another one with a manual now?

 

I have a 1990 Miata with 61,000 miles I have been working on this winter so It looks like I am back to that I loved the mini but the auto was not for me and the warnings I got from you all about the CVT was just to much to handle so I sold. I hope to someday come back because I love the car but I want a newer S model Manual and I just can't swing it now. So if you see a 90's Mariner Blue Miata driving around the North Shore of Boston give a beep or wave. Have a great season everyone.