I have done enough research to not ask if they are reliable.

I am looking at getting a 2005-2006 S and I am wondering how much the 100K service will be through the dealer. I most likely won't go to the dealer yet I would like to get an idea of what it would cost if I get car that is close to 100K.

Also is the 2007 worth a little bit more spend?

Any other thoughts or input is more than welcomed.

Thank you!

 

Your best bet is to call shops around your area. I know there is a difference in price where I am depending on what part of town the shop is in. Check out other shops other than just dealerships. Find your local MINI club and ask some of them who they use. There is a club finder in the Main Menu. That is your best bet. I have used a local shop in my area and they have been about half the price of the dealership and the work has been great so far. Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for.

 

MIB4840 I see you have a 2004. In your opinion how much "better" are the 2005 & 2006?

Thx!

 

I would say that the later the model year the better off you are due to the updates. I love my 04 R53 and have had very good luck with it. If you find a good 06 I would jump on that.

 

Find an independent shop to do the maint. the dealer has high over head, only uses MINI brand parts, and therefore cost more.
for 100k I'd suggest doing your own service including:
Oil and filter change
Engine Air filter
A/C filter
Drive belt
plugs and wires
Fuel filter
Other repairs as a need only basis.

If you're trying to decide which MINI year, drive them all and decide for yourself. Everyone has their own loves and hates for each model. You're the only one going to drive it so choose what YOU like.

 

No such thing as a 100k service in a mini...
A "inspection" or service (oil change plus extra items) is done every 30,000 miles, with a small one, inspection 1, followed by a bigger one, inspection 2, 30,000 miles later...the inspection1 30,000 later etc...
Waymotorworks suggestion is good imo if the prior history is unknown.

 

Thank you all for your time and thoughts. I am going to go check this car linked below. It is an 2004 instead of a 2005 which is what I prefer due to the research I've done.


Beyond checking for typical used car stuff do you have any thoughts on this car?


I know it is priced above retail.


http://www.chaplins.com/used-cars/de..._MINI~Model_/9

 

FWIW, IMHO, a 2005 or 2006 MCS is preferred just for its better gear ratios (better driveability). Some even came with LSD and Chrono Gauge pkg. Unless you know that the vehicle in question had these done recently, I'd add to the maintenance list while its up on all fours: a change of coolant and tranny lube.

 

Mr. Trackrat,
Thanks for the input!

 

I've had an '05, '06, and now an '04. Bought the '04 in September due to very low (38K) miles for about the same money as the one you linked to. '05 had a mild "facelift" and had 5 more HP and better gearing. Most problems were sorted out by '04 but there were a few other minor improvements in '05. Big plus for '06 was factory option JCW w/ LSD and biggerr brakes. Motoringfiles has a nice buyers guide for R53 cars.

 

Touch base with www.psmini.org and they will help you. Our site has a large number of Indie shops listed in the Seattle area. The folks from psmini will have their recommendations. Good luck.

 

Thank you Supercoop. Your perspective is what I was looking for.


Buzzsaw I have tried to email PSMINI via the admin email as it is the only way I could find to reach out without applying for membership. Do you have any contact info you can share?

 

Supercoop thanks for the input. That is exactly what I needed to know.


buzzsaw I have reached out to PSMINI via the admin email link as it was the only way I could find to contact them without applying for membership. If you have contact info you can share then that would be great!


Thank you all.

 

[QUOTE=Sultan;3853198]Supercoop thanks for the input. That is exactly what I needed to know.


buzzsaw I have reached out to PSMINI via the admin email link as it was the only way I could find to contact them without applying for membership. If you have contact info you can share then that would be great!


Thank you all.[/QUOTE

www.zahntech.com works with PSMINI members and was recommended.

 

Thanks. I will stop and talk to them.

 

So the 2004 I looked at was very rough. It even had a 4" section of bubbling rust on the hatchback and they couldn't get it to start......