In general I would like to get a Cooper S with a stick… beyond that I don't know what I am looking for. Are there certain things I should be looking for?

 

Know that the 02-06 are supercharged (r53), and the 07+ are turbocharged (r56). I would also recommend looking for a model with DSC (dynamic stability control) as opposed to ASC (automatic stability control). DSC is more geared towards "spirited" driving and allows a little bit of slip, and ASC is just basic annoying stability control that cuts the engine out when you dont want it to (which is why I turn it off when I'm driving enthusiastically :D).. My previous car was a bmw z3 3.0l coupé which had DSC, and my current car is an r53 with ASC, and as far as interference from the computer, I found the DSC to behave better, especially in the wet... Most everything else that may be desirable to you as far as personalization goes are probably options, and if you're buying used it's hard to get exactly what you want for the price (hence why I have ASC and ***** wheels that are getting replaced asap). If you can find one in your price range I would also recommend a John Cooper Works (JCW) edition Mini to save yourself some upgrades if you plan on tuning it.

Make sure you get the right tires
-TheWrongTires

 

Yes,
I can tell you what you should be looking for.
A nice low miles Honda. Save yourself that mightmare for something with less money involved.
But, i am sure there will be lots of blowback from this post reply, the vendors on this forum make quite a nice living off these cars.

 

One with a warranty!

 

Honda's are great, parts are cheap, and they're notably reliable. However, some people happen to enjoy maintaining their cars and fixing things that go wrong. I'm assuming the OP desires a mini because they're unique, solid, and great fun to drive.. not to mention the racing pedigree that comes along with the name. Some people aren't cut out for personally maintaining their cars, but I doubt anyone who goes to the length of joining a car forum like this one is like that. I have also noticed that there are significantly more problems/complaints with the automatic version of any Cooper.

Also, I'm not sure about anyone else (I'm sure there's a good many), but personally, I fancy the sound of a Mini Cooper S (especially supercharged ) infinitely more than a Civic or any other honda 4.. regardless of the exhaust.

Lastly, I just also want to add that vendors on Honda forums also make good livings

If you do decide to get a Honda, make sure you get the right tires
-TheWrongTires

 

Get the ULTIMATE MINI. The 06 R53 GP1 & never look back nor desire any other MINI again.
You're welcome, in advance!:D

 

OP: welcome to NAM & my compliments on your interest in a great marque.

As 'Tires mentioned, to start with, know that first gen hardtop Ss (02 - 06) are supercharged, everything after that is turbocharged. That's the biggest difference but far from the only one. There are differences in interior & exterior design/styling too. If you can, spend some time looking at and driving both.

Most MINI owners/enthusiasts agree that first gen cars are more "raw", more of a driver's car while the second gen cars are more refined. I prefer the immediate push of a SC and the whine that comes on when you spool it up. The burble & pop of the exhaust and tighter handling, along with the first gen styling, led me to my '06.

If you're interested in first gen cars, check the Motoring File buyer's guide, found here.

If you find a car you like from a private seller or non-MINI dealer, spend $150'ish on a pre-purchase inspection so you can get an idea of what repairs & maintenance may be needed in the future. Also, stay far away from dealerships when it comes to repairs (unless you get a car w/an extended warranty). There are a few Internet resources that list independent MINI repair shops, which is definitely the way to go.

Good luck on your search, let us know how you fare, and ignore replies recommending Honda's or some such *****. You want MINI, you asked about MINI on a MINI forum, forget the appliances or belly button cars.

 

Look at buying a 2007 or newer S, 6 speed, hatchback or coupe. They are the lightest and handle the best. As for buying a Honda, I've owned a few, and that's really bad advice. They are very boring.

 

Are you good turning wrenches? Do you like working on your own cars? Just something to think about before buying an older mini.

As far as the common stuff that seems to go back..
1. Lower control arm bushings
2. shocks/struts
3. blow off valve on the supercharger
4. oil leaks, power steering leaks

Drive it, listen for any weird sounds, make sure there are no strange vibrations, check the oil level, see if the air filter is clean, basically make sure the previous owner took are of it. Do they have any service records on the car?

Your best bet would be to take it to a BMW or MINI dealer and pay them a little to go through it and give it a good once over.

Don't' get me wrong, Mini's are great little cars....but if you are not very familiar with them, let a pro take a look and tell you what they think before you guy anything.

 

I would avoid the 2007 R56first year of the 2nd Generation.
I would go 2009 and UP, I'm not sure if the R56 handles better than the R53 but R53's handle like a.... you guessed it A GO CART!!!!!!
Drive both but any of them will require to spend a bit of money, parts are expensive as well as labor, just to give you an Idea a clutch job at the dealer will run you about 3,600.00 in NYC if you need a new Fly wheel 2,600 or so if it is just the clutch, Helix a well known MINI shop in PA will charge less than 1k plus parts.
I try to fix most of my stuff myself and I'm far from a mechanic, but if I feel lazy I take it to a good MINI shop like Helix and the likes whatever is close to you. getting a service history and PPI is a most, make sure it is someone that knows MINIs since they will know what to look for.

I love my 05 R53 they will always give some kind headaches but I love working on it and nothing beats the FUN factor in this cars plus when you buy a MINI the MINI community comes with it for FREE.