I'm looking at possibly buying an 06 GP but I have some questions about reliability because this will need to be my daily driver and first manual transmission car. I'd probably be looking something with 40-50k miles.

If I decided to buy what are some common problems I should be aware of/look for?

Thanks for the help!

 

Biggest problem will be wiping the constant smile off your face! As for actual problems, the GP will be no different in that regard as any 2006 MCS. Since 2005-2006 are considered to be the best of the Series 1, there are very few problems, usually thermostat, belt tensioner, to name a couple. Best maintenance is preventative maintenance. Change oil & filter every 5-7K miles, bleed brakes and change coolant every 2 years, etc. Since this would be your first manual tranny, here's an excellent tutorial on bad habits to avoid :
http://rennlist.com/articles/true-or...mpaign=content

 

As NC Trackrat stated, the GP is the same, reliability wise, as a 2005-2006 R53. They are good solid cars but they do have a handful of common minor problems that if already fixed in the car you purchase could be a plus.

Here is a buyer's guide.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

I use my GP as a daily driver and currently have 96,000 miles on the car with no major problems. I have had the normal R53 minor problems; leaky thermostat, leaky engine mount, crankshaft position sensor oil leak, and just recently a cracked exhaust manifold (at the pre-cat). I also had to replace the accelerator pedal because the rheostat started to flak out (easy replacement). I replaced the crankshaft pulley and belt tensioner at 90,000 miles as a precaution.

 

Buy it.

 

Mines is for sale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201561274373?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
It was sold for $13,300 but then the buyer flaked. Make me an offer!

 

This one is in Arlington, TX. There are others out there if you search.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5499806191.html

 

I am looking at one in Cali, it has 32K and they want $20,000 does that seem like a lot? also there is one with red wheels in LA and they are selling for under 14K anyone seen this one?