So I am going to look at a 2006 mini automatic. It has 245000 KM on it with a new rebuilt transmission (it was built at eurawa in Montreal). It has new paint job and looks great. My question is how long should the engine last and should I even consider buying it? I will be going to see it Friday Oct. 20th.
I will have more to say once I go and take it for a test drive and have a look with my mechanic father.

 

Would be more concerned with that CVT, when was it rebuilt?

 

The cvt has about 6000km on it. I will see the bill of sale when I go look tomorrow.

 

Things to look for when buying a high mileage car.


Water pump been change,
Low fan speed works on radiator (turn ac on low and listen if the low speed fan comes on),
Power steering fan in working condition,
Thermostat housing been replace,
Maintenance history (oil change, air/oil/cabin filter),
Check engine light on,
Control Arm Bushing,
Ball Joints,
Harmonic Balancer (new version),


And everything else you can check if it's in working condition.


Depending on how much they are selling it. My car has about the same exact miles, but now its giving me a hesitation/limp mode (hopefully the MAP sensor). Just remember that you'll be dropping more money into the car later down the road if it has never been replace. The engine should last fairly long if they keep up to date with it's usual maintenance (oil change, spark plug, filter)

 

Awesome. That is great advise and I thank you both for replying so quickly. He wants $4000 CAD for the car. I will make sure I get my dad to check everything that you have suggested. Is there a way to tell if some of the parts have been changed like:
Thermostat housing
Control Arm Bushing,
Ball Joints,
Harmonic Balancer (new version)

I'm sure I can source the parts fairly cheap and my dad and I can change them in his garage.
I was more worried about the CVT and how long the engine is going to last.
What about the power steering pump. I read that these have problems too?

 

So I just heard back from the owner and he said the power steering fan is not working. I would definitely be replacing that right away if I buy the car.

 

Personal opinion, but i would shy away from the CVT. If it fails, basically no point in fixing the car as the costs will be huge, unless somehow, you can do it yourself but it may require dealer reprogramming regardless.

 

I have seen a thread on how to fix them. You can tell when they are about to go and trick is to get to it before it goes. All that is need is a new belt which can be had for about $200. My dad owns a garage and we should be able to repair ourselves.
I think part of the problem is according to all of the reading I have done is change the tranny oil every 40000km which will help with longevity. Early on mini said that you never had to change it. This is just my assumption though. I will send link of belt and the how to replace the tranny belt when I get back to my pc.

 

You wont be able to look at it unless its on a car lift or jacking it up. Just look for signs of cracks and grease spots. Joint should have grease in it and no cracks but if it does than you'll have to replace them. YouTube the control arm bushing I couldn't put the link on here as it's too big. You can do the kicking the tire to see if it moves. I'm assuming the thermostat housing is replace plus the gasket due to the high mileage, but keep that in mind just incase it goes out on you.


Since the power steering fan is out it's going to cost roughly 100 to replace it. Before buying it I'll check the F5 fuse in the kick panel by the feet to see if it's blown. If it is not then you have a bad relay on the radiator fan or the 100amp. Can also check by turning the AC on to see if it'll turn on. If it is blown than just replace it. Also I will find out how long the owners been driving it like that.


I wouldn't pay that much for the car. I can't even get 3000 for my car.

 

Ok. Is that $3000 US or CAD? He paid $3500 for the new tranny and about 3 months ago and won't sell for less than $4000. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I guess the test drive will tell. thanks for all of the help so far.

Here is the link for the site rebuild the CVT. here

 

Too many problems

 

Thank you all for your great advice. I have decide to not go look at the car because I did not get a good feeling about the car with the potential problems it might have. I am now taking your advice and I'm going to buy a manual mini and learn how to drive manual. I have driven one before a few times and it shouldn't be that hard to learn. I'm only 2km from work so worse case is I walk until I get the hang of it. LOL
I found a nicely used 2005 R53 with only 110000km on it. Would this be a more reliable car than the auto?

 

Chances are it'll be more reliable than the CVT.

Best of luck with the manual. My mini isn't (its the wife's) but my car is and i love it, even in rush hour NYC traffic haha. Theres some good youtube videos out there teaching you manual, including some by "s0ggyrice" who drives a r53 MCS himself!

 

All other things being equal, the R53 will almost certainly cause you less worry than the R50 with the CVT. If you really want an automatic, look for a first generation Cooper S (R53, up through 2006) because it uses a normal (non-CVT) automatic transmission. Or look at a second generation Cooper (R56, from 2007 and on), as it also uses a normal automatic.

Stay away from the first generation Cooper (R50, 2002-2006) with the automatic, and stay away from the second generation Cooper S (2007 and on) regardless of transmission.

In any case, have a mechanic with MINI experience look over any prospective purchase. Good luck!