2002 MCS
32,000 miles
Manual
$17,900.00
Premium package
S-lights with new all season tires

I've read about some things that plagues the 2002 year model. One thing that's grabbed my attention the most is the known tranny failure. How serious is this problem? Is it enough to where I should stay away from 2002 models entirely? I'm apprehensive about purchasing a newer mini because I really do not want to spend too much money on a car. The toss up is between this car and a 2000 GTi for $15000 (45k miles). The GTi is a stage 3+ APR that puts down around 280-300whp. Its also equipped with coilovers, quaife, SSR wheels, sway bars (front and back), FMIC, etc...

 

Most of the tranny issues I'm aware of are in the autos and the 5-speed Cooper, not the S 6-speed Getrag. But, maybe I missed something since my '02 was a CVT (without issues, mind you. )

 

I have no comment about the 2002 MCS. But if you are choosing between the heavy modded GTI and 2002 MCS, I would AVOID that heavy modded GTI. Since you have no idea how the previous owner beat up the car, and all those mods (I know 300whp is very attractive) will shortern the life of the powertrain component. This kind of car is for show, or track only. If you are looking for a reliable one, the GTI isn't a choice.

 

That GTI might have been mine. . . . believe me, you don't want it!

 

There were not any problems with the MCS getrag tranny.....The problems were with the midlands tranny, loosing it's seals in very cold weather causing failure

 

I have to say that when faced between the two choices, I'd also go for the MCS in this case. A statement which might surprise a few people who have seen other comments I've made.

In my opinion, the only good extensively modified car is one you've extensively modified yourself.

After all, be rational, nobody modifies a car to that extent just to rack up "mainly highway miles, never tracked, never driven hard, or raced".

 

As others have said, don't worry about the '02 6-speed. Very reliable. The main issue with the '02 S was software-related. Do a search on "stumble" or "yo-yo" and you'll get loads of info on those. Software updates at the dealer solved the problems for some people, but not for others, and sometimes they ended up changing the car's power delivery substantially for the worse. Definitely drive at least one other S before you decide that the '02 you're looking at is OK.

There was a reservoir (coolant?) that was of substandard quality in the '02s and leaked, but it was a widely recognized problem, and the dealer should have replaced it under warranty if it was a problem. The windshield probably sucks too, but there's no getting around that unless you go aftermarket.

There are more risks with the '02s, but there are plenty of solid ones on the road, as members here will tell you. Good luck with the decision!

 

Agreed, my '02 doesn't seem to have any of the issues that others here write about, thankfully.

 

My 02 MCS is a Cream Puff. But I have to tell you that I bought it with only 4700 mls on it ($20,550 D/S white roof, Premium Pkg, leather). That was last year (11/04) and I've put 7000 more trouble free (& spirited) mls on it since than.

In September of this year, I brought it in for an oil change and got the idea to ask the service manger for all the service/repair records for the car. Turns out the only issue the previous owner had with the car was a rear hatch rattle that was fixed under warranty.

I also want to explain my attitude towards this MCS (The IRON MOUSE). This car is my "Baby" and no matter what problems I ever have with it, those problems are going to be fixed, by the only Dealship that it has ever known (MINI of Pittsburgh), even if it means keeping an open end loan to pay for those repairs.

New cars cost alot of money. Hopefully, with alittle luck, it won't cost me as much money to keep "My Baby" like new.

 

Having my 02 MCS over 3 years now and I drive it very hard, I have never had 1 mechanical failure on the car. I’ve never had a windshield replaced. I’ve never had one problem what so ever with the MINI that was not my cause alone.

 

I agree with this, avoid the modded GTI. If you were thinking the MCS might have tranny problems, this one could/would be worse.
Cheers
Shawn

 

18 grand for a 2002??? For ~6 grand more you could have a new 2006 MCS with a few options.

 

Are you kidding me? You act like someone could just pull six grand out of their *** or something.

The initial poster said this: "I really do not want to spend too much money on a car."

Both cars he mentions are in roughly the same price range. So, it's easy to see roughly what sort of money the guy's looking to spend on a car.

Come on, man. Think before you make assumptions about other peoples' money situations.

 

I Agree! 6 grand would probably cost about an extra $150 per-month on a 4yr loan. Some buyers think about what they can budget and $150 extra per-month is OVER BUDGET.

I checked the Kelly Blue Book on a 02 MCS, 32000 mls, premium package, premium wheels and only good condtion (it may be in excellant condtion, 32k is under average milage for an 02). It came in at suggested retail $20,735. That's what you could expect the dealer's starting price to be. Private party value (what an Insurance Company might pay if it's totaled in an accident) was $17,375.

He could probably buy that MCS outright for an even $17,000, maybe less.

 

Relax... I wasn't making any assumptions. It just seems to me that 18 Grand is alot to spend on on a car that is 3 years old and may have been 23 or 24 grand new. I wouldn't make that deal even if it is for a Mini. for 18 Grand there are other cool cars that you can buy new.... a Golf for instance.

You need to calm down

 

Wrong. But whatever. You wouldn't buy a three year old Mini, eh?

What's wrong? Afraid of the build quality? But...but...it's a BMW!

Shocking!

 

Go with the MINI over the VW.

From someone who knows...

 

Apparently you are missing the point of what I'm trying to say... The cost of a used Mini is unusually high therefore in my opinion not worth it when a new one isn't too much more expensive. Instead of attacking me for having a different opinion why don't you consider my opinion even though it is opposed to yours? If I had only 18 Grand, I would consider a new Cooper or something entirely different. I'd rather have a new something else than a used MCS (or anything used). Just my opinion... take it or leave it


It's called intelligent discourse... Something you obviously know nothing about.

 

Intelligent discourse? Let me tell you what intelligent discourse is not. It's not making assumptions about other peoples' financial abilities.

Perhaps an extra six thousand dollars over a predetermined budget is something you could come up with fairly easily and would have no problem with. That's fine.

For others, it might not be.

But making a moron statement like "But come on! It's only six grand more for a new car!" is asinine when the user wasn't asking your opinion on whether or not he should buy new over used.

And again, I'll direct your attention to this comment that you in your attempt at "intelligent discourse" chose to overlook in the initial post:

"I'm apprehensive about purchasing a newer mini because I really do not want to spend too much money on a car."

Now, I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like the sort of statement that someone who could just up his car budget by six grand just like that would make.

Good day.

 

Actually, as for the monthly payments, an 06 MCS's payment can be run longer than the 02. The monthly payments might be less.

Of coarse, he could save even more and buy one of my MINIS, the 03 for $15K. It's listed in the market threads along with my 05 MCS.