Hi gang,

I'm in the market for a Mini!

I've narrowed my search down to 2002-2004 Mini Cooper S.

Are there any significant changes between the years 2002-2004? Any reason to pick a 2004 over, say, a 2003?

Also, any other tips you guys can provide would be great!

 

Why have you narrowed it down to those years?
I ask, because 05 is when you'd see some "significant" changes. Most changes were minor, but most people find the gearing changes with the '05 to be a significant improvement (in fact, someone just opened up a thread asking about the cost of putting an 05 tranny in a pre-05 MCS).

 

Also if you find an 05 there is a chance of having some factory warranty left on it. If you do some poking around you will see the differences between the 02-04 and the 05-06.

Good luck.

Oh, and does http://www.minipirate.com/ know that you are using his name?

 

I have an '04 MCS. I picked it up in May and I love it. There was some warranty left on it which did help on one occasion when a window motor went out. I personally like the supercharger over the turbo ('07+). I could have never afforded an S though unless I went used. I highly recommend this car. Almost all of my previous experience has been with Japanese cars which I put a great deal of time, effort, and money into customizing. One of those cars, a Turbocharged Acura Integra, saw a substantial amount of customization and money. Even with its nearly 300HP, it just wasn't anywhere near as fun to drive as my Mini was, even before I modified it. The Mini is a joy to drive and more than any other car, a 'lifestyle' car. You can wave to another mini owner and bank on receiving a wave back. Most major cities have a Mini Owners Club. It seems like no two Minis are the same, offering a uniqueness unlike most other cars. Today I have some custom exterior mods, and upgraded ignition system, an improved induction system and a car that truly feels like my own. If you are looking to buy used, I have learned that a replacement of the brake pads and rotors is recommended at or around 45K miles ($432).So try to figure that out before you buy. Also my experience with the runflat tires hasn't been great. They're okay, but not great, and they are expensive to replace. HOWEVER, that's all I have to complain about. I love my '04. I know changes begin to occur in '05. I replaced my center console with one out of an '05. I just liked it more. In the end though, I love my car and I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates a well made, fun to drive car. Good luck with your decision. I hope this has helped. The roads are much more fun in a mini.

 

02 = First year.
Pro's - none really.
Con's - First year, yeah you get to work out all the bugs.

04 = Little more experienced
Pro's - Most of the bugs worked out.
Cons' - Not an 05, so the gearing is a little long.

I just bought my 04 in May and tossed around 02s along with the 04. I'm glad I picked up the 04. I have 1 year of warranty left and have had only one minor issue.

I would buy the newest I could find so I could have a little warranty left. Then go over it with a fine tooth comb and work out the fiddly bits on BMW"s dime.

 

dont need the cd based nav in the 2002 and some 2003 models, its outdated ...kind of worthless and costs 500 at least to upgrade to dvd based unit.

 

By the way this should answer most, if not all of your questions:

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

i don't have much to add that isn't covered in this article

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help.

I'm going to try and find an 05 in my budget, but I'll be sure to test drive both before deciding.