I'm thinking about getting a Mini Cooper S. Looking for some intel on them. I have been doing reserch on the web, but didn't know if there were any Mini Cooper owners on the forum. Didn't know if there are any specific year I should stay away from, problems,etc..........

 

The probably just look for a later model MCS, say like 2005-06. The bugs were mostly worked out of the car by then. But I dont drive an S so Im no expert, but this the advice I would give you for a Cooper

 

none here. you'll want to try a Chevy forum for that

 

^

I would start by looking at this:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Good luck with your search.

 

The MINI's improved every year and changed in small ways right up to the R56 redesign. Like any car, you'll want to test drive it and make sure it's mechanically sound. The later engine mounts seem to go out prematurely but are pretty easy to replace and the problem seems to be rectified by an engine damper. The later cars had a bump in power and a few other refinements (teflon coated supercharger, lighter harmonic balancer) so I say get the newest car you can afford. Early cars had a few electrical gremlins, but nothing that would really turn me off to one. All cars are susceptible to strut tower mushrooming, especially with low profile tires, stiffer suspension, and potholed roads, but it's not unfixable and there are ways to prevent the problem.

Good luck with your search and we look forward to welcoming you as an owner to the community.

edit: oh sure, I could've just posted a link to the motoringfile buyers guide.

 

I drive a first gen ('03) r50 but rumor has it the first gen (r53) they blow spark plugs.. So you have to check them more often. Also I heard somewhere that the Manual transmissions in the first gen coopers some of them blew out... I have 93,000 miles on mine and no problems yet... **knock on wood** You should get an r50 and join us "justacooper" fans and have more pride when you whoop up on the r53/r56 drivers...

r50 w00t!!!

 

but didn't know if there were any Mini Cooper owners on the forum.


Smoking his bus tickets again!!!!!

 

I have an '06 R53... its been reliable, but had a few annoying squeaks the dealer fixed.

The link above (and here) is also really useful.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Not much to work with here, but let's assume that you are looking for used.
02- Just say NO. Problem children. <flame suit on>
03/04- If this is all your budget will allow, then go into it knowing that you will be without warranty and that repairs tend to be more expensive than on other makes. Also feel underpowered compared to later models due to gearing differences.
05/06- The best of the best. Better gearing, better parts, chance of some remaining warranty. All of the early-year bugs are worked out.

Hope this helps (and doesn't start any year vs year wars!)

 

i have 57,000 miles on it now. i dont drive it in winter at all. stays garaged. but the entire time the temp breaks 65 outside im in my R53. i would say i drive more agressively then "spirited". i have some mods as well. If you dont mind fixing a few things that go bad ( water pump, radiator,expansion tank ) and changing plugs frequently its a great car. as far as "R56 being faster then R53 due to different gearing" i think this is hogwash. true i have mods but i test drove alot of coopers before i purchased mine and i believe mine was the fastest and felt the most solid. whatever you chose youll love it and good luck

 

I believe what he was referring to was the changing in the first two gears in R53s between 2004 and 2005. I did notice a difference between the 2003 Cooper S I test drove and my 2006 S. You'll only really notice the difference at pretty low speeds, like the ability to use second gear from near a stand-still and a bit easier take-offs in first. I wouldn't say it makes the car faster on a track unless it's a very tight course.

 

As noted, he's talking about the new gearing in the '05 R53.

You're right the R56 is not faster than the R53 due to gearing -- it's 'cause of the engine

 

Find one. Buy one. Grin like an idiot while driving. 'nuf said.

-skip-

 

Thanks guys. Sorry about the stupid post. (I have been doing reserch on the web, but didn't know if there were any Mini Cooper owners on the forum) I copied and pasted the question from a local forum that has other makes and models on it. I was being lazy and didn't read it. I am selling my other car and as soon as it sells, I will buy my Mini S. Thanks again.

 

Yeah, the MINI Cooper S 06 I own has been a dream. I wouldn't have anything else.

 

It seems that there have been fewer problems w/ the newer models (05 and 06) but the earlier ones can be pretty good too. I have an 03 (02 build) that will turn 170,000 miles today. Its still on original clutch, and super charger, and has very little repairs done to it other than routine maintenance. It's been modded some - sc pulley, cai, oil catch can, intercooler, plugs, wires, coil, rear sway, control arms, coilovers, strut bar, coilovers etc, and I would still say its one of the most reliable cars I've owned. I've never bee left stranded.. ever.

+s' on the 02 and 03 - stiffer suspension (before mini went soft)
+s' on 05 - 06 - better gearing, more of the little bugs worked out etc.

Either way, get one and you'll be happy!

Nik

 

04 and newer are nice cars. But they did work out ALL the bugs by 05. Just look in "Consumer Reports"; the 05+ got very favorable reviews.

I picked up an 04 Mini Cooper S this summer. 17.5k on the clock at the time (now 26.5k), and the only thing I've had to do on it is swap out the wiper motor. (Apparently a common issue. The motor took me an hour to do.) Easy to work on and great on gas for a supercharged car.

So you've got feedback from an owner, and we'll all be happy to give you more, I'm sure.

 

Thanks guys for all the input......Andy

 

I think they meant the forum they were on, not THIS forum.

My, we're a goofy lot. This is what Mini ownership does to one.