I''m looking at buying a 2003 Mini Cooper, manual, and I was just looking for some input. I know there are a lot of transmission problems out there, and I really don''t want to buy the car and then 10,000 miles later put in a new transmission for $8,000. Also, what is about the cost of regular maintenance? How much do most people put into their Mini each year?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Is it an "S"? if so the tranny were better then the non "S". There are many more Just-A-Coopers that didn't need trannys then those that did. However if you did it wouldn't cost you $8K. We just priced one for a local customer installed it was about $3500.00. How many miles are on the one you are thinking about? Oil Change every 6K will be about $100 at a dealer or local shop, just make sure they know what they are doing. Belt every 65K for a few hundred. Brakes about every 50K can be done for well under $500 with NAPA replacement parts. That's covers the major stuff. Bottom line a MINI is not going to nickel and dime you to death if it got/gets it's TLC.

 

It is not an "S" model and it has about 48K miles on it.

 

Then my above post stands.

 

ta1yn,
Waht AutoXCooper said, plus:
If the price is right, it looks nice and its what you want, go for it! Look into an extended warranty from AAA or warrantydirect.com. Ask questions before buying but it could help you feel better about your purchase. I just got an 04 w/ CVT, 32K miles. It runs and drives GREAT but I am going for an EW.
I am usually not a fan of them but I had one on my 96 RAM and it paid for a tranny job and water pump. In other words, that warranty paid for itself. I had one on my 94 Camper but never used it. It came with a refund policy and I got my $1200 back at the end of the term, so that one was also worth it. Its up to you.
SteveB

 

That's funny as mine is an 03, non-S, and it had 48k on when I got it. Granted, that was also 2 years ago. All in all, I've put maybe $1,000 into maintenance between new plugs, wires, belt, brakes on all 4 corners, brake fluid and flush, trans flush, new coolant, and oil changes which have all been done at a local independent garage, not the dealer for any of it. Now on the other hand, let's not mention the other 2500 I've spent in mods so far. Once that first sway bar goes on or that DDM gets installed, it has hit the fan.

 

It's a slippery slope! I already placed my first order with outmotoring.com...

 

Yup it's a nice car i got mine on 10 Jan 2003 new and it's doing 65k,during that time it's been normal maintenence of wear and tear items,i change the tranny oil regularly with Ams Oil fully synt and no probs actually feels smoother than the crap oil BMW put in it,am changing the clutch to aftermarket which is wear and tear as i do drive hard at times,so i cant blame the clutch.Go for it