I need some opinions. I test drove a 05 MCS w/70,000 miles on it. I noticed it made a rattling/knocking noise in neutral and it went away when I pressed the cluth in. Is this normal gear turn over or throwout bearing/ flywheel problem. Also are the 05's faster than the 04's and if so how much faster? Because it felt faster than an 04 but I drove the 04 a while ago can't remember. Any info would be great I'm trying to decide between 2 cars the 04 has less miles but if the 05 is faster I might go for that one.

 

The noise you're describing is completely normal and if you search the word "helicopter" here, you'll find dozens of threads on the noise.

2005's had better gearing then the previous years. That's perhaps why you felt as if it was faster then the 2004 you drove.

 

I've got an '04 and beat up on '05+ models all the time

 

The '05 was the first year LSD was an option, so you might want to see if the '05 has it. Also as has been stated the '05 has different gearing for better acceleration. Finally, there have been a number of reports of car fires as a result of a short in the Power Steering pump for Pre '05 MINIs--another reason to lean on the '05.

Btw, I've got an '05 MCS as well that I purchased used coming from an '03 MC.

Richard

 

We have yet to meet each other on the road....lol jk. For the record, I don't street race. =)

 

[QUOTE][The '05 was the first year LSD was an option, so you might want to see if the '05 has it. Also as has been stated the '05 has different gearing for better acceleration. Finally, there have been a number of reports of car fires as a result of a short in the Power Steering pump for Pre '05 MINIs--another reason to lean on the '05.

Btw, I've got an '05 MCS as well that I purchased used coming from an '03 MC.

/QUOTE]
Can you tell a difference between your 05 and the 03

 

Try the drags sometime I love the look of a newbie Mustang driver

 

Considering the '03 was a Cooper not Cooper S, yes!!! lol. On the otherhand, when I bought my '05 it had a 16% pulley and intake already, so it's hard to compare it to a stock pre-'05. But many of the reasons to buy the '05 over the pre '05's had to do with new xenon headlights, new taillights, new steering wheel (which I didn't like at first over the 2 spoke), new gearing, LSD option.

 

So which would you guys go with. A 2004 mcs w/ 57,000 miles or a 2005 mcs w/70,000 miles prices are the same.

 

I'm leaning toward the 04.

 

Depends on how they are spec'd--assuming packages (premium/sport/convenience, etc..) are comparable...I'd have no problems with the '05.

I've got 89,000 miles on my '05--I bought it with 37,000 miles on Dec. 2006, and started racking up the miles around January 2007.

Although I've done a lot to my car--coilovers, new rims, custom paint inside and out, as far as maintenance goes---there hasn't been too many major things.

Replaced the pulley belt and tensioner after it broke recently, replaced the water pump a few weeks ago, replaced the power steering fan, replaced the bushings to Powerflex bushings. I bought a spare super charger off a NAM member in case I ever need it.

Everything else is strong. I bought an Invidia exhaust early on and a Wilwood BBK a few months ago..modding never ends, lol.

 

I would go with the '05. Reason: The'04 will get there(in terms of miles) eventually. Also, you will have the updated model (different taillights, steering wheel and transmission). The quickest way to tell an '02-'04 from an '05-'06, check the taillights. If you have a single reverse(back-up light) in the center of the rear bumper, that's a pre-'05, if you have a red light or a black delete/filler plate in the center of the bumper, with two back-up lights in the taillight assemblies themselves, that's an '05-'06. Hope this clarifies a little bit.
Also, when "hunting around" for MINI's, sometimes people change bonnets/hoods on repaired/salvaged MINI's, so be suspicious if you see a MINI Cooper(Just-a-cooper/Non-S) with an "Cooper-S" hood with the air intake scoop.

Thanks

 

You go with the 05' and then go through it with a fine tooth comb, fixing and signing off on all systems. Keeping in mind that no matter what the year the car is that it's "used" and may need some TLC along the way. No biggie if you can afford to fix the issues that may arise.

That is what I did for my 05' and so far I've spent less than 1K in repairs. All repairs were very minor and needed.

Good luck

 

That rattle/knocking noise resulted in a replacement of clutch and flywheel on my 05 under warranty. I remember reading of other cases of replacement under warranty, so I don't think it's normal if it still has the oem clutch and flywheel. Do a search, I'm sure you will find something around here on nam.