Getting ready to pull the trigger... need some help
 

Hi Everyone!!!

THis is my first post in this forum, and I have been surfing around secretly for the pass month. I want to get some advise on this 2005 MC auto.

Let me know if this is a Go or a No

57423 miles
Automatic
Green
Premium package
Cold weather package
total..14800

I'm going to look at it today from the dealer and test drive it. And I'm planning to get a extended warranty for possible transmission problem

Let me know what you all think...!!! Thank you

Is this a Cooper or Cooper S?

If it is a Cooper, then you are talking about the infamous ZF CVT. BE CAREFUL with this transmission. Unless the previous owner changed the transmission fluid every 25K miles, I personally would steer clear of it.

Spend $2K or $3K more and get a Cooper S automatic. The R53 S automatic has a Japanese (Toyota sourced) AISIN 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that is simply ROCK SOLID. Do a search on the AISIN 6-speed in the S models and you won't find any complaints about them.

The CVT costs upwards of $6K to repair. Factor that into the final price of the car $14,800 + $6,000 = $20,800

For that much money you can either buy a brand new 2009 R56 Cooper automatic or an used 2005-2007 Cooper S auto.

Let me know if you need any help as I have owned 4 MINIs in the past 7 years.

Some extended warranties do not cover for normal wear and tear. BUYER BE AWARE!!

Some of these companies only cover for parts and labor if the part is DEFECTIVE. If your CVT is not deemed to be defective, they won't cover for replacement and you'll be stuck with a very expensive turkey!

Go to a REPUTABLE aftermarket warranty company Warranty Direct covers for both, part failure due to normal wear and tear and for defect as well. The problem is that their warranties can run you upwards $3K but again they are the most reputable in the business.

It's very hard to find a good MCs with auto around my area or even near by states. I will double check with the dealer later today and get all the facts (history) straight...

Thanks for the quick respond

Get the VIN number of the car and call your nearest MINI dealer service dept. They should be able to pull out the car's original build sheet and service history to see how the car was serviced during the warranty period and what repairs were made to it.

Any MINI dealer in the country can do this for you and no extra charge.

Also get a detailed Carfax report.

Again, I would wait to find the perfect MCSa. The AISIN transmission is much more reliable than the CVT. The CVT can be a nightmare if it fails.


Best of luck.

NW mini won't do it..... the lady just refuse to get me any information

Just if...the transmission had been serviced recently or the old transmission had been replaced. Would that make any difference? Just curious...

I test drove it today.... condition is not that impressive...some paint chip. Decided to continue looking..or just wait for a 09 Mini.

Thanks for the responds