Hey Everyone,

I am in the market for a new car and I have test driven a 350Z, S2k, and stumbled across the Mini Coupe S. Out of all those cars I liked the mIni the most. I know that there are a lot of Horror stories out there with these cars so I wanted to post the ad of the car IM going to test drive today. There is a carfax report link on the ad site.

As Cooper owners, when I go see this car, what are some major issues or things that I should try to keep and eye open for? I heard already about the Lifter Clacking, and read about the Hood Scoop warped. I will make sure to check all that. But are there any other things that I should really pay special attention to?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false


Carfax Report: http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_Displa...RE33465TD88625

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Sherv

 

The things you read about apply to the later R56 models, for the R53 there were relatively few problems by the 05-06 years. Check the engine mount on the passenger side as they tend to fail and leak fluid out, it's an easy and cheap fix though. Also, there's a bit of a tapping issue with the dual mass flywheel.
That particular car looks modified so make sure the mods were done properly and take a good look at the serpentine belt since the waterpump is driven off the supercharger, that belt's pretty important.

 

I could be wrong but the hood scoop issue, I thought, was not an issue until the Turbo Charged motors came out. I didn't think it affected the Gen 1 Supercharged?

From reading the Carfax I would inspect that accident report and see if you can figure out where it was and how extensive it was. And being a NY car most of its life I would really REALLY inspect for corrosion and rusting issues.

 

Oh looking at it more, do you think it is lowered? Says that is the factory Aero Kit but I wouldn't know the difference. lol Either way I will def check the things you listed! (Making my check list now)

 

Yea I have my girl coming with me, she owns a very large Body shop and used to be an estimator so she will look for that. Keep em coming! Learning a lot just from those two posts

 

This might help you out:

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

I swear somone else posted the link to this car on here a few days ago. You might have some competetion for this car.

 

Good read Varga, thanks for the link. Doesn't seem like too much major issues with the 05-06.

 

The interior is leatherette instead of leather so look for cracking along the drivers seat leg and kidney abuttment (spell). You may have to squeeze it to see it but very common in these cars (My 02 MCS has it). You may be able to reduce the $?

 

I might be way off base here (familiar territory), but I always understood the seats in cars that are equipped with heated seats were leather, not vinyl (leatherette).
Puleese, correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Seat heaters were available in all variations of seat material.

 

I bought an 04 MCS about 6 months ago and really love it. I did have to replace the powersteering pump ( 60,000 miles ) and am upgradeing the stereo. Also, depending on where you drive , a steel skid plate can be a very good investment - I live off a dirt road.

Lastly, try and find a BMW mechanic - outside of the dealership for oil changes and maintenance. Jiffy Lube can do real damage to these cars.

A radar detector is a good idea too

You are going to have a lot of fun driving it!

Scott

 

The only thing that really sparks my interest (other than the accident report) is that the front rotors and rear pads were replaced with only 16,200 miles on the car.....kind of makes me think it was tracked/autocrossed.

04/04/2007 16,200 Hassel Auto Group, Inc.
Huntington, NY
631-271-1200
www.hassel.com Vehicle serviced
Maintenance inspection completed
Battery replaced
Front brake rotors replaced
Rear brake pads replaced
Power steering pump replaced
Two tires mounted and balanced

 

I have an 05 MCS. I love it but it had a faulty thermostat, mushrooming in the strut tower, crank pulley, new motor mount, right now im getting a new thermostat housing AND a clutch. I did not wear out the clutch it has some sort of defect they told me. I don't care how many problems it has i'm going to keep it for a long time. I love my MINI but hope the clutch is the last thing to go for awhile.

 

y're thinking of adj lumbar supports, which only came on leather and leather/cloth options

 

Correct. In the first gen the hood scoop was fully functional as the SC's air intake, in the 2nd gen it's just bling.

 

Wow! That is a steal! Great car at an even better price. AND it's electric blue. One of my favorite MINI colors of all time.

 

Hey everyone, thanks again for all replies. So test drove the car last night and it clearly rocks. Salesman didn't come with us to test it so I got a chance to take it on a few twisties and it was very impressive.

Once we got back to the dealer, I pulled the car into the garage so I can take a look at the car under bright lights and indoors cuz it was ridiculous cold last night. Upon examining the car, we found quite a number of imperfections. Areas where the paint is bubbling due to rust forming below the paint, rust visible where the Fender flare meats the fender. Front bumper was repainted, Driver side quarter panel repanted, Hood didn't align correctly. The area just infront of the door jam where the "S" symbol is on the passenger side is not flush with the door or hood lines.

All in all my friend stated "This car is a blast and has a really nice ride, but it is rough" I may consider the car still if they take some figures off the price, but the way I see it. If I buy the car and have to spend money to get extended warranties and then the rusting starts to seep through more...then it'll be just as hard for me to sell the car when I need to get rid of it.

Overall: Great car, amazing drive and ride....absolutely love the Navi! But body work done to the car is there, not great work, some rust spots. But then again...unless u know what to look for, you wouldn't know. Also the dealer is having trouble trying to find out what accident the car was in.

Any personal comments on this car now after reading the review? Granted I'm really not a Mini know it all lol.

 

Find another MCS.

 

Rust coming from inside out... from a Snow Belt car would be a deal killer for me. It is practically not repairable and you'll be chasing it forever until the parts start to fall off. And the accident sound a bit more than expected as well. Too bad really because it is a well optioned car of a great color at a good price but now we can see why.

 

That is the disheartening part Philip. I wanted all the options this car has for around that price. Oh well, keep searching. The other car I'm looking at buying is an S2000...but god that Mini could haul *** and handle