Hello guys, I'm new to the forum and a soon to be mini owner. I have been on the look out for used MCS's and found one at a local used car dealer that I am very interested in. I got quoted 16,400 otd, taxes/fees included for a 03 MCS, 6spd, blue w/ white roof, 45k miles, clean carfax, and factory roof rack for bikes. I took it for a test drive and had a blast.

This does sound like a great deal to me, but have been reading more in this forum about used car threads, buying guides, etc. The conclusion in this guide is to buy 04 and up models. So I started to worry and wonder if I should keep searching for a later model?

Has anyone had this experience when buying a used mini? I would like to hear peoples thoughts about it. Thanks for your help guys!

 

You should prob be able to talk them down some. I picked mine up from a mini dealership 2 years ago now for a grand less than that with the same milage and options....sans the bike rack.
The one thing thats a draw back about the 04's and up is they do tend to eat the motor mount that is visible on the passenger side of the car and leak oil onto things. Other than that the best year to buy would most likely be an 05 if you want to go with an R53, 1st gen cooper s.
Mine is an 03 and I couldn't be happier with it. Since I've owned it the only major required maintenance that I've had to take care of is brakes, clutch/flyweel, and my a/c compressor went out.
Good luck with your search! They are great cars no matter what you go with though!

 

I got my 03 MCS a couple of months ago for 11,500 out the door it had 70k on it. It has cold weather, premium package,sport package, xenon headlights and Ipod adpator

 

I bought my MCS about 3 months ago. 2006 MCS, 45k miles, every option but sunroof and climate control, picked it up for $14,900. You should be able to talk them down. Oh clean carfax too Good luck though with whatever you choose.

 

Damn, you got hooked up guy.

 

I picked up my 04S about 1.5 yrs ago with all the performance mods listed below 42K on th odometer for 18500 included low jack, extended warranty to 70K taxes title etc.

 

Cast your net a little further, greater LA has some good deals out there. Also check websites like autotrader, cars.com, MU, and here on NAM.
Is the bike rack the one on the roof? Cause it leaves gaping holes on the roof.

 

got my 04 MCS chili red with premium, sport, cold weather packages, 47000 miles for $13.5k
shop around, I looked at at least a half dozen coopers before I bought

 

i got a 2004 s with 28k miles for $23k if you find any s's under $20k go for it!!

 

2003 MCS Last June for $17000 with 13K miles on it.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I will continue to shop around, after looking at some of the prices you guys have listed. It was the first mini I looked at also, so I should look around more anyway. My other option was looking at used mkv gti's, but the mini's are just so damn cool.

Cali44, i live in pasadena. I'm sure i will see you buzzing around monrovia sometime.

 

For that price i'd look into a private party deal with a JCW package. I like knowing more history than what carfax can tell me.

 

X2

car fax only works if the repairs (accident or mechanical) were done through insurance. I have repaired many cars involved in accidents that had the owners not wanting to go through insurance for fear of rate increases so they payed cash. So in the end car fax would not show any damage, yet the bill was 5K in some cases.

 

I got my 03 R53 for $14000 plus tax, and the car in 32800 miles when i got it!
The S got almost every option (Nav., premium/sport/winter package,....) whatever u name it beside the premium sound system!

 

Some thoughts from a 2003 MCS owner.

After 6 years of use and about 50K miles-
There are areas to check for wear:
Check for rust on each door opening under the rubber gasket at the floor where your feet enter. This is a known place to catch moisture and a few MINIs have significant rust.
Check the windshield for any chips and damage.
Check all the electronics and Headlights- the better Xenons can have trouble
Check the PCV hose on the cylinder cover- should not be soft-collapsible
Check the suspension parts under the car- look for damage or bends
Check the strut towers- should not be mushroomed
Check that front and rear wipers and fluids are working- clogging/streaks
Check driver upholstery for wear esp leather
Check function of sunroof and look for any leaks or excessive road noise
Check all wheels and tires-for any damage, even tread wear
Check front and rear bumpers and side mouldings for any damage
Check that no check engine lights are coming on- Use OBDII to check for any error codes in computer if you can.
Check the clutch, should be OK if only 40-60K miles
Ask about maintenance papers/documents
Check the air filter (in the airbox) if it is filthy that is a sign the car is not kept up on maintenance.
Check the micro cabin filter under the passenger glovebox- if it has not been replaced then it will be filthy.
Check the AC for cold air, check the heater and radio.

The 2003 did have some problems that were since fixed with later model years but it's a good MINI if everything has been attended to. You should get a better price about 14K or less depending on your area, mileage and options.

If there are any problems found on inspection you can use that information to reduce the price. Even small damage to the bumpers can be very costly to repair or replace. About $900 for a simple bump on the fender from low speed impact.

Personally I like the 2005 MCS in manual transmission.

And yes, my 2003 MCS is working very well.

 

I JUST bought an 02 MCS with 58k for 12k. One owner, a huge folder full of dealer serviced records, in GREAT condition. Cold Weather and Premium Package and newer tires.

Though I have only had the car for a few days, I absolutely love it! It's a blast to drive! I would say that you could do better on the price though...

 

I'm looking for a 2nd Mini and did a Autotrader search. Over 370 within 300 miles. I'm in the state of Washington and that's quite a few for a niche car. The prices are high and the cars aren't selling. Give it some time, the guys trying to sell these will start coming down after the summer months. Financing is difficult and this will put a further strain on sales. Time is on your side.sd

 

Check this out: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

 

One thing I found while searching were Mini's are much cheaper when you leave CA.

I bought a 2003 MCS for $16K with 48K miles about 9 months ago. It became more important to find a clean one, then one used as a commute car.

So far I've fixed a rattle in the dash by using the rubber hose and had to have the crank pulley replaced along with a new belt.

It's been a good car so far.

 

bought my '03 MCS 2 1/3 years ago for 14,500.00 It had 50,800 on the clock.

Keep looking.

-Chase

 

bought my 03 with 60,000 miles on it for 14k, and that was about a year ago, if i would hav shopped more i prob could have found cheaper, so shop till u drop.

Only probs i have had is my headunit has been finicky but havnt needed to replace yet it just shuts off on its own sometimes at random, it powers up again, and my driver side doors doesnt unlock with the key fob. Its been a blast and i am addicted to modding and driving fast. Consequently my gas mileage suffers daily.

Enjoy it when u get it, and if u can get a jcw itll be worth it.

 

16.4k (OTD) is in the ballpark.... CA is higher tax and DMV fees now. So that is about 14.5k before fees.
And it is harder to find good deals in CA.

If you like the car, talk him down 10% or more and that is an OK deal.
(but personally, I would go for an '05 at this time)

 

I got my 04 for about 14k otd with 60k.
I would add to the list of things to look for, check the low pressure a/c line at the bottom of the engine bay and make sure it's not rubbing on a hard metal line coming off the transmission. I have to wait for the stealership to get new lines in because of this little issue. Other than that I love her.

 

I don't mean to hijack this thread but I am considering a MCS purchase as well and the wife and I are going to check this one out today. What do y'all think?

http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/1265870601.html