Hello all,
I am looking to buy a used mini cooper. What I am wondering is what mechanical defects/problems I should look out for? How many miles is considered High Millage for one of these cars? I know about the mini cooper 5 speed transmission problems but when does theses problems on average begin to happen? Should I be looking for an S ? How much should I be paying for a used Mini? Any help or insight on buying one of these cars would be greatly appreciated. Or better yet if you know of a nice one for sale by you let me know.
Thanks for your help
Nick

 

I picked my first MINI earlier this year. I found a 2006 MINI Cooper with about 38,000 miles. It was pepper white with a black top. It came with the premium package, sport package, harmon/kardon sound system, and two tone leather seats. I paid about $15,100 and thought that I got a pretty good deal.

I would have rather had an S model, however I couldn't spend the extra money. Also, in this R50 the 2006 models were the best as they were the last built.

One thing I would check into if you have more than one to choose from. After I bought the car the moon roof started leaking. When I took her in for service I was told that I had extended service and mechanical warranties. These warranties stay with the car and transfer to the new owner. If you got the VIN numbers and took them to your local MINI dealer they could tell you if the extended warranties were in place. For me this was like a $3000 bonus!

 

I don't know where you are, but my hyper blue/black '05 MCS with 61k miles is for sale at a dealer in Burnsville MN. Two sets of wheels (summer & snow), never crashed, no problems other than the thermostat/passenger motor mount fixed under warranty. They've lowered it to $16k. I wish someone who posts here would buy it -it is a great car!

 

I am in ohio... and I cant really go as high as 16,000, i would like to find one in the 12,000 range.

Is 70,000 a lot for a used 2002 S?

Thanks
Nick

 

Somewhere on this site is a guide for buying a used MINI - hopefully someone will post the link. As you imagine, this question is asked often and there are lots of opinions.

 

Yeah, try a search for "tips on buying a used MINI" - something will pop up. Good luck.
PS: If you can afford to make a down payment and then make monthly car payments, try buying NEW. No previous owner worries.

 

I like the 2002-2006 body style better

 

Nick,

Check out MotoringFile's Buyer's Guide for the R50/R53 minis (01-06 models):

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

This has a bunch of things to watch out for in earlier models. The last couple of model years have fixed pretty much all the earlier problems, so I would be shopping around for an '05 or '06 if I could. for example, the '05 model gets a more reliable manual transmission even in the non-S Cooper! Here's a key excerpt about the '05 models:
Hope this helps!

 

I'd think you can get something newer with a few less miles for $12,000 than 70K on a 2002. As as reference point my '05 MCS with 26K miles in very good condition - I got a $13K trade-in quote from the dealer, and would hope to get $15K private party.

 

I agree with you 100% on the 02 - 06 body types / dash. Good luck, I hope you find a nice one out there!

 

I think that would be a very good price around here! (no cal.)

 

I found a list of used Mini purchase questions that might help.

 

My gf bought a 06 MCS w/27k miles, premium, sport, and HK for 18k OTD at a Mini dealer last month. I thought it was a good deal since the car was $16.5k before all those taxes and fees.

 

Thanks for the help keep the good advice coming!
Nick

 

Keep looking they are out there I just picked one up Sunday in St Louis, a one owner, 02 with 55K on it, in great shape for under 10,000. Found it on Craigslist......

 

Nice find! I have my eyes open

I am just going to be very picky on this car cause its going to be in my garage for quite along time

Nick

 

A couple of months ago I bought a 2006 MCS John Cooper Works convertible, manual transmission, loaded with everything except leather seats and navigation, 64,000 miles, excellent condition (looks and drives like a new car), for $15,500. I believe that was pretty much a steal for a one-owner JCW convertible in southern California. I was not actually planning on buying a car at that point -- just started looking, contemplating buying later in the summer after my wife's car is paid off -- but could not pass it up at that price.

 

Thanks for the information!

I would like some help with coming up with a list of questions to ask the owner about the mini and things to look for when I check them out.

Thanks
NIck

 

Start w/ the usual - service records, oil changes, brakes etc.

Check clutch, coolant tank leak (common on early models), all electronics (ie windows, door locks (actuators tend to go out).

If looking at a standard cooper - be aware that some of the 5 speeds had problems, and also alot of the automatics did too.

If looking at a s model - relaize that the supercharger will eventually need to be replaced. They are rated to 100k, but some die before that and some after - (mine lasted till 191k miles )

If its well maintained I wouldn't hesitate on a car w/ 70,000 if its at a reasonable price.

Good luck - be patient, you'll fine one!

Nik

 

Patience is key but not me hahaha I still need to sell my old car first and come up with more money from my summer job.... it will sure be an adventure if I got one
Nick

 

That sounds like a great deal. I bet the car is an absolute blast too! For $15.5K. Enjoy!!!

 

For any used MINI that is near or beyond 40K miles, look for the front trailing arm bushings to be replaced. This is approx. a $700 job (voice of experience). The lower front A arms essentially have to be taken out to replace the rubber bushings that are around the part of the arm that points to the back of the car (hence trailing arm). The car needs to be up on a rack to check these. Put a very large screwdriver or small pry bar between the trailing arm and another part of the car near the bushing and see how much play you have and how easy it is to move the arm. Look at the (front) tyre and if you have worn bushings you will see movement that will grind the rubber off your tyres. When you do this with good bushings, you will not find it at all easy to move the arm. After I had mine replaced last year I was very please with the improved steering response. After 60K of driving my 03 CVT I was amazed how sloppy it had gotten without my noticing it.