Hey everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first mini within the next day or two, and was wondering what I should look for when buying a used mini.

The three i'm looking at are:

2003 Mini Cooper S - 52,000mi
2005 Mini Cooper S - 46,000mi
2006 Mini Cooper S - 43,000mi

I'm still learning how to drive a stick shift and was wondering what a good clutch should feel like on a mini.

I was also wondering if there are any faults in those years or things that I should keep an eye out for.

Thanks!

 

it depends on the price. Keep in mind the 03 and the 05 are no longer under warranty so any issues would come out of your pocket so it would depend on many different factors....are you buying from a dealer? Specifically a MINI dealer? If not I would ask to have it checked at an authorized MINI dealership for issues. The price is also going to play a part in that as far as options and mileage and all of that goes. I bought my 2003 used and havent had any issues yet. But I bought it in 2005 so it still had a warranty...come to think of it the 2006 might be out of warranty as well. Not sure. Lots of things to look at.

 

If the 2006 fits your budget that would be the one to get IMHO

 

Hmm, so the warranty goes out by year as well as by mileage? Bummer.

That's a good idea asking a mini dealership to look at it.

The 2003 is at a small dealership and the 2005 is at a kia dealership. The 2006 on the other hand is at a mini dealership.

But anyways, is there anything that I should keep my eye out when looking at these? I assume the clutch should catch towards the bottom, right?

Are any of them easier to mod than the others. I'd eventually like to put the smaller pulley and CAI and maybe even an exhaust in the future.

 

Unless the clutch is real loose and sloppy I wouldn't worry about it too much but it would be a good thing to have a look-see. There are many experienced MINI owners and we, being the enthusiasts that we are, like to help each other out so you could ask someone with experience to take a look at it for you. But I would say the MINI dealership is your best bet. MINIs in general are very MOD friendly. You can take a look at all the vendors here on NAM and find all kind of things for your MINI from pulleys and intakes to beltline blackout kits and headlight rings. Alta and MINI Maniacs have so performance kits that group some of those together. They arent bad for gradually upgrading your motoring experience. Concentrate on a good deal and making sure you arent getting a lemon first though.

 

It depends on the warranty that was purchased with the car. The MINI dealership may even let you purchase a limited warranty on it but that is something you would have to work out with them I am not sure.

 

There were a few changes between the '03 and '05 first gen MINIs. Gearing, a few more HP, etc. '05 or '06 would be a tossup for me. You should check for rust under the door gaskets (do a search on door sill rust on the site - tons of info).

 

That's good to know. Just the sort of thing I was asking about. Is the weatherguard easy enough to pull off at the dealer and look? Or does it require caulking or something to put back down? ..I don't really want to be tearing their car apart if you know what I mean

 

Here's a list of used Mini purchase questions that we have collected for the last three years that might help.

 

I'd lean toward the 05 or 06, they are pretty good cars. Just check to make sure the front strut mounts arn't broken. Also the motor mount is prob. leaking or been replaced. Also the thermostats leak on the 05-06 cars. Otherwise they are pretty good. If you can maybe have an independent mechanic check it out. Your more than welcome to give us a call and we'll walk you/your mech through what to look at. Hope we can help you in the future.

WAY

 

the weatherguard comes right up and goes back on easily. friction fit.

 

Check out the Mini Buyer's Guide:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Regarding clutch, pedal should feel stiff but have very smooth engagement.

 

Ended up buying the 2006 Cooper S!

Wahoo!

 

too late, but if anyone else wanders by looking for issues a "gritty" clutch pedal is at the end of its life... and strut shroomin'...

 

W00T! enjoy, and post some pics when you have a chance!

 

Most definitely! Picking it up next week, it's an astro black. Can't wait to name it. haha

 

Congrats, we know you'll love it.

 

I just purchased an 06 Pepper White S from Lotus of Austin. I took it home and the battery was DEAD! The Mini only has 29K on the engine and was a lease vehicle. I had it shipped to San Antonio and they called to say the battery was in Warrenty but the Stut mounts were shot and needed to be replaced @ $863.00. WOW! I didn't know I would need money to replace something that I though would be covered under warrenty. I was really shocked! Now I get it home and the rear right brake is making a grinding sound. I hope this forum can help me make a good assumption on keeping or trading it in.

 

Holy #*$&^%!

If you're buying it from the dealer, it should be flawless. Strut mounts aren't consumables, they should have fixed that before sale, and should fix it now, and apologize to you for their screw-up! Ditto the brake; if it's grinding, something's wrong.

They really screwed up. I would call them back and ask them how they're going to make good on the sale. You bought in good faith -- now it's their turn! I'm not familiar with Texas's consumer protection laws (if there are any), but if the dealer that sold the car to you won't make good, I would seriously consider getting a lawyer involved. I don't usually say that, but since you're too far away to just show up on their doorstep and make a nuisance of yourself until they fix the problem to make you go away, a letter from a lawyer may be the leverage you need to get them to straighten out and do the right thing.

Good luck. Let us know how you make out ...

For what it's worth, I bought an '06 MCS, also pepper white, with 29k on it just over a month ago. Strut mounts are fine, brakes are fine, everything is fine. There is NO reason that car should have any trouble! The only thing I can think of is the guy who had it on lease beat the @#*&% out of it.

(And if Lotus of Austin does right and fixes the car, I'm certain you'll love it!)

ps -- tip for the heat of summer -- lift the rear gate and open the doors to let the hot air inside float up and out of the car in a hurry.