My car was recently totaled and my husband and I were talking about buying an older used mini and keeping it for a short while, just so we can stay away from having a payment for a while. We have found a car on Craigslist that we both really like but we both have our doubts on reliability.

Description from ad:
Very nice 2003 mini Cooper with jl audio amp, kicker sub, custom amp rack with led lights, bass control ****, auto transmission, leather, red with white top, new black rims with chrome lip, tires have less than 300 miles, panoramic roof, new tint, new center arm rest, new battery, nothing wrong, no dings and dents, cold Ac, 134k miles, garaged

Our main concern is with the CVT, it does seem to have made it this far. We simply don't want to purchase a car that is going to perhaps have a $9000 repair bill soon.

Any suggestions? Or anyone who hasn't had any problems with theirs? I'm not sure how serious of a problem this is, or if people simply like to complain.

All advice would be helpful!

 

First Impression: Run away from the auto CVT.
Second Impression: Kicker Sub? Tint? Sounds like a young kid was driving this car... and I'd bet he wasn't baby-ing it.

I'd find another. Manual Cooper or an S (auto or manual) to avoid the CVT problems.

Have you checked the Marketplace on this forum? I'd feel more comfortable buying a car from one of these guys because you can bet they took good care of it.

 

I agree stay away for the CVT transmission . Yes guys on nam take care of their cars = look for one on nam !
Good Luck with your search !
El Tiger

 

Very simple: Do NOT buy a CVT equipped MINI. It really IS that simple.

Many threads around here about them, the issue is not that they fail but the fact that repair is not possible, ONLY expensive complete replacement(!)

Buy a MINI with a standard trans OR a MINI 'S' with auto OR a later regular MINI with the real auto. Look for the "six-speed auto" (the real thing) and avoid the "five-speed auto" which is the CVT.

 

WOW did you see the add at the bottom of the page . Some guy is selling his 2009 Cooper s Conv . Automatic 7000 so miles for 10900 bucks seem like a steal !

 

As long as you dont live in MD youre probably fine. We dont have any where to get service done lol.

 

Skip all used CVT MINIs. Skip early base Coopers with midlands 5 speed manual transmission.

Get a later model 2005+ Base Cooper with getrag 5 speed manual transmission (learn to drive a manual if needed) or any MINI with automatic transmission.

 

Great advice in this thread. Don't play Russian roulette with your wallet.. avoid the CVT transmission. Good luck in your search, you'll find the right car!

 

I would stay away from the MC CVT like it had the leprosy. Get an 05-06 MCS Auto or an 05-06 MC 5 speed.

 

Leprosy is treatable. Not really a problem.

On the other hand, a CVT is potential trouble that starts with a key.

Any Clubman would be OK.

There are two types of CVT owners-

1. Those who have had CVT woes
2. Those who will have CVT woes

The only good CVT owner is a former one.

 

Thanks so much for all of the advice! We are going to keep looking and try not to rush it to be sure that we are getting a good buy. Hopefully it won't take too long!

 

Not sure if this will help, but it could be a good list to go over to check on any car, this what was found on a 2002 S with ~133k on the odo. Car was pretty clean, not dirty and was taken care of OK.

- Oil Leaks:
Valve Cover, Oil Pan, Crank Sensor, oil filter housing cracked and leaking
- Thermostat housing leaking
- Front Control arm Bushings worn
- Rear trailing arm bushings worn
- Strut Mounts cracked
- Low speed fan resistor fried
- Cat cracked on pipe, can be welded.
- Struts, dampers worn
- No oil in supercharger (Can't be checked easily without removing supercharger)

 

I have always heard that you should stay away from the CVT transmission. Also, if it helps in your search, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating power steering problems in 2004 and 2005
models. BMW is aware of the investigation. This sounds like a "tuner " car and you may want to stay away from it. When I hear Craigslist I stay away. My personal opinion. I would say that the NAM Marketplace would be a good place to start for a used Mini. These are people who have probably taken better care of their Mini.