Sold my '05 MCS and instantly regretted it. Been thinking about getting another one - this time a justacooper hardtop - for some time but haven't yet.

How are the Gen 1's holding up? What problems have been creeping up? Sludge a problem with the engines? - wondered with the long oil change increments that computer spit out on mine.

TIA,
Tony

 

I know exactly how you feel! I have sold two '05 MCS's, and regretted them both (hence the reason for buying the second one). I was thinking about also getting a justacooper hard top, but they seem more difficult to find with lower mileage and in manual, and for whatever reason, most of the MCS i have seen are much better cared for and maintained than their justa counterparts.

seems like there are plenty 100K+ mini's running around these days.
also, the price of a MCS is not that much more, so I think I may end up with another MCS

 

I have an 06 MCS. It runs great but does require more mechanical attention than most cars I have owned. Leaks around the oil pan are common. Leaks in power steering fluid and in the coolant overflow tank are also common. I never believe any oil change intervals. When they used to say change every 6 or 7K, I changed every 3. Now I change at 7-10K, never at 15K. Changing the oil is the best love you can give to any car!

 

There's a thread somewhere on this site (sorry, no link) about Justas that have recorded ore than 100k. I'm at 90k on my 02, and still lovin' it. The buyer's guide on www.motoringfile.com has a list of issues to be aware of if you are considering an R50 or R53.

 

First gen Coopers, especially 05/06 with improved getrag transmission, have reported good reliability and longevity. The CVT auto trans in the first gen Coopers is the exception, those can be very problematic and expensive. The common problems that come to mind are: Leaky thermostat housing, power steering pump failure, passenger airbag seat sensor failure ($$!) and passenger motor mount failure.

Aside from the airbag issue, which can cost you $1500+ to repair, there's nothing catastrophic that I've seen widely reported.

I'm really happy with my '06 Cooper 5spd. Thought about trading "Up" for an S, but my modded car feels more punchy than the stock R53/R56S cars I tested, so I'm keeping my current ride. Good luck!

 

The "facelift"gen1 cars (2005+) are great, especially ones matained compteltly, driven sanely, and modded with care...
The cvt's as mentioed are a issues, as are the (mostly early) 5 speed midlands...
Sometimes it seems a large % of issues seen here are user created (sometimes by a prior owner)...the weak points are mentioned above...mostly things like the ps pump, but i added the duct on my 05 s, and have had no issues....so some issues have solutions, as do things like crank damper faiures...aftermatkt ones are cheaper, and better!! In general, the 05+ cars are the gems imo...and it seems like many folks have left and come back!!
Some cars like mine are in a funny kinda of class due to being a 2005 model year, but pre 2005 build...i for instance have the facelift interior, tranny, coated sc, etc, but DO NOT have the 2 stage airbags with the passanger seat weight sensor!!

 

We had an 06MCS and still have an 05 MC - feel sad about not having the 06 cause it was very quick but figured the 05 would be less expensive to maintain over time and we added another car to the fleet

It's still a baby at just under 80k but it seems to be fine. Could use some shocks but it's still cranking along just fine. I think the oil pan gasket and stuff is potentially less trouble on the low horsepower car, sounds good anyway

 

We have two '05 Ss that have required very little maintenance. Mine has almost 128K miles and my Wife's has just over 50K. Most everything I have replaced was for an upgrade, not due to wearing out. Both have original clutches, mine even has the original windshield!

 

I've got an '02 sitting at 91,5xx miles, and so far all she's needed is a window regulator, and things like brakes and tires, though the radiator fan doesn't come on, I had to go back to Korea before I could diagnose it though :/ I'm hoping it's just a wiring issue, but where my parents (Who are taking care of her while I'm gone) live, they never have to worry about being stopped long enough to need it, so I've got some time to take care of it

EDIT: I've owned her since May '11 at 76k miles even.

 

I have noticed my radiator not coming on from time to time (when waiting in traffic for long periods of time), but it's only occasionally. Other than that, the few little problems I've experienced seem pretty typical for a 10 year old car with two previous owners.

 

My 2004 MCS (9/2003) has 90k miles and still STRONG! :-)

Regular oil changes, fluid flushes and maintenance.

 

SimTechDJ, just out of curiosity, have you changed your transmission fluid?

 

'06 S (stick) with about 50K miles. No problems whatever. Ditched the runflats when they wore out. It improved the ride no end.

 

Love my little 2005 MC more than ever. Drove a new MCS, loaded to the max and figured the cost of possible future repairs on mine, didn't come close to the cost of a new MCS, including a new transmission, if the need arises.

Don't know why it felt so uncomfortable and big (possibly runflats, wheel size, seat material, crowded dash). I understand the attraction, my husband loved it but for me, there's just something special about the first generation MINI.

5,000 oil change intervals, no sludge, new oil pan gasket, filters, spark plugs-wires, transmission fluid change, gas cap, power window fix, water pump hose, tires, key, 74,000 miles.

 

A little over 90,000 on my 05S and goes like a bandit. No major issues whatsoever. LCA bushings is the biggest repair/replacement I have had to do. Also, I change the oil every 5000 miles. I think being the original owner and only driver has helped.

 

 

Had a 2006 John Cooper, silver with black interior, 6mt, and basically every option except nav and heated seats...sold it for a SL500 Benz. Don't know what was on my mind.

Few days ago I had an epiphany and realized how dumb my transaction was...found a gorgeous 2006 John Cooper, red with red and black interior, pretty well optioned. A few grand later I had it. 18,500 miles... gorgeous clean car owned by a little old lady who used it for errands and going to the train in the morning for work. In some ways I'm glad I did what I did with my first one...because this car actually is perfect. My first car had some dings and dents with the paint, shitty hood stripes, etc, but my car now is 100% perfect.

 

I "adopted" my 2006 R50 in December 2008, 26K miles; 3+ years later, + 25K miles of incredibly fun driving, and I've just done some minor maintenance beyond oil & filter changes. I had to replace the tires and brakes, uhm, that's about it!

 

The only thing that has been replaced on my 02 MCS is the front brake pads last year, the coolant resorvoir, and a couple sets of tires. Simply can't imagine getting rid of her. She will be the first car that both my son and daughter drive. Would that every car were as reliable as my MINI.

 

Bought my 03 R53 with 67k in November 2011, and just hit 75k today.

Been great so far. Replaced the leaky coolant reservoir (leaking when I bought it), replaced both front strut mounts (passenger front was cracked).

Best piece of advice I can give you is to have a certified Mini tech check it out prior to purchase. I had two different Mini mechanics look over mine before buying it!

Did a few mods since November, car is coming along awesome and reacting great to the mods

 

03 R50 with 117250 miles (bought it last June with 106xxx)
mine was in rough shape when i bought it (to my dismay after i drove away with it)
but after replacing half the car, everything is...okay. don't ever buy the CVT version, you'll regret it every time you drive

 

Leaks in power steering fluid and in the coolant overflow tank are also common.

 

I love the number plate. 314 ftw

 

im at the dealer in orlando all the time. im buddies with most of the techs at this point ;-)

i asked specifically about the "supercharged" versions of mini, vs the turbo'd, and the maintenance, and how well they hold up, one vs the other.

He said: "look around; what do you see?" and pointed to about a dozen cars in the shop. "All of these cars are the turbo version, (gen 2), they are in here all the time. Look, theres only 1 R53, the REST are R56..."

Sure enough, he was right! and, the more i think of it, i do recall seeing R56's in the shop waaay more often than the Gen 1's!

 

I have a 05 Cooper CVT. I have 118,000+ miles (knocking on wood) and have no issues with the CVT. Although Way Motor Works tells me I will....LOL
the other issues you mentioned I have had all of them. The passenger airbag I have chosen not to repair due to the cost. I have had it replaced at the dealer twice while it was under warranty but I am far out of warranty now. I have also had to do my radiator fan assembly go out and my front sway bar.

I also love my car A LOT!! I will not get another MINI until this one decides it can't run anymore.!!