Hello,

I am looking to purchase a used mini, found one that is priced at KBB value of $5300, it is a mini cooper 5 speed manual with 90k. Seems well taken care of, i spoke with the owner, car just got new tires too and paint seems to be in vg condition.

Now, I have read these cars have a lot of problems such as the steering pump, clutch goes fast, transmission, and a lot of other problems. Makes me very very nervous.

The owner said the serpentine belt was replaced, tension pulley, and the valve cover gasket, did not mention the steering pump or clutch apparently the car was driven a lot in the hwy. I will have a mechanic inspect the car before purchase but want to ask here with the pros before i buy.

Do you recommend this purchase? I can fix simple things but nothing mechanical... I figure worse case is the transmission, then the car is junk and im screwed, but most likely i will have to replace the steering pump $900 to replace, clutch $1200 so i need to buy the car for under 5k to be worth the purchase.

Thanks for the advice in advance!

 

It depends so much on what you're looking for. If you purse strings are tight and you're in need of reliable daily transportation, I wouldn't recommend it. If you're wanting a car that will be a learning project for improving your mechanical skills, then perhaps.

If you're needing good, reliable transportation I would try and steer you in the direction of something perhaps made by Honda or Toyota (Civic - Corolla).

I love my MINI but I'm at a point in life where I don't turn wrenches any more and my car has a new warranty. I will be trading it off for another car before the warranty runs out.

 

Price seems high for an early gen1....
Price seems more like a 2005 cooper....

 

KBB states $5300 private sale, I can always offer less in light of all the repairs the car might need.

 

If you're deadest on a Mini, save for a month or two more and get a Cooper S. Just picked my '04 up for $6500 - very well maintained, tons already fixed/replaced, navi, xenon headlights, etc.

You'll still get great gas mileage and have about the same expected maintenance, but you'll really enjoy the driving experience difference.

 

The steering pump is covered for 13 years and 150,000 miles so that will not be an issue for you.

But there is also your Crank Damper and Control Arm bushings to consider. But depending on how it was previously driven, your clutch may be good for a while longer.

///Rich

 

I just picked up an 02 S with 130,000 miles. Looked really clean I was sceptic about it too. Needed tires, just took it in to have the power steering pump replaced under recall. Mini did hands down no questions asked, replaced the pump, fan, and harness with an updated model. They came back and told me that it was one of the cleanest Minis they had seen and no recommendations for repairs except tires. Priced out tires at America tire co and done. I think that if they have been well maintained they are a great purchase, love driving everyday now!! I do work on my own cars and I think that helps a lot. That being said I would go for it especially with the power steering recall.

 

If you don't drive over 10,000 mi. per yr., have you looked at leasing a 2014?

 

it appears i got f*cked when i bought my car. either that, or cars are just much cheaper in other states.

i paid $12000 for an 03 cooper s with 60k on it.

 

No,... get a MazdaSpeed3

 

How does that work? If your pump dies....just take your mini to a dealer and it's a free repair and free pump?

 

preety much it, i also think you could call them and give them the VIN to see if its available

 

I've got an '02 MCS that I bought a few years ago that only had 32K miles on it. I'm almost to 100K and while I've done a lot of work on it, I ask myself - would I buy this car as it is now, again? And I believe I would! I aspire to always have people say, "Man, that's the cleanest '02 I've seen!"


The big "IF" is whether or not you need this to be a reliable daily driver from day one until you've worked out all the details. I'd think twice if it's your only ride.


I've got a backup set of wheels and that is my insurance policy. Not everyone has a place in their life for two sets of everything!

 

Thank you for the heads up on the pump!!!! Then I guess the major repair would be a clutch change and other minor routine stuff, unless the manual tranny goes which i doubt.

I want to buy a MCS but I only have enough cash for a MC and want to buy cash only. This mini in question is by far the best looking for the $ mini in the area. There are a LOT of minis but are all beat up and with sun dried tomato paint, some MCS in good condition but they ask way too much money for them.

Well, I did find a really nice 03 MCS with 100k miles for $7k and seems well taken care of, and also a nice green color.

 

Just be sure you drive more than one so you can compare...
suspension parts can wear....and can make the steering a bit vague and the ride terrible...
Having driven more than ONE is the best way to be sure....
And Always as the owner...what they use fro fuel (IMO) in a casual way...if they say something along the lines of "it should get 90+, but it runs fine with the cheap stuff" run...a burnt valve is very likely (results in misfires, an engine code, and worsens in a few weeks till car is not usable) .....so a $2000 cost....to save $4 a fill-up.

 

Ask yourself these questions, and answer them honestly.

1) "Will this car fit my lifestyle now and in a year or two?"

2) "Do I have the mechanical ability to perform not only maintenance, but necessary
repairs of both basic and moderate complexity?"

3) If you answered "NO" to question #2:

4) "Do I have the money to buy parts and pay for professional repairs on a European, niche market car?"

Be realistic about this, please. A car can put you in debt very quickly. You're looking at a car that is designed by Germans and built by Brits. It's the worst case scenario, frankly. Hahaha. Good luck with your car hunting.

 

Car is an "just-a", aka a non-S...
Pretty reliable car....usually driven by a more "relaxed crowd" so usually not beat on so hard....IMO coopers are usually a good car if it has not been wailed on (if it has the tranny is an issue)....they have a few minor issues..but if maintained well, and drive well...are good cars, decent MPG....basically like an S with no SC...heck...even have a BIT more TQ down low....

 

Agreed to an extent.

The funny thing is this: Everything is reliable until it breaks... Having said that, parts and labor can be pricey for those who don't do their own repairs. Much, much more so than those who own comparable, though Japanese cars. It's all miles of smiles until you get a mechanic's bill.

 

I bought my 03 MCS in January for $6800. Had 130K on the odo. I went strictly with my gut and experience with general mechanics. I knew nothing about the vehicle other than the clean car fax and the 3 ring binder of all the services the previous owners (2) had saved and catalogued. That alone told me that it was maintained about as well as could be expected. It's the first used car I've purchased in over 20 years.

I feel your anxiety. In the end you really never know what can of worms you're about to open. It is somewhat of a gamble no matter what assurances a shop or "experienced" person gives you. I agree with other posters who suggest having a back-up. I do. I have a Toyota Sequoia of the same year with 170K on the odo. It still runs like new with no engine or drivetrain issues. So if the Coop craps out, I can leave it in the garage and still get on with my day.

Luckily, I've had no mechanical issues yet, but I am on edge. I hear things that may or may not be a problem, but they make me nervous. The car rides like a go cart on steroids. I love it! I just came back from a trip that took me through the Smoky Mtns. I felt like a race car driver! It was awesome.

This morning though, when starting from a stop, I heard a brief creaking/whining noise which I believe may be from the clutch. Didn't do it every time, but still has me thinking "is my clutch on the way out"?

To this you can add that since getting the car I replaced the heater core (I was getting no heat), the radio (something wrong with FM tuner), a blown speaker in pass door and now opted to replace my headlights with the newer style "projector" xenons since my driver side one is dead. That cost was @ $800. I did all this work myself, including an oil change, air filter, cabin filter and wiper blades. I also cleaned and serviced the rear wiper fluid squirter which was clogged.

So, in hind sight, I probably paid $800-$1000 more than I should have, but these are things you'll never know. Looking at my car it looks almost brand new. Stuff breaks. It's just the nature of mechanicals and especially on these cars. So, as others have said, if immediate and certain reliability is your intent, then don't buy ANY cars with nearly 100K on odo. The fact is that stuff is likely on the brink of needing replacement. I think as someone else mentioned that the non S cars are a bit less "temper-mental" and likely easier/cheaper to maintain, but will still need some regular looking after.

I wish you the best in your decision and hope you land a good one!

 

Thanks for all the advice! I will go inspect the car in a few weeks, the owner is abroad currently. If the car is in very good shape and well taken care of and the mechanic says its OK i might purchase it.

You guys gave me really good advice and I truly appreciate it, I hope I do purchase a mini and become part of the community.

 

No problem. Keep your eyes peeled in the meantime; you might see something else which catches your eye.

Post pics when you do get one :-)

 

i just bought a 2002 mini cooper s with 162000 miles on it...and run great

 

First...as many have said do you have a backup plan? This is a wants and needs question. Things wear out with age: rubber ages, metal fatigues...etc.

Google for motoring file: how to buy a mini. You need to see records for a large majority of those repairs before making the purchase. Do not let emotion take you into this purchase and make you ignore obvious things.

The most expensive one and one that is really hard to do on the floor of a garage or driveway is the lower control arms...that's about $800. You might think you know cars but even when completely worn out - the car "feels normal." It doesn't feel like a mini should though per zippy's note about driving a few of them.

Power steering pump just search this site for issues on getting the issue taken care of or reimbursed....not sure about getting it done out right....and it's a warranty not a recall so it probably needs to have failed before they will replace it. What happens if it doesn't happen by 150K ? Do you have $600 in the bank and 4 hours of time to fix it yourself?

I love my mini, pride myself in the fact that I maintain it but like others I have a backup - my wife's 2014 subaru which mostly sits in the garage. That being said even the 2 days I needed it she was annoyed she had no wheels.

Think long and hard about this...and make your decision. I would only pay $3k for that car.

If you want to spend $5300 come take my BRG 2003 cooper s. All the repairs are done...if it were for sale I would honestly give it to you for that price. 99K miles.

 

I bought my '02 R50 back in Feb. of this year. 84k miles. I paid KBB and knew that I would be spending some here and there for cosmetic and mechanical purposes. That being said, the payoff in driving enjoyment remains high!

 

Yes, if it's well maintained.