I’m thinking of buying my friend’s 2003 Mini Cooper S. It’s a 6-speed manual, with panoramic moonroof, heated seats, navigation, and 130,000 miles. I’ve done the research and read through the forums, and I’m on the fence.

Although I’m sure there’s a distinct bias towards buying a Mini on this forum, I’m hoping you guys might be able to help me decide.

I am in need of a car, and do enjoy driving the Mini, but I never thought of buying one until now. My friend bought a BMW convertible, and offered to sell me his Mini for $6,000 – which seems like a good price.

For background, I am replacing a 26 year old Toyota Camry that my family bought new and has been our workhorse for everything from regular commuting to camping and biking trips. We also have an Infiniti G35 sedan that’s fun to drive, a Prius that isn’t, and an MGB convertible (that is presently in need of a clutch).

I have a few concerns for my new vehicle. It should be fun, but also practical. I don’t need another unreliable car (the MG is quite enough, thank you), but I also don’t want it to be boring.

The Mini is certainly fun. But I’m uncertain about its reliability and its practicality for hauling bikes and taking trips. Obviously it won’t fit four people and gear like my Camry did, but maybe it will still be enough.

I've seen Minis with Yakima racks on top, but never noticed if those Minis had the panoramic moonroof. Does anyone have any experience with roof racks and the moonroof?

But mostly, I’m concerned about the reliability. The car runs great right now, but has not been cheap for my friend to maintain. In the past ten years, he has replaced the:

Thermostat and thermostat housing (twice)
Radiator and expansion container
Water pump (twice)
Power steering pump
Clutch (two years ago)

And he had to have the #3 spark plug receptacle re-threaded, and some other engine work. (He’s also done cosmetic things like having the seats re-stitched and the headliner reaffixed.)

None of these repairs have been cheap. In fact, I think it cost him at least $1,200 every time he brought it in to the shop.

(By comparison, in the first ten years of ownership, we only replaced one part collectively on the Camry, Prius, and Infiniti other than batteries, brakes, tires, and wipers. The MG, however, was another story.)

But the Mini runs great right now. He recently had it tuned up, and had a Type 2 speed kit installed at MiniWerks in the Bay Area (at a total cost of $2,000). I don’t think it has ever run better.

Still, it has a few non-cosmetic problems:

It seems to be leaking a bit of oil. Not much, but it leaves a small spot on the ground if you leave it for more than an hour.

The air-bag light is on. I've read up on this extensively, and it clearly could just need resetting with the B200 tool. Or it might be the passenger seat sensor, or the seat belt tensioner. Or maybe I could just leave it as it is.

The navigation CD drive no longer accepts the navigation disc. It just keeps spitting it, and every other disc I put into it, back out. These drives are really expensive to replace, even used from ebay. I’d probably just leave it as it is - nonfunctional.

So the questions to the eminent Mini enthusiasts on this forum are:

Is this a good deal? Do you think it will be reliable? Can I use it as an everyday car and for trips?

And, the biggie, would you buy this car?

My apologies for the long post, and thanks in advance.

 

Nothing like the Camry. Forget about that.
It's expensive to maintain a mini and especially one that old. Keep in mind it's BMW. Not cheap at all. Much more fun to drive then anything in my opinion. But be carefull with those early years.

 

That's not a good deal maybe for Around 4000 it would be.

 

Coming from a Camry, you'll find an old R53 a handful surely. If these cars are well cared for, w/ all known flaws addressed w/ updated & improved parts, they can be up to task. With those miles & that age, you might have to do these:
- compression test
-get a spare supercharger
-change all fluids
-swap an ATI Super damper, new belt & tensioner in
-check for leaks: thermostat, heat exchanger, crank seal, crank position sensor o-ring. Valve cover & oil pan gasket, power steering hose clamps, axle & steering boots, oil, coolant PS cap o-rings/gasket
-prepare a spare AC clutch
-do the low speed fan resistor fix or bypass
-do Powerflex bushes all over the suspension & swap, strut mounts,ball joints & ends
-check strut health
-Cravenspeed or VIP strut tower reinforcement plates
-brake health check

The above will get the car back to driving like new for long time.
Others can be addressed as they fail. Fortunately, Gen1s are the most DIYable of the BMW MINIs. If you tinker, take it as part of the joy of ownership.
Are you ready to tackle all these?

 

if you are looking for maintainence free or as low as possible, mini will not suit you

 

6,000 is not a good deal and def not a friend price. You already know that this car has had a bit if work. And it's got more coming to it 130k miles means supercharger soon. Clutch 2 years ago? How's your friends stick driving ability? Unless he's not driven much since then that seems really premature.

If you value you him as a friend or he values you DO NOT buy this car. This car is already showing some issues and will show some more...never mix money with friends..ever.

If you are the type that's been driving a 20+ year old Camry I would peg you as financially responsible...this would not count as a financially responsible purchase. Unless he gave it to you for 3-4k as the previous poster put up.

Btw there is no airbag weight sensor in a 2003 that car has an airbag problem...could be minor could not be.

Mini werks is a decent shop ask them to give you an evaluation.

 

To the OP:

I bought the same car in Jan this year. 03 MCS 130Kmi Dark Silver. Mine was in exceptional condition though it did have a few issues and still does. I paid $6800 for it, but again it barely had a scratch.

I estimate I overpaid by @ $800. I would have been happy at $6K. I looked at over 20 MCSs in my area and all were over $6500 or complete trash.

After paying the $6800, I had to do the following which I did myself...

Oil/Filter change with Mobil1 @ $50
Cabin Filter air filter @ $15
MT Fluid change @ $30 (added magnetic plug/optional @ $30)
Replaced the radio which had a bad tuner @ $50 (ebay)
Replaced blown HK speaker in PS door @ $70 (ebay)
Replaced plugged up heater core @ $150
Various dealer/shop diagnostics-service when I first got the car
incl. brake fluid bleed & clutch bleed @ $400

So, all the above is @ $800, but I've done much of the work myself. The dealer wanted $700 for the heater core replacement alone. If you can't do the work yourself then you'll be in for big $$ at a shop/dealer. This car is definitely not cheap to maintain.

Remaining issue on my car is a bad reflector xenon driver side headlight. Replacement is at least $350 or I can and might attempt to open it and change out the ignitor myself. For now I can get it to work @60% of the time and will wait for complete failure to make a decision.

Based on what you've already posted I would stay away from this car or offer no more than $4K-$5K for it. You've listed the issues you're aware of, but you don't know what else might or could go bad. These are exceptionally fun cars to drive, but they do come at a price higher than one would expect.

Good luck!

 

Once again agree $4000 is probably a more sensible price. $6000 is more like an 06.
Budget for problems.
A honda or toyota of similar price would be way more dependable but way less fun. What value do you put on enjoying driving?
Roof racks are not cheap best option is the factory rack which can still be installed but will be extra $ as it would require punching holes in the roof. Also would be paranoid about dropping a bike on sun roof. Not sure if that would brake the glass
I don't not recommend the mini, at the right price, but maybe try to find an old Honda Element, or first gen scion xb for a test drive. More practical and reliable.

 

I too bought an 03 MCS in july of last year, for the most part, it runs well. the closest "mini specialist" is about 2 hours away, so I've learned quite a lot about how to fix stuff myself (with this forums help of course). so I guess the true first question to ask is "how much do you LIKE to work on cars.
I didn't have and "check engine" light or the sort when I bought the car, but I've changed out the fuel filter, camshaft position sensor, did my own oil and coolant change, changed out the heater core, changed out the headlights, new tires, and now im looking at changing out either the brakes or suspension.
I wasn't planning on being a mini mech when I bought the car, but I also wasn't prepared to pay what it cost to get some of those things done either.
something to think about.
always remember though, we've got your back, and if you have a local mini club in your area, they will too. (which I don't have, but trying to start one up)


@PSA1 I have a drivers side headlight, xenon, from an 03 MCS. PM me, lets make a deal...

 

I bought my 2002 cooper s with 92k miles on it a few months ago. I paid $5700 and it came with a full set of snow/ice tires.

I also did a lot of research before buying. There is no way I would have purchased this car if I couldn't do the maintenance myself.

The first thing to go was the supercharger. Getting it rebuilt and other various parts cost over $1000. Again, it wasn't surprising after reading about so many failures online.

So unless you can fix things yourself, or have plenty of money you might want to keep the Toyota.

 

And aging MINI is going to be more like the MG than an 23 year old Toyota Camry.....
My 2005 has been exceptional (for a mini)relilibility wise...but some are not so lucky...and it sounds like you want Hassel free ownership.....
Now if you wanted to say, dump the MG, and have the MINI as a more usable "Fun" car....

 

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate the input. I suppose I should clarify a few things.

I'm not necessarily looking for a maintenance-free car. I'm OK with working on the car myself. I enjoy doing it now and again, but not all the time.

In the past ten years I have done almost all the maintenance on the MG and the Camry.

On the MG, I've replaced: the alternator, fuel pump, the brakes, wheel cylinders, brake master cylinder, clutch master and slave cylinder, rebuilt the carbs and distributor, and rebuilt the head (a shop put in hardened seats). And this is to say nothing tuning and minor problems, like electrical demons.

It has helped to be a part of a great local club, with lots of friendly experts willing to teach and assist. The MG is currently awaiting a tech session with the club to replace the clutch.

While the Camry was hassle free for the first 15 years of it's life, in the past 10 I've done a lot of work to it. Fortunately, used parts for it are cheap and abundant at junkyards near me.

On the Camry, I've replaced: the alternator, starter, fuel pump, brakes, radiator, ECU, distributor, speedometer cable, thermostat, cold-start valve, speakers, and a host of cosmetic parts. I paid $1000 to a shop to have the failing transaxle replaced with a good used one.

In short, I am handy and can work on all but the biggest projects. But I am not interested in doing anything that requires me to remove or open up the engine.

I don't mind putting in the time and paying a bit for parts. I just don't want to go in knowing it will take a ton of time and money.

Quantifying the difference between an acceptable amount of money and too much is difficult, but let's just say I don't want to spend $1000 a year on maintenance.

Oh, and I'd love to keep the Camry - but it's in Oregon right now and I'm in San Jose, California. The short story is that I went rafting, and the company that shuttled my car downriver left the car off, but the ignition on. This caused a catastrophic short in the ignition system. While still in Oregon, I replaced the ECU, distributor, and igniter. Afterward the car ran for about a minute, then shorted and blew out some parts again. Neither I nor the shop could find a short in the system. I'd already spent $1,000, and needed to get home. So the car is sitting at a friend's place, awaiting a plan to either junk it up there or bring it down to me.

I wish I could keep the Toyota. But even if I do, I think it's time for a new car - and hopefully one that's more fun. (The truth is I love our G35, but we already own one and it doesn't make much sense to buy another gas guzzler.)

Coming back to the Mini, Blue Book value for this car in the Bay Area is about $6,500. And while there are many similarly aged Mini Cooper S models available for sale here, none of the ones in decent shape are priced less than $8,500. Perhaps I just happen to live in a pricey market for used Minis.

I trust my friend greatly. We've been close since before he bought the car. He drives a stick impeccably - far better than me actually. (Or rather, I drive the MG great, but the Mini is a different animal.)

He's taken great care of the Mini, and done all the recommended and required maintenance. At this moment, the car needs nothing to run well.

Still, I'm wary.

I like the suggestion of having Miniwerks check it out. They gave it a clean bill of health a few months ago, but it can't hurt to check again.

Thanks everyone. I'll keep you posted.

 

Your profile is that of a gen1 MINI owner. Good luck in your quest.

 

Honestly man, I just recently bought mine, I got it from a bmw/mini dealership its on 04 mcs it had 19k miles, got it for 13 grand. I kno I got incredibly blessed with it. If u really want a mini be patient in buying one. For me personally, id get one with lower miles, I did extensive research on them as well. Personally I wouldnt buy it for 6 grand.

 

It really is a catch 22. One could buy a MINI with 80k that had no clutch or supercharger work. With the lower miles everything “could” crap the bed 10k later or you can look at one with 100k that’s had all those things attended too.

 

Well...sounds like you are a realist...
One tip...buy the bently book/manuel for the car....has tons of information... Will save you HOURS...both here and in the shop...
A used car is a "pig in a poke".... All original or lots of new parts...best guess...better question...is HOW your friend drove it....if he wailed on it...pass...especially at a premium price.
Sounds like you will do fine with basic repairs...
Some items are a pain...clutch needs a subframe drop, so some labour costs are $$$ for some fixes... But if you are careful buying parts, they are OK $ wise if you find a decent dealer (massminiparts/emininparts I think) or vendor...one example...just bought a map and t-map sensor for my car...their online price was $77 each..for the OEM...walkup was $114, Napa(aftermarket) 140$, and " big box auto store" $250(aftermarket)....lol...so shop around....
Since this is going to be a second/third car...you can wait to have a part shipped...good thing...r53 were mostly sold in cities and on the coasts... Not many newer dealers know much about them, or even stock parts for them...so being a decent diy'er is a big help.

 

buy a better one elsewhere and have it shipped to you for $500

 

Doesn't sound like a good deal, I bought my 2003 cooper s with 118k miles for 3500$. Car runs amazing and has no problems. The headliner needs to be redone and has a dent in the roof but performance wise it runs like a champ. I would offer that guy 4k tops.

 

Well, I bought it.

It is potentially the least reasonable decision I've ever made, but I'm happy with it so far.

I probably paid a little too much, and I'm still apprehensive about the cost and frequency of future repairs. But the car is fun, well maintained, and was available.

Depending on how long I keep the car, I may regret this decision - but right now I'm just enjoying driving it.

Thanks to everyone who posted for your thoughts. I look forward to joining my local club and seeing some of you out there on the road.

 

Don't be bothered w/ cost. It will be worth every cent. Can't peg a value on joy. The drive, the tinkering & the modding are a fun package!!!! Make it your own.....Now, you know what you've been missing all along!!!!

 

I agree!


I went from a 350z to my Mini..... and I don't regret any single second I've owned the car. Always have to be on top of it, but most of the info you need to care for it is in this forum.

 

I LOVE my 2003 Mini which I bought in 2007 with 45K miles. It now has 126,000 miles and I must say it's the BEST car I've ever owned. But I do all my own repair work it at all possible. I've done the brakes at least 3 times, replaced the clutch at 100K due to the throwout bearing failing - the clutch itself was actually pretty good. I rebuilt the 5-speed Midlands transmission due to a bearing failure, and I'm in the process of replacing the shocks and some of the front-end parts.

If I had been paying the local Mini/BMW dealer to do all this work I'm sure I would have a MUCH different view of the Mini. Is my list of issue out of line for a 125,000 mile 11 year-old car? A little I'd say. I also have a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer with 125K miles and it's been a LOT less trouble. But a LOT less fun as well.

I think $6000 for a 2003, even an "S" is a LOT! But bottom line is that unless you are mechanically inclined and can do almost all the work yourself, the Mini will be a money pit. If you really want one, get a new one and get an extended warranty/service package. Oh and yes, I _do_ enjoy working on mine. I am not a mechanic by trade and so I find "tinkering" relaxing.