Hello everyone, I have been viciously researching Mini's the last few weeks and have narrowed it down to wanting a 2004-2006 MCS or JCW. I have read plenty of posts reporting problems with the power steering pump, mushrooming, CVT transmission and more.

I am hoping someone can point me in the direction, or brief me on a guide to buying a used mini as far as condition and mechanical well-being.

I will most likely be buying a Mini around 80k miles and plan on keeping it until I save enough for a new car. This Mini will also be my daily driver so I would like for it to be as reliable as possible.

 

A Mini JCW can be driven in an intelligent way by an "adult" person: not to slow and with perfect service.
It can be driven in a brutal way by a would be rally driver
It can be driven as a show car slowly creeping through the CBD just to be seen (admired)
The first type of car is a good one.
Take a friend with you or let it check by a real professional.

 

This may help: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/. Two issues that weren't mentioned are suspension bushings and power steering pump. Worn bushings can be visually checked but I don't know of a practical way to check the condition of the pump before it fails. Based on my experience with burnt valves at 80K miles, I would also have the compression tested.

 

I responded in your other posting...

Motor on!

PS get the RED one...