Hello, all. I've been a MINI fan for a looong time, and my old car was recently stolen (check out Off-Topic for more on that). I'm looking for a new car now, and a local chick is selling her '02 MC. It's got about 55K miles on it. I've made plans to go see the car on Monday, and in the meantime I'm going to do (more) research. :impatient

I'm a bit nervous about buying a used Cooper b/c I've been reading the posts here on NAM. I'd love to hear from '02 Cooper owners about their experiences. Please reply here or PM me. Thanks! :smile:

 

If the car has the 5-speed manual Midlands transmission, I would steer away from it. The manual transmission in the 2002-2004 MC is a huge liability because it has had reliability issues requiring full gearbox replacements. I don't recommend it.


If it is a CVT, then ask and look carefully over the service history of the vehicle. If the seller refuses to give out any service records, be suspect of the car.

With the car's serial VIN number, any MINI dealer in the country can pull out its service history from actual records. Carfax.com is another good idea to verify if the vehicle indeed has a "clean" title.

Having said all this, our 2002 MC CVT has been rock solid reliable. it currently has 32K miles and looks showroom new inside and out. Still has 1 year left in the warranty. We would love to sell it to you, but MINI will not release the Clubman station wagon until the tail end of 2007, so we have to keep it for another couple of years and we don't mind...It has been a fantastic MINI.

 

Have you considered ordering a brand new 2006 MC? The price difference between an used MC and a new one may not be that substantial, because these cars retain their resale value almost approaching the price of a new one, ordered to taste.:smile:

Some food for taught.

 

Yeah, that's what I'm looking into now. My local MINI dealership doesn't carry "bone stock" Coopers, plus they add a markup, so the cheapest car I would be able to get from them would cost about $22K.

I started calling MINI dealers in the Bay Area...then I called Rasmussen in Portland. Nothing in my price range (preferably $19K or less). Now I'm working my way east. I found a nice Cooper on MOTH's website for about $19K, which is right up my alley. Now I have to find out how long it would take to ship. If they can get it to the West Coast in about 2 weeks, that will work great because my insurance company has extended my rental coverage till 9/26. (They've been dragging their heels on paying my claim, so I'm in a "holding pattern" right now. Grr!!! )

 

Would suggest that if you know a reliable certified mechanic to go over the car, it would be a good idea.

I had NO problems with my '02 and would not hesitate to jump in a drive to the left coast. Wife wanted a convertible, and that's why we traded...

 

We enjoyed our '03 Cooper although that didn't stop us from trading it for an '05 S.

However, as much as we loved the car the thought of paying for repairs after the car was out of warranty was a HUGE concern. We did have some issues and if they had occured out of warranty they would have cost us lots...

Not only that, but it's an 02 and as first year cars they have their own special brand of bugs in them... Many were reliable, but many others were hell...

 

You can certainly order a new '06 MC 5-speed for well under $20K as long as you keep the options in check.

 

You might want to check the Mini dealer here in Salt Lake. They DO sell at MSRP, but I don't think they have any just sitting around (at least for sale). They probably have 30 or so on the lot, but are all sold to out of state residents. Maybe you'll get lucky and someone backed out. You can try them at 801-892-6957. I'm going down to order mine this weekend. Good luck...

 

FWIW... Here's a link to a reliability index

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/re...I&model=Cooper

They seem to be just fine with the '02s

 

I'd say get a used MCS before buying a new MC for 22k.

 

I have an 02 Mini Cooper L. The L stands for Lemon. I love to drive it, but it has been a lot of trouble. It was an early 02 (launch edition), dont know if that makes a difference, but has gone through a transmission, clutch, 2 fans, many seat repairs, and something was done to the engine before I would take it home because it clicked (I think it was the pistons or something, I forget). All but the clutch were covered by warranty (the clutch cost $1400...ouch!) But even with the warranty there is the cost of not having the transportation when its in the shop, and getting to the dealer if it is not near your home.

I would strongly reccommend getting a little newer than 02. I know that most 02 owners are happy, but if you have my luck you may get a lemon too. If I had the chance again I would definately buy a MINI again, but a newer one, and an S.

 

I was in Albuquerque about a month ago and I noticed that the MINI dealer there had a lot of cars on the lot. All Coopers, no S's. I didn't stop and check any stickers. Hope you find one soon.

 

Oh yeah, and if you are going used, search the internet (like autotrader) for MINI's at non-MINI dealerships and you may find a better deal. I bought mine at a Chevy dealership for a much better price than I found at the Mini dealership. Also, I told them that it was bare bones stock. They didnt know any better and I talked them way down (it actually had the sports package and heated seats). They didnt have a clue.

 

Sandia MINI is MSRP. Talk to Michael Barrazza (800) 697-0239. I bought Tigger 2 from him a couple of weeks ago.

 

I PMd you, coopchick. Then I even sent a P.S. PM, too!


Clover

 

you might want to check some of the dealers that sponsor this forum ... Mini of the Hamptons has a lot of MC's in stock and they deliver cross country for about $500 ... worth a look.

 

Thanks for replying, everybody. I've gotta scroll back up and read your responses again!

Lurch, I'll probably end up getting an '05 Cooper from MOTH. I checked their website earlier today and found a nice PS/B Cooper - only the sunroof was added, which is cool with me. They're asking $18.7K (+ shipping etc.). I think I can manage that, so I called & talked to one of their salespeople. I've put down a $500 deposit and will deliver the balance later.

Woo woo, I might get to be a real Coop-chick!

 

YAYAYAYAYAYYYYY!!! What great news, sweetie! Keep us posted!


Clover

 

Congrats coopchick! You're gonna love it! Very smart to get an '05!

 

A smart coopchick at that

 

sounds great, glad that I could of been of some help. MOTH usually has some good inventory as locally they are kind of off the map here in NY. But I tried to deal with them when looking for an MC a few years ago and they were very nice ... although did not end up buying from them due to the distance to me and not being able to get loaners from closer dealers, etc.

Good luck and happy motoring!

 

Coopchick, the smartest thing U can do is to avoid Niello MINI like the plague. Not only do they tack on markups, they have mandatory accesory paks with nearly 400% markups, and they are generally d**ks customer-service wise anyway! Although MOTH might be the answer, how about East Bay MINI in Pleasanton, or Albuquerque, or Denver? I know the last two are MSRP, not sure about EB. I know Denver has some MC's on their lot. Call Vince or Rob 303-798-1500. Good luck, Jimbo

PS if you're going to buy used, try to find an O4 or maybe an 05. An 02 out of warranty is a gamble, to say the least