I'm brand new here and considering buying a Mini Cooper.

I've just gotten really serious about them and have been doing some research.

I haven't found the official Mini website very helpful. A lot of cute graphics, but not enough real feature explanations. (i.e. difference between ASC+T and DSC).

I've found a used car that looks okay. It has almost a year of warranty left (yes- the original was only 2 years here).

I don't know all of the Mini terms for the equipment, but here is a description:

Here is what it does not have:

The price is reasonable. From looking at the equipment above.... anything I should know or specifically look for?

I would look to the dealer to take care of any recall work before the end of the warranty.

Thanks,
Bill

 

Welcome photoguy...check around here on MCO and some of the other MINI sites, such as MINI2, and roadfly and you'll get some good info on some of the problems that existed with the earlier models. That will give you insight on what to look for on this MINI. You might consider buying new also. Good luck! :smile:

 

HI, I agree with the above poster. I'd worry about production problems in a 2001 model.

Also I read twice and either I'm blind or you didn't put the price, so I can't tell if its reasonable or not!

:smile:

 

Dear PhotGuy,

I presume you are not in the US since the year is an '01... I don't think we had them yet.

The shift linkage was a problem, it would "pop" off and render the car immobile. Many of the fixes have already been sorted out and the dealer has encountered them so the fix should be quick. The packages that you have listed have been relatively trouble free, check the service manual for the dealer services and times to make sure it was maintained up to date, most Minis are. I have read tons on most of the problems and I have had some myself (coolant tank3, pulley bearings, steering creak, trunk rattle, ashtray lid). I think the problems are part of the Mini legacy. I have heard stories from my parents about their Mini in the 70's, they still loved the car. Keep in mind, Mini does not give loaner cars, they make you rent one and submit an expense report for reimbursement.

The ASC is basically a wheelspin control for accelerating
The DSC is a directional Active ABS system that reduces skidding when turning.

I have the same A/C & electric packages ( I do have the ASC). I haven't heard of any electrical issues with the electric package and the A/C temp turn dials are very true to Mini's style and ease of use, I like it, it's simple. If it drives solid and feels tight, go for it ! You will become a Miniac.

Don't Buy It If It Was a Rental !!!

Hope this helps.

Kesh420
MCS EB/W 16,900 miles and I love it.

 

>>I presume you are not in the US since the year is an '01... I don't think we had them yet.

That's right. I'm an American, but living in Switzerland at the moment.

And to respond to Pebble's question... I didn't put the price since I didn't think it was relevant. Just for fun.... it works out to be about US $17.5k. The weak US Dollar right now makes the conversion look expensive.

I'm guessing that a car that was purchased new here in Dec. 2001 was probably built about same as a 2002 model in the US.

Thanks for the input.

Bill

 

>>Don't Buy It If It Was a Rental !!!
>>
Also don't buy it if it was a DEMO!!


Good luck. I'd buy new if you can. The cars are so much better now. You could go base and get the MFSW if you're worried about money.

Needler

 

>>Good luck. I'd buy new if you can. The cars are so much better now. You could go base and get the MFSW if you're worried about money.
>>

Buying a brand new one isn't a good option for me.

I will relocate within 3 years, assuming that I move back to the US, I will need to sell the car. It's better to buy a 1-2 year old car that is already taken the hit on initial depreciation and then sell it.

That's one of my big concerns about the Mini.

A late 2001 build is best for me financially. But I'm concerned about getting a buggy car.

 

Sounds pricey. If you're looking for resale value, offer 'em 12K US and drive away happy.

 

>>Sounds pricey. If you're looking for resale value, offer 'em 12K US and drive away happy.

$12k would not buy the car. The asking price is about fair market value for here. An absolute steal would bt $15k. There aren't many used Minis out there and the wait for a new one is about 2 1/2 months.