I posted early this week about about an unbelievable deal on a MCS for around 12 grand . It ended up being a scam, no biggie, I just hope no one else falls for it

I'm still in the market for a used MCS but was just wondering a few things:

1. Is there a particular model year I should avoid?
2. How many miles are too many?
3. What are some potential problem/problem areas I should look for on a MCS?
4. Anything other advice you guys/gals have for a newb and future MCS owner.

Thanks!

 

I'm no expert. I'm just going by what I've heard and read.

Althought most of the fixes have been addressed, I've heard 02s had some problems. I doubt you'd still find one with problems though.

The mile issue should be address based on if you still want factory warranty. If warranty is an issue, you're MINI's age is a factor too. I've seen some really great, low miles MINIs for sale, but because of how old, the factory warranty was almost up. Just remember 4 years or 50,000 miles.

You could always factor in an extended warranty into the amount you are spending. Either ask the seller to purchase one or ask the price to be lowered so that you can get one yourself. Be aware that most extended warranties won't cover modded MINIs. Which brings me to my other point.

Modded MINIs are awesome, but you have to be aware of what you are buying into. Make sure you are aware of the mods and how they effect the engine and drivetrain and more importantly their effect on warranty.

 

I'm no expert, but it seems to me the newer the car the less problems, at least to some extent. As they continue to build these fine little cars they have gotten rid of some of the early bugs that they had. I have a friend with a 2003 MCS & she has had zero problems with her car. She has an 06 on order so hers is for sale. If you're interested PM me & I'll put you in touch with her. Mines a 2006 & it's way to early to know how it will be, but I'm thinking It'll be great.

Chuck

 

1. No, though I'd say the younger, the better. Small changes like the speedo readout in the tach on the '04 may or may not be important to you.
2. Up to you. Key is paying commesurate with the mileage. If warranty is important, <50K is good.
3. Depends on year. '02 has PS fan and radiator fan on same circuit, so if the PS fan goes, you overheat if not moving. Check for 'bog' and 'yoyo'. Search on those topics for exhaustive discussion.
4. Read. Read a lot. Then let us know if you have any specific questions.

 

thanks for the help
I have been doing a ton of reading! I'm pretty pumped on getting a MCS. one of the first things I plan to do is the VGS mod that andy@ross-tech came up with to help solve the yo-yo-ing. I've also read about people not being able to shift into 1st and having to double clutch to get the car into 1st gear, but I can't remember is this was a huge issue with the old tranny. are there any other 'things' I should be concerned about with the 02-04 tranny? How about MCS owners that are past 50,000 miles? any problems?

 

There are a few owners here in NAM past the 100K mile mark with no problems.