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I just joined the 2002 MINI Cooper club this past weekend--decided to sell my car on a whim to a friend(she was recently in a car accident, and could afford a car that was what my Hyundai Accent was worth), so after looking around at what all was available in the area, I found a listing for a 2002 Red MINI(5 spd) with 69k miles on it...and got it for a STEAL.
In the past 4 days, I've basically spent the difference between what I paid, and what it's worth, on a second key, a driver's side door actuator(that my husband is putting in), Blizzak tires(hello blizzard in Iowa!), and an iPod friendly radio. I absolutely don't regret it though! I've never had this much fun driving, or finding little features that I never would have thought to put into a car.
Almost my experience, exactly. Those keys are pricey little devils, aren't they? I wasn't sure that it was such a smart idea to put in the blue tooth radio with satellite and iPod capability but now that I've had it for a couple of months, I'm really quite pleased. This is the most fun I've had in a car since my 240Z 30+ years ago.
Almost my experience, exactly. Those keys are pricey little devils, aren't they? I wasn't sure that it was such a smart idea to put in the blue tooth radio with satellite and iPod capability but now that I've had it for a couple of months, I'm really quite pleased. This is the most fun I've had in a car since my 240Z 30+ years ago.
After having the iPod capable radio in my Accent, I'm having a hard time with not even having an aux-input, even though my new radio will be here Thursday(weather permitting). I've been reading a ton of threads on this board since I bought my car on Saturday, and it just makes me fall in love with it even more. It's so strange to go from a feature-less car to one that has SO many surprises waiting for me.
I've been running Blizzaks for the last 5 years and love them. I'd not be without them. I tried replacing the door lock actuator and gave up, didn't have the patience trying to get my big hands in there. Why do you need a second key? Planning on sharing time in that MINI? One key is all I've needed for 5 years. So, not that it matters, but what does a new key cost these days?
Originally Posted by MININicole
I just joined the 2002 MINI Cooper club this past weekend--decided to sell my car on a whim to a friend(she was recently in a car accident, and could afford a car that was what my Hyundai Accent was worth), so after looking around at what all was available in the area, I found a listing for a 2002 Red MINI(5 spd) with 69k miles on it...and got it for a STEAL.
In the past 4 days, I've basically spent the difference between what I paid, and what it's worth, on a second key, a driver's side door actuator(that my husband is putting in), Blizzak tires(hello blizzard in Iowa!), and an iPod friendly radio. I absolutely don't regret it though! I've never had this much fun driving, or finding little features that I never would have thought to put into a car.
The second key is due to my history of managing to lose my entire key ring for a day or so, every six months, and the one that I have isn't the remote unlock one. We bought the car on Saturday, my husband has yet to get into the driver's seat. :P A new key was $159 at the MINI of Des Moines.
just bought my 02 MCS 2 months ago. it had 49k on it an was stock.. well other then factory options. it was also an amazingly well keep car too so kudos to the original owner. im at 53k now
right now it has
Alta full CAI
Alta catback
Continental Extreme Contact DWS ( ditched the horrible runflats )
Spring plans:
Alta 15% pulley
Alta light weight Crank pulley 2%
RMW street cam
OBX header with Cat
440cc injectors
Tune
ill probably get the stock intercooler done with a thermal dispersant coating and make a diverter plate to maximize cooling efficiency. after reading a lot of post on the matter, it doesnt seem worth the extra money to get a upgraded intercooler. when you get get better results for much much cheaper using the stock one.
here is a recent picture from the other day... i actually think this is the first year this car has seen snow lol.
Hmmm. My Ex had a similar challenge. I remember opening her Bronco II with a coat hanger because one set was in the ignition, the other her purse . . . in the Bronco. I also remember a day many years ago, had to come home from work, the Escort she had, running, keys inside obviously, and one sleeping infant strapped in his car seat, inside. Fortunately, it was a mild day and I worked close to home. So, best of luck! Never put those 2 keys in the same place.
Originally Posted by MININicole
The second key is due to my history of managing to lose my entire key ring for a day or so, every six months, and the one that I have isn't the remote unlock one. We bought the car on Saturday, my husband has yet to get into the driver's seat. :P A new key was $159 at the MINI of Des Moines.
Anyone still have their '02!? i've got 115k on it and it's in great shape. Did cost me a little bit recently to repair a leak and replace some old lines but it's doing great!
Also, anyone drive/upgrade to a newer model? I feel like the new models are no longer a true "driver's car". Thoughts?
Anyone still have their '02!? i've got 115k on it and it's in great shape. Did cost me a little bit recently to repair a leak and replace some old lines but it's doing great!
Also, anyone drive/upgrade to a newer model? I feel like the new models are no longer a true "driver's car". Thoughts?
I'm still holding on to to my '02 MCS!
It just recently started to show its age, not mechanically but on the paint job and a few loose or broken parts like fender trims, hood and tailgate pneumatic holders, instrument panel and dashboard squeaks, etc, but overall it has been a great performer and definitely a keeper!
I own (2) 2002 R53 MINI's - one with 235k - Car A - and a 2nd engine and the other - Car B - with 150k. I just had an Eaton TVS 900 S/C installed on Car A, along with 550 cc injectors and a ViPec ECU on an otherwise stock motor. The old car is now a blast to drive again with tons of low end torque - next is a hotter cam, ported head and header and a meth injection system. Should make about 280 wheel hp and 235 wheel torque on the dyno when those mods are done.
Car B is the "race" car with an 1800 cc built stroker engine using after market pistons, ported head, street header, hotter cam, OS Giken clutch and diff, and ViPec ECU and 1000 cc injectors plus a Rotrex S/C and runs on E-85 or 91 octane fuel. Dynoed at 363 wheel hp and 265 wheel torque using E-85. This car runs totally different than the other car as the power band does not really come alive until about 5000 RPM and extends out to 8000 RPM - much more like a sport bike than a classic supercharged MINI. If I change to a more efficient front mount intercooler and a different cam and do some more tuning, I could see 400 wheel hp - how much can one really use in a front wheel drive car?
Both cars have modded suspensions and coilovers, aftermarket wheels and wider tires, BBK's, roll bars and harnesses, aftermarket seats and lots of carbon fiber parts. People ask me, why spend so much money on 15 - now 16 - year old cars? MINI's are certainly not the fastest cars out there. I have one reason only - they are so much fun to drive on the street and the California twisties and also the track. It is more fun to drive a "slow"' car fast than a "fast" - like a Porsche - car slow.
I never really liked the turbo R56 MINI's starting in 2007. Clutch too light and grabby brakes plus lots of engine problems until they got their act together in 2013 with the N-18 motor. The 2nd generation GP with a few key engine mods is a very good car. The next generation MINI shows a lot of promise but there are still engine problems with the 2 liter motor. Might get one of those down the road. I would buy a MINI Rocketman type car with the 3 cylinder turbo in a second if they would make a smaller car instead of MINI's constantly getting bigger and heavier as the years go by.
Long time stalker, first time poster! This forum has helped me so much! My ‘02 is mildly falling apart and and thanks to everyone here, I’ve managed to keep my car going!
Originally Posted by pnwR53S
Hmmm! Two 1 posters within 17 minutes on a thread that has been dormant for 7 years.
Anyone still have their '02!? i've got 115k on it and it's in great shape. Did cost me a little bit recently to repair a leak and replace some old lines but it's doing great!
Also, anyone drive/upgrade to a newer model? I feel like the new models are no longer a true "driver's car". Thoughts?
I still have my '02! I'm up to 123K miles on it and have loved putting everyone of them on - (I bought it second hand with 32K miles on it about ten years ago).
It's had a lot of maintenance - new clutch, new P/S pump (twice) under the extended warranty and again under the recall. My muffler was looking pretty ragged a couple of years ago and I put on a Borla system. Sweet. Replaced the coolant overflow tank last year and have had problems with it leaking - some due to having the wrong radiator cap but I suspect some of my coolant hoses are nearing their end of life point.
I drove it to work on Monday and grinned all the way. Love this car - don't really see any reason to replace it. Wife drives an 08 Clubman - we'll trade that one for a new AWD Clubman or Countryman in a year or so.
Yes, I'm still here - and with my same original 2002 MINI Cooper.
It just rolled past 640,000 miles yesterday - my wife said her feet were a little cold - but everything else was still purring perfectly. It has been a remarkable car - the door handle stuck at -11 degrees last week - but otherwise there's not even a switch that has to be 'jiggled'. Same suspension, same shocks and struts, - even original muffler till 628,000 miles.
Modifications? What should I do to make this car any better? It has done just fine. I'm not afraid of it. I'm not tired of it. I'm certainly not ashamed of it.
Original owner, '02 MCS with ~64,000miles.....almost exactly 1/10 of @hstanfield !!!!
My activity on this site is amusingly similar to that of my car...1st login since 6/2013, yikes.
While other life-activities have seemed to take priority, my previously pampered fun little car has been waiting for some attention. I'd prefer to think it's still not un-pampered, stored comfortably in a conditioned garage, but a bit ignored, for sure.
Last time I regularly drove my car, I can remember loading my now 6-year-old son in his baby carrier thru the hatch into the rear seat....that was always good for some interesting looks from anyone watching!
Last edited by darksilversupercoupe; Jan 14, 2018 at 10:35 AM.
