Purchasing advice for used MCS - Got one!!

[jb4845]

Hi all,

I am currently thinking about a used MCS as a replacement for my current MX5 - it is a daily driver and I am finding the soft top element too noisy for the frequent hour long freeway drives I need to do - I also need to make calls during my trips.

What has lead me to the MCS, apart from the looks, is that I also participate in motorsport activities and need something capable on hillclimbs, motorkhana's and sprints.

But the budget is not endless - I am looking at spending around the $30K mark so it will need to be an early MCS.

I guess I am wondering that now these cars have been on the road for 3-4 years and done 50,00 k's plus what sort of issues I am likely to experience or need to keep an eye out for when looking for my MCS.

I have searched and a lot of the posts about the 2002 or 2003 models are from the early days, mostly issues with rattles (can live with them), rough handling (MX5 on lowered springs is no magic carpet ride) and computer issues (I gather most of these would have been sorted).

Any info appreciated, especially in relation to the Aussie models and their standing up to our road conditions.

Josh

[minigolf]

Can't really help you with anything specific except to say good luck and that based on anecdotal evidence from MINI2 if an owner has been persistent any niggling problems are by and large all sorted by the time the car is a few years old.

I also spotted a 2003 CR/W MCS at one of the local dealers here in Canberra the other day. I think they were asking $34K and it only had 50,000kms on it from memory. Send me a PM if you're interested in the details.



Cheers Liam

(Oh, for the record I've had a brief drive in a 1991 MX-5 and I immediately saw some similarities between it and my MCS. The biggest one being the FUN factor!)

[Gr1zzLy]

There's actually a few MCSs on the market for < $30k with a decent enough mileage. Most of the problems people encounter are rattling pieces, but nothing particularly major, but they are annoying. That's not to put you off the MCS, but just be aware of these things. Overall it's a hoot to drive.

Also depending on where you drive it'll determine on how much petrol it drinks.. I do alot of driving in peak hr traffic and I can only get at best 10.5L/100km. With computer issues I know that you can just go to your nearest BMW dealership and ask for the latest software... btw BMW = $$$$.. just be aware of that.

Also, the suspension is particularly tight for Sydney roads.. esp Parramatta rd... and you're constantly grimacing at every pothole... alternatively you're constantly swerving around to avoid them....

[jb4845]

Thanks for the replies

I am in Newcastle and do a bit of work on the central coast so drive the freeway a bit - currently getting around 8-9l/100k's out of the MX5 so hope to get near that in the MCS.

Minigolf - thanks for the heads-up on the Canberra car - will get in touch if I need more info

I have finance on my current car finishing in September so need to wait until then until I move - just trying to get some research in early.

I know BMW=$$$'s - as a rough idea how much for a general service? And are there any other costs to expect in relation to running (aside from the obvious)?

Current MX5 sits on lowered King springs and Koni shocks so rides firm and flat - not worried about that aspect - just needs to hang on at the track

Josh

[play fife]

My last service on a Cooper not a S was just alittle over $500.

Daniel

[minigolf]

Josh, from all reports Klosters MINI dealership are good on service and well priced for their work and parts, so you should be on to a good thing in that regard. I reckon just keep an eye out on carsales and the like so you get a good idea of asking prices and then you can also see what's selling and what's not.

Highway driving tends to be quite economical in my exeprience. I've managed to get from the centre of Canberra to the centre of Melbourne on one tank crusing at an indicated 115km/h. That's about 640-650 kms from a 50 litre tank. Not earth shatteringly brilliant economy, but pretty good all things considered.

[n00b]

Service cost..

Just an oil change - labour + oil filter works out to be $90 with a bit of spare change (of course plus the cost of the actual oil) which isn't bad considering that's how much I am paying for a Subie.

Inspection 1 - I think I've paid a $350 once and another time over $500? Depends on where you go I suppose.

Inspection 2 - wouldn't have the slightest clue..but should soon find out it's only different from Inspection by a couple of belts plus the spark plugs.

Buy a stock car is a good idea IMO, I find them far better to drive than modded ones if you're chasing balance in all areas (cornering, braking, acceleration etc..) Sure the limits are higher with the modded ones but things aren't as cohesive anymore. I hate driving mine these days.

[MiniFr34k]

Not sure exactly what info you are after (ie 2nd hand mini's or just minis in general? sounds like ur after info about minis in general which others have chimed in about).

But, given that i have purchased a 2nd hand mini last year and what i have experienced since ownership, here are my tips:

1) Dont catch the modding bug. It will set u back far enough to buy a NEW mini.

2) Watch out for dealers who rave on about 1 year warranty on your used car. They are
telling half truths. The actual name is called APPROVED USED CAR WARRANTY. In effect this warranty excludes alot of stuff considered as 'consumables'. Make sure u read the booklet

3) The later the model the better

4) I honestly believed my car was a good buy. But its a 2002 model so ive experienced: Jammed seats, squeeky sunroof, airbag lights, broken seat raiser thingy, broken heater core in a year. I think this is just due to it being a 2002 model. Hence point (3) above & be prepared for these issues.

Anything else give us a yell.

[jb4845]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniFr34k

4) I honestly believed my car was a good buy. But its a 2002 model so ive experienced: Jammed seats, squeeky sunroof, airbag lights, broken seat raiser thingy, broken heater core in a year. I think this is just due to it being a 2002 model. Hence point (3) above & be prepared for these issues.

So is the 2002 model one to watch out for, or hae you just been unlucky? Seems a 4 year old car should not have had some of these probs

and n00b, what do you mean about hating driving yours these days?

Josh

[Gr1zzLy]

I'll 2nd Klosters... I'm all the way in Sydney, but had my first service done there. Just way better service than what I had been getting here... but mind you, I think Canterbury provide pretty good service, but their pricing is not as competitive as Klosters.

Like Pete said, the newer the model the better... chances are you'll have less problems than the older models. Also, avoid the sunroof... it's a nice thing to have, but I reckon it just causes too many problems, i.e. had to get mine changed in the first week I had the car, and I bought mine new.

[MiniFr34k]

jb845 - i think it was a case of 'unlucky' as well as ironing out the bugs in its early days..

for my car unlucky would be:
- jammed seat
- broken seat latch
- broken heater core

imo bugs in the car are things like:
- creaks and rattles
- sunroof squeeling
- airbag light
- rust
- coolant leaks (expansion tank etc)
- power steering failure

[minigolf]

The other common problem is the harmonic damper might make a bit of a ticking sound. It's not bad, just annoying. It should be acknowledged as a common fault though as a few of us have had that replaced (see thread below)…

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...ml#post2502958

[n00b]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniFr34k

- creaks and rattles
- sunroof squeeling
- airbag light
- rust
- coolant leaks (expansion tank etc)
- power steering failure

The sunroof doesn't squeal on mine, it just rattles all the time and it's not exactly cheap to fix it at the dealer or the guys that actually made it (Webasto). The catridge will wear out over time just matter when it's gonna give up. Apparently it's just the clips that have worn out but Webasto have made it such a way it can't be replaced/serviced.

Rust is a hit and miss thing, some cars don't have it while some 3 months old brand spanker reported to have some surface rust appearing. It pays to check thoroughly prior to purchase.

Coolant tanks...while it won't affect performance but the sight of it spilling everywhere on the extractor shield and the smell of it evaporating is a bit of a turn off.

Power steering doesn't fail all that easily but if the fan ingested something and clogged up, the power steering pump motor will eventually overheat and byebye. There's other steering problem namely the steering column. I've had a 4 replaced over 2 cars so averages out 2 per car. Mine's on the way out again but there's no way in hell it will be replaced this time given the cost ($500ish ex gst for the part, 2-3 hours labour which works out to be over $800). You can feel a clunk in the steering when you turn 3/4 of a circle.

Some of the normal trait or behaviour of a MCS includes - big grin on the driver's face, constant changing of tyres, the car loves to dip onto one side (blame the driveshafts aren't equal length) and tramlining particularly when the tyres are on its way out.

Quote:

and n00b, what do you mean about hating driving yours these days?

Don't worry, I was talking to myself again just getting annoyed with the way how mine behaves these days after all the mods fitted. However, I would stay away from Whiteline or King springs.

[robbo mcs]

Quote: Originally Posted by jb4845

So is the 2002 model one to watch out for, or hae you just been unlucky? Seems a 4 year old car should not have had some of these probs

and n00b, what do you mean about hating driving yours these days?

Josh

Hi,

Just remember there are thousands of people out there driving minis who have never had a single problem This kind of thread attracts people with problems, but you rarely get someone saying the car is fine

For the record, I have 2 minis

Sparky is my daily driver. 2003 model, with 60k's on the clock. The car only recently had the second scheduled service (at 55kms). The car runs like a dream, and has never had a single problem of any kind I average 7.4l / 100km with a fair bit of freeway / country road driving

My other car is Maddie, which is a modded and stripped out racecar. She has done 52kms, of which I estimate 35km at least is racing or rallying. The car has been very reliable. I have had a few minor problems, but they are all expected from racing. The main components have been very solid and reliable

Cheers

Robbo

[Smurfn]

Quote: Originally Posted by jb4845

Hi all,

I am currently thinking about a used MCS as a replacement for my current MX5 - it is a daily driver and I am finding the soft top element too noisy for the frequent hour long freeway drives I need to do - I also need to make calls during my trips.

What has lead me to the MCS, apart from the looks, is that I also participate in motorsport activities and need something capable on hillclimbs, motorkhana's and sprints.

But the budget is not endless - I am looking at spending around the $30K mark so it will need to be an early MCS.

I guess I am wondering that now these cars have been on the road for 3-4 years and done 50,00 k's plus what sort of issues I am likely to experience or need to keep an eye out for when looking for my MCS.

I have searched and a lot of the posts about the 2002 or 2003 models are from the early days, mostly issues with rattles (can live with them), rough handling (MX5 on lowered springs is no magic carpet ride) and computer issues (I gather most of these would have been sorted).

Any info appreciated, especially in relation to the Aussie models and their standing up to our road conditions.

Josh

There's a nice Orange/white MCS on Tudor St for ~$35K

And Klosters are very good for servicing etc, I don't think anyone has had a problem with them, and they seem to be cheaper than most other places for servicing.

Most of the cars in your age group will have the minor niggles sorted out.

Good luck with your search