Thinking of buying a second hand MCS.

[Marlan McLeish]

Hi, I am definately getting a 2nd hand mini cooper within the next 2 weeks however I am not sure if I should just get a year older MCS instead, I am looking at 03 and 04 MCS's and am wondering if theres any issues with pre '54 MCS (I believe thats when they were updated along with MC), as I already know of the gearbox issue with the MC but figured that since MCS uses the getrag from lauch that there shouldnt be any issues there I may be wrong. So basically I want to know of all faults with pre '54 minis, hold no punches as I dont want to regret the choice. (reason for going 2nd hand is because I play to buy the car outright and dont want to use a loan or finance.) I have seen 2 JCW versions of Autotrader for nice money 1s a 2004 the other a 2003 any issues with JCW cooper S'?

Cheers

Marlan

[danb]

I bought a 2002 MCS in october - I have only had 2 problems since buying it.
The first one was the steering column, but as far as I know this is a common problem with minis of all ages. The second has only just cropped up, and is not fixed yet - my passenger seat wont adjust angle - but it is being replaced under warranty.

All I would say, is make sure you but one with a warranty OR have a warranty put on yourself (www.warrantydirect.co.uk is apparantly a good company). IMHO the BMW warranty could not be faulted until recently, warranties extended now incur a £100 excess on any warranty claim - but it is very comprehensive (they are replacing my seat for me)

You mention JCWs, the main good point with them is that all JCW parts are covered my the mini warranty, but if you are after the extra power from a normal MCS - try searching for GTT / BBR / West tuning / Lohen on this forum and you will get to 210hp alot cheaper

[Marlan McLeish]

Hi danb, cheers for the insight, possible not going to go for the works after checking insurance, may just get a MTH chip to 200bhp or something similar for less money. Any other things to look out for on an S.

[northandy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Marlan McLeish

Hi, I am definately getting a 2nd hand mini cooper within the next 2 weeks however I am not sure if I should just get a year older MCS instead, I am looking at 03 and 04 MCS's and am wondering if theres any issues with pre '54 MCS (I believe thats when they were updated along with MC), as I already know of the gearbox issue with the MC but figured that since MCS uses the getrag from lauch that there shouldnt be any issues there I may be wrong. So basically I want to know of all faults with pre '54 minis, hold no punches as I dont want to regret the choice. (reason for going 2nd hand is because I play to buy the car outright and dont want to use a loan or finance.) I have seen 2 JCW versions of Autotrader for nice money 1s a 2004 the other a 2003 any issues with JCW cooper S'?

Cheers

Marlan

The Getrag isnt without its problems either... when I had my June 03 S I had a gearbox clutch and flywheel replaced because of a knocking noise that could be heard on tickover, it was not the throwout bearing before anyone suggests it ...

With the JCW ask wether its the 200 or the 210BHP kit.... the big obvious difference is the JCW air box

[Andrewfuzzy]

Bought a 2002 cooper S 2 weeks ago and it feels just as good as the brand spanking 2002 S i bought in (you guessed it) 2002......only problem was a gearstick cable break 1 week after having it, but thats been fixed under MINI cherished so all is well......doo doo doo do do im lovin it!

[MiniFr34k]

hey mate
i bought a 2nd hand mcs - here are my tips

1) get the chance to drive a mates mcs around if you can. this will give u an idea of what to expect. so if ur mates car is in top notch, and ur driving around in a shaky mcs from a dealer u know not to buy it
2) get familiar with whats under the bonnet, nuts bolts etc. - so when u looknig for a 2nd hand mcs, u know what to spot to see if the previous owner had modded the car
3) get extended warranty.

Cheers & good luck with the purchase.

[danb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Marlan McLeish

Hi danb, cheers for the insight, possible not going to go for the works after checking insurance, may just get a MTH chip to 200bhp or something similar for less money. Any other things to look out for on an S.

Just so you know, the 200Bhp that MTH quote is a bit.. erm, "optimistic", you won't really reach that power unless you have the pulley changed. You should still feel a big dif though, plenty powerfull enough - for a week @ least