Advice on buying 2002 MINI S used

[Ripsaw]

I'm hoping to be in the market for a used 2002 MINI Cooper S, if I can get my current car sold. I should be able to spend around $18,000 US. I need to know what to look for or lookout for... if there are any issues that were a problem on 2002's. I don't care about warranty being expired or almost expired, because I'm over 160 miles from the nearest MINI dealer anyhow, and I don't mind turning my own wrenches, if the need arises. As long as I can get parts and a factory service manual or other detailed service manual, I'm not worried. I'm hoping, however, that any wrenching will be at will for install of mods, and not forced due to a failure. How is the long term reliability on these cars proving out, with the early models now accumulating mid to high miles/kilometers on the odometer?

Thanks. Car I am selling is a domestic (USA) car, which I can take apart and put back together, but these MINIs are new ground for me... Need to learn about them more before looking at any used ones to buy.

[Ripsaw]

Is anyone willing to give me a few tips or pointers?

[mattE]

This isn't an answer to your question but it may help. Have you compared the 2002 to the 2005 S? Several important changes, like extra power and new gearing. If interested, you can check out a short review of the differences in the 2005 MCS MotoringFile Review.

But if you are sticking with your budget, then that's a worthy consideration.

[Ripsaw]

Quote: Originally Posted by mattE

This isn't an answer to your question but it may help. Have you compared the 2002 to the 2005 S? Several important changes, like extra power and new gearing. If interested, you can check out a short review of the differences in the 2005 MCS MotoringFile Review.

But if you are sticking with your budget, then that's a worthy consideration.

Yeah, the new ones are sweet, I'd like to get a 2005, but have decided on used to save $$$$, and also if the warranty is out or nearly out then there's no guilty feeling about modding it and turning my own wrenchs on it Once I get used to the MINI S, I'll take what I saved from not buying new and put the $$$$ into a pulley, cam, exhaust, and tuning to try for 210hp at the flywheel . Strictly going to be a hobby/weekend fun car for me, unless my employer takes away my company car then the MINI would have to pick up work commute duty... ...but its a short drive, only about 8 miles to/from my workplace.

So this is why I'm looking for info on the 2002's from some of you MINI gurus, just to know what particular components on the 2002's might need to be scrutinized a little more closely.

Downside is my current car is a Corvette and with fuel prices out of control she may be a challenge to sell, or I may have to sell for less than current market value.

[RickB]

I've been driving my '02 S for three years, and have accumulated almost 29,000 miles. There have been LOTS of problems noted with '02s, some of which I've had (heat-warped roof, engine "stumble", leaky taillights, squeeky seats, hatch that doesn't latch, buzzing shoulder harness height adjusters, etc.), but none of which were able to dampen my enthusiasm for the car. All of the problems I've had with my car were of the nuisance variety, in that I had to endure them only until I was able to get to the dealer to have it fixed (hardware), or until a fix was available (software).
If I was going to buy another '02, I'd check the service records, to see that the previous owner had kept up with software updates, and other service. Recommended oil change intervals are long, so a car that had an extra oil change or two might be nice. The only "wrench turning" I've done to my car is keeping the wiper/washer reservoirs full, checking the oil, and keeping the tires pumped up. Whether that will change in another 25k is hard to judge.
In my neighborhood, '02 Ss, with low miles, are going for around $20k, and I've seen some that are advertised at almost what I paid for my car, new.

[Eric_Rowland]

Biggest strike against the 2002 is that the circuit for the power steering fan and radiator fan are the same. So if the PS fan goes out - you overheat.
They've got a fix for it, but I'm not sure how much $/how easy it is to implement.
Otherwise, lots of little things like Rick B said. Hopefully those would all have been addressed by the previous owner and the dealer.
- rear hatch latch upgrade (to stop rattles)
- vent grill upgrade (foam to plastic grate)
Other than the newer cars reported as being 'screwed together better' that's all I can think of.
For the longest time it didn't make sense to buy used, given the miles, maintenance and warrantee of the new ones, and the ridiculously high prices of the used ones. That appears to be changing, so now it's in the reasonable realm.

[Spectre]

I bought a 2002 in April. I love it. It had 32K miles on it and other than a few creeks(in the rear somewhere) and rattles (the vent on the dashboard) it's been great. I am experiencing a "shudder" at 1000 RPM when the AC is on. I have some warranty left so I'm going to get it looked at. It did need an alignment though.

[Nippy]

The 2002 models do get the better Getrag gearbox which has been said even by Mini itself as being better than the current gearbox.

[buck]

I too am in the same situation. Looking at an 02 for the wife to run around int. Has 18k miles on it.

What is the factory warranty on these cars? I would like to know if there is any warranty left on the one she is interested in.

I'm also having trouble finding a site that will alllow me to locate my nearest dealer. Can someone point me in the right direction for a site that will do this for me?

Thanks in advance,

Buck

[Spectre]

Quote: Originally Posted by buck

I too am in the same situation. Looking at an 02 for the wife to run around int. Has 18k miles on it.

What is the factory warranty on these cars? I would like to know if there is any warranty left on the one she is interested in.

I'm also having trouble finding a site that will alllow me to locate my nearest dealer. Can someone point me in the right direction for a site that will do this for me?

Thanks in advance,

Buck

Factory warranty is 4years/50K miles. Go to www.miniusa.com
You should be able to locate the dealer closest. If you have the VIN, you can find out where the car was sold at originally. You may need to register in the 'owners lounge' for that. Service is included till 36K by the way.

[erazo]

Sorry to jump in late, but my 2002 MCS (31,000 mi) has been a dream. The dealer fixed the minor problems (expansion tank, rear hatch rattle) and I haven't experienced the seat, tail-lamp, windshield, and other problems others have reported (nor have most 2002 owners, as they largely keep quiet if nothing goes wrong). The supercharged engine and 6-speed Getrag have been my favorite features of this car. I have been changing the oil myself between service intervals, as it's cheap and easy to do.

(To expand on Spectre, service is included for 36k or 3 years, whichever comes first.)

So if you find a well-maintained 2002 and the price is right, go for it. But MINI resale value has remained high, so it's your choice if you want to spend a little more for a newer model.