Buying a Mini One - Should I Be Worried

[mini_mart]

hi, im new to the forum and iv tryed seaching but need clarification/advice.

Im buying a 2002-2003 mini one next week from Cherished:

However im abit worryed as ive herd so much about the gearbox problems,
- Is it a very common problem with the 1st generation.
- would it be covered under the 12 month Cherished warranty.
- was price does it cost to repair (cheapist)

Ive fell in love with the mini but just worried about this problem

Thanks in advance, any help much appreciated

[Sportspack Mark]

Wouldnt be overly bothered about the gearbox!!!

the cherished warrantry will cover a replacement no bother i would imagine,

i bought an 03 one last week off cherished

happy motoring

[mini_mart]

thanks mate, cant wait to join the mini ranks.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Welcome to MINI2

My first MINI was an 02 plate ONE and was bought under the Cherished scheme.

There were 2 things it went back for in the year i owned it. 1) Seat belt tensioner + ABS wiring recall 2) alternator belt needed tightning as she sounded like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang This was all covered under warrenty.

The only gearbox issues it had was with reverse, which is a common MINI 'characteristic' anyway. But if it did need a replacement the warrenty would cover it

Go for it, have fun

[KillerByte]

Actually, I believe he's referring to the reliability problems with the Midland gearbox. Before the facelift, the ONE/Cooper had the Midland box which is notorious for a shorter than expected lifespan amongst other issues. The facelift ONE/Cooper has the Getrag box which is supposed to be much better.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by KillerByte (original)

The facelift ONE/Cooper has the Getrag box which is supposed to be much better.

Still a bit notchy on occasions though having owned both pre and post face lift models.

[mini_mart]

Quote: Originally Posted by KillerByte (original)

Midland box which is notorious for a shorter than expected lifespan amongst other issues

will it still be cover under the warranty thought?

[Sportspack Mark]

well the reverse gear thing in my mini is the exact same problem that my rover 25 had! they sorta dont want to go into reverse so sometimes grind a bit, is that what your on about supa dupa?

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I had the Midlands gearbox in my original Cooper for 32,750 miles. It was a delight to use (much lighter to use than the later Getrag unit) and didn't suffer from the lack of syncromesh on reverse as was the case on the Getrag unit. However, it does have a reputation for early failure and no new units are now available as the factory has been shut. All replacement units are refurbs and, consequently, any replacement gearbox is more likely to fail than the original

Your cherished warranty will almost certainly cover its replacement (ask the dealer for written confirmation before purchase) and cover for the second and third year (though warranty direct) is not expensive and is well worth it for piece of mind. BMW have even been known to be very generous about replacement 'boxes even out of the original warranty period.

I have even heard of specialists that re-build the original 'box to a higher specification to the new unit, replacing all the known weak points with higher spec parts.

What is the mileage on your Cherished MINI?

Tigger.

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportspack Mark (original)

well the reverse gear thing in my mini is the exact same problem that my rover 25 had! they sorta dont want to go into reverse so sometimes grind a bit, is that what your on about supa dupa?

Yep thats the one, i found the way to cure it was to put it into gear slowly and if it didnt work to bring the clutch up and down again (she had 40k on the clock)

Very ocassionally my current 06 ONE crunches going into reverse, but im so used to the MINIs little character now that i tend to not have problems

[Sportspack Mark]

Quote: Originally Posted by supa-dupa-cooper (original)

Yep thats the one, i found the way to cure it was to put it into gear slowly and if it didnt work to bring the clutch up and down again (she had 40k on the clock)

yep thats what i did with the rover, the same gearbox i suspect

gearchange is like stirring a pot of porridge

[mini_mart]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

What is the mileage on your Cherished MINI?
Tigger.

the one im looking at has 43k on the clock, ive not bought it yet. is that what you mean by cover after the Cherished warrant runs out, warrantydirect.co.uk will they still cover the gearbox.

thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Not a huge mileage, though they have been known to fail around the 50-60,000 mark.

Yes, warrantydirect.co.uk is exactly where I would go, I beleive that the gearbox would be covered, but best to check with them.

Personally, I would see if an early version of the facelifted July '04 onwards MINI (the the later Getrag box) is possibly affordable for new spare parts availabilty, longer term viability and much greater peace of mind...

Tigger.

PS: Here's an interesting one to compare "yours" with....

http://www.mini2.com/classifieds/sho...uct/1674/cat/2

Sounds encouraging; one owner from new, 22,000 miles and 7 month's factory warranty to run.

[mini_mart]

its amazing however out my price range, if only i had the cash id go for that one.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

That's fair enough. But, if it's still available, you could always make him (or her) an offer....

Tigger.