Lookign at my first Mini, a 2002

[mikeqube]

I'm going to take a Mini for a test drive tonight. It's 2002 with 71k.
Is there anything I should be looking for? It has the auto transmission. The dealer is only asking 7900 for it.

[James burbidge]

The price is abit steep I think.
Does this come with a warranty?

[mab01uk]

Check the cvt auto transmission works very carefully as they are expensive to fix if faulty, a transmission oil/fluid change is a good idea and a new battery if it is still the original 2002 fitted, as the auto computer is very sensitive to low volts. I would advise taking some kind of warranty out if possible if the potential cvt trans repair/replacement prices are likely to worry you.

[mikeqube]

Quote: Originally Posted by James burbidge (original)

The price is abit steep I think.
Does this come with a warranty?

This is in US dollars. I thought it was an ok price, I didnt see many cheaper around.

I'm also going to look at a 2004 with the auto transmission, it has 50k miles on it for 10k us dollars.

[mikeqube]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Check the cvt auto transmission works very carefully as they are expensive to fix if faulty, a transmission oil/fluid change is a good idea and a new battery if it is still the original 2002 fitted, as the auto computer is very sensitive to low volts. I would advise taking some kind of warranty out if possible if the potential cvt trans repair/replacement prices are likely to worry you.

Any tips on what to look for while driving it?

I bet it has the same low voltage issues as my BMW. I'm currently driving a 325ci with the steptronic, The battery was going on it and cause all sorts of transmissions issues. Put in a new battery and the issues went away.

[mab01uk]

Yes same issues as your BMW with a weak battery........the R50 Cooper 2001-2006 has CVT auto drives differently to conventional automatics.......some like it, some don't, some issues see below:
MotoringFile Archive BMW/MINI Sued Over CVT Failures in Early MINIs

However if you looking at an 2002 R53 Cooper S then All Cooper S, from start of production (2002), had a traditional automatic transmission, not a CVT. The later 2007 onwards Mk2 MINI autos are also conventional type auto transmission.