Purchasing a used MINI Cooper S

[bakerjam]

Hi there, I'm new to the forum and don't really know where to post this question (there are a lot of sub sections here).

Basically, I'm looking to purchase a used Cooper S and I've been told that newer is always better (obviously) with the MINI. Now I really can't afford a brand new model, so I was looking at 2004-2006.

What I'm looking for from the forum is actual user experiences. Things such as problems, and maintenance to the costs of such repairs, paint/rust problems or differences between model years... anything you can think of.

Thank you, and hopefully your responses will aid in my decision to be a MINI owner!

[LadyVCooperS]

hey!

Welcome!

I found with my Cooper S and my boyfriend JCW that we needed a fuel tanker to follow us! He got about 19mpg

[beken]

Welcome to mini2, Bakerjam.
I noticed you have a Canadian flag so assume you are in Canada. There is also a Canadian thread in this forum so if you want to connect with Canadian MINI drivers, you can check there also.

I have a MCS (MINI Cooper S). Only when it was brand new, I had a few nit picky issues. The MINI dealers (there are 2 in the Vancouver BC area) are very good at fixing problems. To the point where my car has been rock solid and reliable. My regular dealer has mumbled something about not seeing me much. I only have to bring my car in for routine maintenance.

The 2004 MINIs will be falling out of warranty now, so if you are buying a 2004, you should either buy it from a MINI dealer as a MINI Next car (MINI Certified with extended warranty). If it is not covered by MINI, you should make sure it is checked over very closely.

MINIs are so fun to drive, the engine begs to be flogged and many owners are more than happy to oblige. The engine should be reliable even after some hard driving. But check for suspension wear and other normal wear and tear items. Probably a good idea for CAA to do an inspection. I would recommend that for any used car purchase. Any initial problems (when new) that a used MINI may have had should have been resolved under warranty already. If you buy a modded car, and MINI owners love to mod their cars, make sure the mods are to your liking. Some of them may be more suited for track than normal street use and may not be what you are looking for.

Do your research. There were some changes made between the 2004 and 2005 MINIs. Not that many changes from 2005 to 2006. Have fun and good luck on your quest for your MINI.

[Ferroequine]

I think that you'll find that with the 2005 and 2006 models, most of the bugs were worked out and the cars are quite reliable. I've only had minor niggles with my 2006 that the dealer fixed up without a problem.

Good luck with your search!

[mrstirs]

I would second what LadyV says - they drink a lot of petrol!

I have no other complaints or issues, except for a few interior trim/seat rattles. I'm not sure that they can be avoided though - with 17s, run flats and the hard suspension....

[Phatmospheric]

I would definitely be conscious of suspension wear in any MCS near the 50,000 mile mark. I had to replace my front lower control arm bushings at 48,000 miles and had they not been covered by warranty they would have set me back around $600. Most of that is labor, and unless you are a very confident mechanic with a decent shop at your disposal, I wouldn't try this on my own.

Also, in a higher mileage MCS I would recommend buying one with new shocks as well as new upper strut mounts. I replaced mine around the 65,000 mile mark and the parts alone were almost $800 - Koni adjustable shocks were $550 & Upper mounts were around $250 for the pair.

The handling is what makes an MCS so fun and when the suspension is worn out, the fun factor is gone! Otherwise my '02 MCS has been great! Good luck with your search, eh!

[dakini]

welcome!

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniVee (original)

I think that you'll find that with the 2005 and 2006 models, most of the bugs were worked out and the cars are quite reliable. I've only had minor niggles with my 2006 that the dealer fixed up without a problem.

Good luck with your search!

i agree with what MiniVee said ... 05 and 06 really seem to have the little problems worked out of them.

i also have an 06 S and haven't had any real problems. Other than the fact it uses fuel because I like to drive it so much

[bakerjam]

Thanks for the responses guys. Much appreciated!

[Yardstick]

I have not long bought a new MCS and had some troubles with it which may result in me giving it back. Read it in the faults and fixes forum.