[Sandi T]

Hello all - this is my first post on the forum & would really appreciate some honest buying advice.

I am looking at buying a used Cooper but have been rather alarmed at some of the posts regarding gearbox, clutch & steering problems. Is there a particular year of production to avoid? - it seems the early '01 & '02 cars can be a little troublesome. I thought that being a BMW product these would be tough little cars!!

My local Mini dealer has not said much about reliabilty but more or less indicated I should buy a new model or one of his nearly new cars - trouble is my budget will not stretch to this! Basically I need to know if I should avoid any particular age or mileage of used Cooper & should I be looking out for anything on test drive.

Thanks for taking time to read this look forward to hearing your advice!

[Paul]

My advice would be try and get as late a car as you can afford, and really (if you can stretch to it) get a '2005 model year" or later car (produced July 2004 or after, also known as "facelift").

These cars were revised in many ways, including a new gearbox supplier for the One/Cooper.

In general the cars have improved over time, but that said you'd still be unlucky to buy a "bad one", it's just odds are improved as they've tweaked the production and quality process during the production run.

Whatever age you're considering, take it for a test drive, make sure the gearbox feels nice, try going into reverse straight off without engaging any other gear, take in some rought roads and listen for rattles. Just general "used car buying" tips apply really.

[Banana Panceyette]

Hiya Sandi, welcome to MINI2

You gotta remember that all new cars have teething problems and the MINI was no different. Also having said that though, I assume you stumbled upon MINI2 whilst researching problems with the gearbox of the earlier models. Thats generally the reason a lot of people come to a site like this, because they've had or have heard of a problem with the car. As such you'll probably read more negative posts than positive posts - there isn't a lot of point in posting a 'Everything is wonderful with my car' thread. I've had no problems whatsoever with my car but it doesn't make for a very interesting read

Good luck with whatever you decided and remember to post some piccies when you get it

[Sandi T]

Thanks for your views - good to hear your honest & positive feedback. I guess coming on to a forum & looking for 'negatives' is probably not the best way to get a balanced view on a prospective new car!
I am just a litlle nervous as I am coming from a Japanese hatchback which has been utterly reliable since I bought it 4 years/60,000 miles ago - but I just don't get a buzz from driving it. I really really like the whole Mini package & just want to make sure I don't end up with a car attached by bungee rope to my local garage!.
I will keep you posted on what Mini I end up buying & hope to be a regular positive contributor!!

[buds]

Hi Sandi and welcome. Like Paul said your as well to get as late a model as you can! But having said that i know people with 01/02 coopers who have had next to no problems with their cars. It is a bit of luck i suppose.

Be patient when looking for your car, dont jump too soon cos its first 'decent' one to become available. I held off and held off, and by stretching my budget a wee bit i went from buying a low mileage 02, to getting a cracking deal on a '04 Facelift Cooper with basically same spec, minus the Traction control. Couldnt be happier with car, no problems and i still have warranty and TLC left.

If you do go for an older model, stick to what others have said, check it out thoroughly for rattles, whines, reverse engaging without grinding etc. And then once your happy you have a nice one, look at Warranty companies or extending the BMW one as then you have peace of mind that should the worst go wrong, you'll have a degree of cover. ( Usual warranty exclusions would obviously apply )

Other than that, good luck finding your perfect car & good health for driving it!

Anything else you want help or questions on, i think you'll find us a friendly bunch willing to help

Buds

[tatstar]

Hi, I spent 3 months looking for my used Mini, and finally found one with a mini dealer, after looking at private sales and the auctions. The dealership was about 50 miles from where I live and the car was delivered to me on a small transporter free of charge 10 days ago. We did test drive it and everything seemed fine, it's an 02 with 40k miles. However 2 days later I noticed a "growling/grating" noise and the steering sounded "creaky" Straight to google and I found this site (thank heavens). The car went into the local BMW/Mini dealer yesterday and a new steering column was fitted, it is going back in later this week for a new gearbox to be fitted, all under the warranty. Fingers crossed that will be everything sorted, apart from that, it is a fantastic looking car but if there are any more probs I think I may contact the previous keeper and ask why they got rid