[Dan_]

Hi
My girlfriend needs a new car and she wants a regular Mini Cooper (not S) 2003-2005 under 60,000 km's. What do we need to know about it ? How reliable is this particular model made between '03-'05 ?

Thanks for any inputs

If it's a repost, don't blame me, I'm new, I just need some quick facts ... we'll buy the car used in about a month and a half...

[West9]

Hi mate, welcome to Mini2.

The biggest difference between the models, and there are 2 different ones in that period, the R50 which is the Pre 05 and the R53 which is the Post 05 (I think)

The biggest difference apart from looks is the gear box, with the pre 05 you have the midlands gearbox, considered quite un-relyable amongst owners, I think one gearbox you are lucky for it to last 35k and not have it changed, but with the post 05 a new box was introduced, it has a couple of niggles but nothing major, and they last a hell of alot longer.

Looks wise, I drive a 2005 Plate Mini ONE, I have had a new box and clutch at 22k but that was more of the garage being nice... rather than fix the problem that was niggly, they just replaced the whole thing. but generally I think the 05ers look a bit nicer than the Y-2003 Models.

I dont think there are many more issues really apart from that... do a little search on niggles with the particular model you want, and take my advice and go through the cherished scheme, it will cost you a little more, but it will come with a 1 year warrenty and a good year or so of free servicing

[humph]

A link to a similar thread, which itself has links to a few more.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-d...ni-cooper.html

For a potted model history see this link.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...ni_generations

Ignore the r50, r53 designations as they are just confusing and they don't get used much outside of this forum really. This point is proved by the post above which is incorrect, r50 is MINI ONE/Cooper 2001-Oct 06, and R53 is Cooper S 2001-Oct 06.

I think it is a little unfair to say that all MIdlands boxes will fail by 35k. This is not true, if it were the MINI reputaion would be in tatters and as a company they would have a major recall problem. It is considered by many to be the the weakest link, along with the clutch in early cars. Check for slipping clutch, and a rumble from the gearbox when the clutch is in and the car in neutral. Try and find out a bit about the cars history and the type of driving it has done, city is hard on the clutch. Rattles etc in the cabin are also a problem on some earlier cars. The Midlands box was replaced in July 04 with the more reliable Getrag unit when the car had a general facelift. Try and stretch the budget to a facelift car if possible.

Advice is simple, as with all cars, buy the newest and best your budget will allow. I personally wouldn't be swayed by an older car with big spec, as a lot of options don't hold value anyway. Don't buy anything you believe may have been abused or mistreated. Try and get a post July 04 facelift car at the very least.

Sure there is plenty I've missed but there are many many threads on here about this.

Happy hunting.

[Dan_]

Thanks for your replies. Its ok , i'm familiar with production codes, I own a BMW E39 facelift too.

I'm looking to pick-up the car used from Germany ... for safety reasons regarding mileage and maintainance. I live in RO by the way.

Humph you're right , I'm not looking to pick-up a loaded 2002 with pano,xenon,etc. in front of a 2005 cooper without those options. Except for the pano-roof, I think I can retrofit the rest without any problem in the future. Oh , and we're looking for a manual , not auto. I'll digg more on the forums to see what other owners have to say about their cars.

Thanks anyways for your advice regarding the faulty gearbox.

Dan

[Paul]

I would certainly do all I could to get a facelift model (July 2004 build onwards), as the getrag box is much stronger than the midlands unit (and more reliable if feedback on here, and personal experience is anything to go buy). Plus they have a more smartly constructed interior which, in theory, reduces likely hood of rattles and such.

[Dan_]

Ok , so far we have decided. It will be a late 04 or 05 model.

However, I was looking on mobile.de right now, and saw this Mini with a weird interior... it has a different dash then the others listed. I'm not allowed to post links yet, I don't have 5 posts, but it has two clocks , one for the rpm and the speedometer and the big one is for the water, oil, etc.

May I know what's the difference between this type of dash and the others ?

[humph]

The car you have seen has the optional Chrono pack. Opinions on here are somewhat split on whether that is a good thing or not. Either love it or hate it.

[Dan_]

IMO I like it. It is much easier to follow the speedo while driving , for a girl

[humph]

It's not always an easy option to find. To let you know the speed can be displayed on the digital part of the little tacho in front of you in any post facelift car.

[Richard Crofts]

They are pretty good. Try to get a facelift July 2004 model or later as they switched from the unreliable (according to most, although my midland boxes were great) to the better getrag box.

R

[Dan_]

That's nice , I didn't know about that. We have a local BMW dealer here in my town , but it doesn't keep any MINI's in showroom because of the low demand.