Buying a mini within 48 hours - Help Please :)

[servicebuzz]

Hey Guys,

I've always wanted to buy a mini and I think I'm going to scratch that itch this week. I've heard the 2004's have problems with electrical, so I thought 2006 should be okay.

I found a 2006 w/ 70,000K at an amazing price. Its the exactly package and colour that I want.

My questions to anyone in the know are:

1) What kind of big money (non-regular maintenance) expenses should I expect soon since it already has 70,000k.
2) Any known problems I should be aware of for 2006 years?
3) When does the timing belt need to be changed?

and

4) Should I just spend a few more thousand and get an 08 or 09?

Any help would be appreciated.

PS. It's probably going to be an auto
PPS. Im going from a Mazda 3 Sport 2.3L to this, I'm hoping its more fun to drive in traffic and on the highway.

[Caveman]

Which model are you looking to buy ... a Cooper or Cooper S?

If you're thinking about buying a Cooper with an automatic transmission you should buy a 2007 or newer model. Earlier Cooper automatic models had a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which was problematic and cost an "arm and leg" to replace.

[designer_label]

My 2004 didnt have electrical problems, really you want to go for a from July 2004 facelift model for from 2007 the newer shape MINI.

The early 2001-Mid 2004 MINIS had gearbox issues (these were changed from mid 2004 and it got new bumpers and rear lights too and other little improvements)

Go for a later car as possible where MINI would have sorted any issues out they had with earlier models.

Has it got full service history? Give it a good test drive check no warning lights are on and make sure all the dials inside the car work.

Check the power steering on models earlier than 2007