1st Gen R50 Cooper Need Help with MINI

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by mk2gtirob, Apr 8, 2011.

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  1. mk2gtirob

    mk2gtirob New Member

    Apr 8, 2011
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    #1 mk2gtirob, Apr 8, 2011
    Hey im new to the whole mini thing, im a volkswagen person, but I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me with some questions I had over the mini's. My g/f is currently looking to get one, so far we've looked at an 03 and 05 I believe. She would prefer an automatic and doesn't matter if its base model or top of the line as long as its in our price range. Which brings me to my questions, how well does the automatic trans hold up on these cars? Is there areas prone to rust or moisture build up? As far as maintenance, are they expensive to keep on the road? I had more questions but rose are the only things I can think of for now. If anyone knows what I should look for please let me know. :) much appreciation for any insight.

    ROB
     
  2. BoCRon

    BoCRon Active Member

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    #2 BoCRon, Apr 8, 2011
  3. mk2gtirob

    mk2gtirob New Member

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    #3 mk2gtirob, Apr 8, 2011
    That site is crazy helpful! Thanks a ton for the knowledge!
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #4 Crashton, Apr 9, 2011
    Best advice I can give you, do NOT buy a MINI with a CVT automajic. You can get an 05 MCS with a normal automajic.

    Good luck on your search. If you have more questions you know where to come.
     
  5. mk2gtirob

    mk2gtirob New Member

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    #5 mk2gtirob, Apr 11, 2011
    Alright now here is another question. I found a 03 mini near where I live and the dealer said it was a trade in from a 60yr old woman. Its a 5 speed and regular mini from what I gather... not an s. We test drove it the other day and the clutch seems very stiff on it, is that normal? And also they want 8000 for it with 82,000 miles on it. Good deal? Has some scratches and dings but decent overall. I just don't know whether it'd be worth it or not. Plus id have to teach my g/f how to drive stick shift.... again Idk how easy this would be on this car because of the stiff clutch.
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #6 Nathan, Apr 11, 2011
    MINI's tend to hold their value, especially with gas prices these days so the price is not at all out of line.

    Can you get the service history for the vehicle?

    Often times with the last 6 characters of the VIN you can contact the local dealer and ask them.
     
  7. amberback

    amberback Club Coordinator

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    #7 amberback, Apr 11, 2011
    Look for the newest S with the least amount of miles you can afford. 05/06 are ideal.

    Like others said DO NOT buy a non-S automatic unless it is newer than 2007 (2nd gen).
     
  8. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    #8 agranger, Apr 11, 2011
    Actually, I think that the Cooper (non-S) automatics on the '05 and '06 models were OK... just be sure to skip the CVT automatic transmissions that were on the non-S models in the early years.

    A non-S is a perfectly nice commuter car. I love the power that my S has, but it isn't a necessary thing for everyone.

    Personally, I like the '05 and '06 models (Cooper or Cooper S) of the older generations.... there was a refresh for '05 and it made a nice difference. The next generation of cars (hardtops from '07 forward) are nice daily drivers.
     

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