Hello everyone,
I belong to other car message boards and think that these auto forums are the greatest tool we have, it is almost like moving into a new neighborho with each " Marque" of automobile.
I have been googling Mini Cooper the last 2 days and I am in a quandary. Please help me with my decision in possibly purchasing a 02 Cooper Coupe.
Having owned BMW's, Porsche, Mercedes, and Audi's, I really think these cars are a quality piece and I like the interior more than my Boxster. The car I am considering is a base model, 39k miles, Indi Blue, Black Leather, and has the auto CVT transmission. This is my biggest concern, the current of 2 prior owners has recently had the car serviced, I believe it was the type of minor service where they go over the vehicle generally inspect it. Unfortunately the owner declined the suggested transmission service, and there were no other items on the service ticket.
My first order of business if purchased is to perform the Trans. Service, and I noticed the coolant reservoir was low. This appears to be another common issue, again my recent research has shown this to be several common fixes ranging from a new exp. tank, t-stat seals, blower/fans, relays etc.
I don't have a problem freshening up fluids, exp. tank, blowers, and am budgeting a thousand to fifteen hundred for servicing.
The car is in excellent condition and the current owner purchased it from a family friend who garaged and cared for the car, the current owner a young woman also properly cares for the car and it would seem both owners are not the aggressive driving type so I am thinking the car has had a easy life.
Should I run from the cvt tranny or does proper maintainence and no abuse balance it out? Thanks for any insight you may have.

Sincerely a Possible Mini owner

Joe M.

 

Joe,
Found this link that might help you decide about the Tranny.

http://www.aboutautomobile.com/Compl...c+Transmission.

The low coolant is a common problem with the 1st Gen. Most of the repairs are inexpensive. The automatic tranny not so much.

 

Thanks Mootsdog,
I read the link, what I wonder is how many cars and how many failures. It's just that the car is so nice and in great condition. As I said if I buy it I am going to give the trans the finest service possible. I'm almost ready to flip a coin or something.

 

Do you have a local mini dealer around. If so, maybe see if the owner will let you take the car to the dealership or a good mechanic and have them give it a once over. That cost is much better than the tranny replacement cost. If it goes after purchase.

 

Just my two cents, I would not buy a CVT. It really can be a ticking time bomb. Giving it a service might extend the life, but if it may still be a $7000 problem down the road.

 

Joe,

I would stay away from the 2002 model. CVT seems to have some issues that I have read on here.