R50/53 Things to look for when buying a used mini.
#1
Things to look for when buying a used mini.
Ok guys its getting about time for me to start the hunt. I am going to be looking for a 2002-05 MCS. I have read about some of the problems to see about ie. the PS pump, and something about window motors. Is there anything that some of you guys can help me with? I want to make sure I am getting my moneys worth since I plan to spend up to 15K.
Thanks,
Victor.
Thanks,
Victor.
#2
#4
motoringfile.com also has a buyer's guide for used MINIs.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
#5
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If it's not local to you, see if you have find a NAM member to go look at it and drive it for you before you hike across the states to buy something better left on a used lot. I've done that 4 times in my area for out of state NAM members, 3 have the MINI I tested and 1 was thankful he didn't fly in and buy a lemon.
#6
#7
finding out if and when the clutch was replaced is a very good idea. It seams like clutches like to go out every 30-40k so the car you are looking at may be due or may have a fresh one in there. Shroomed towers is a real biggie also.
The best thing you can do is take the MINI to the dealership and have them look at the service records. That saved me from buying one that had multiple problems. The dealership was able to tell me that the previous owner had brought it in and was aware that it needed a new clutch but didn't have it fixed.
The best thing you can do is take the MINI to the dealership and have them look at the service records. That saved me from buying one that had multiple problems. The dealership was able to tell me that the previous owner had brought it in and was aware that it needed a new clutch but didn't have it fixed.
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#8
If it's not local to you, see if you have find a NAM member to go look at it and drive it for you before you hike across the states to buy something better left on a used lot. I've done that 4 times in my area for out of state NAM members, 3 have the MINI I tested and 1 was thankful he didn't fly in and buy a lemon.
motoringfile.com also has a buyer's guide for used MINIs.
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
finding out if and when the clutch was replaced is a very good idea. It seams like clutches like to go out every 30-40k so the car you are looking at may be due or may have a fresh one in there. Shroomed towers is a real biggie also.
The best thing you can do is take the MINI to the dealership and have them look at the service records. That saved me from buying one that had multiple problems. The dealership was able to tell me that the previous owner had brought it in and was aware that it needed a new clutch but didn't have it fixed.
The best thing you can do is take the MINI to the dealership and have them look at the service records. That saved me from buying one that had multiple problems. The dealership was able to tell me that the previous owner had brought it in and was aware that it needed a new clutch but didn't have it fixed.
Thanks for all the INFO guys, you guys are the best.
#11
If it's not local to you, see if you have find a NAM member to go look at it and drive it for you before you hike across the states to buy something better left on a used lot. I've done that 4 times in my area for out of state NAM members, 3 have the MINI I tested and 1 was thankful he didn't fly in and buy a lemon.
Dean.
#12
#13
#14
The best thing you can do is take the MINI to the dealership and have them look at the service records. That saved me from buying one that had multiple problems. The dealership was able to tell me that the previous owner had brought it in and was aware that it needed a new clutch but didn't have it fixed.
So I called Moritz Mini of Arlington, TX, and they were happy to tell me everything they could find about the car. Guess which dealership I'll be going to in the future?
#19
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How so?? The consensus on this forum is that the 05s and 06s are much more refined cars that the 02s-04s, due to small, but noticeable, mfgr tweaks of the original first gen cars (like the gearing, the dashboard, etc.)
#20
well here is the problem guys...and girls. I am a college student and will probably remain one for the next 4-5yrs. So money is kinda tight. So my range is 15K may it be a low mileage 2002 or a mid-mileage 2004 or 2005? I will have to see what the best I can find is at the time I am set to buy. I have two things on my side. 1) Excellent Credit. 2) I will have about 7K in cash when it comes time to buy.
#21
Ok guys its getting about time for me to start the hunt. I am going to be looking for a 2002-05 MCS. I have read about some of the problems to see about ie. the PS pump, and something about window motors. Is there anything that some of you guys can help me with? I want to make sure I am getting my moneys worth since I plan to spend up to 15K.
Thanks,
Victor.
Thanks,
Victor.
#22
They are slightly different, no doubt. And the 05-06 cars are definitely newer than the earlier cars. That is as far as I would go. I actually prefer the earlier close-ratio, slightly taller gearing with JCW-level power and torque.
#23
Yeah that is just what I was saying.