Hey there, new to MINI's and the forums. Just been reading up a little bit.

I'm going tomorrow to look at a 2002 black/black 5speed R50 from a dealership about an hour away.

It has about 85k on it and the Carfax is clean and detailed, except that it had its Transmission replaced a few years ago by a Dealership. Any cause for alarm?

Anything I should look out for when I test drive it tomorrow? I wish I could have a tech look at it but its out of town and I don't have those resources available.

Is that year reliable generally speaking? I just want something fuel efficient and reliable for commuting - and I've always loved the styling of the Coopers

Thanks in advance for any input/advice. I appreciate it.

 

Automatic CVT Mini transmissions have had problems in the early years. There are alot of posts here in NAM about that issue. I'd stay away. Personal opinion.

 

Welcome to NAM, Spud.

I'm sorry to report that the early MINIs have not been very reliable, generally speaking. Read here: www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

In general, non-S's have been more reliable than S's, and later MINIs have been more reliable than earlier ones. There have also been gradual improvements in both over the years.

On the other hand, you're considering a specific '02 R50, and that one may be in great shape. If the transmission was its only major failure, it's already beat the odds.

If you're still serious about it after looking it over and driving it, I'd still recommend a pre-purchase inspection at a shop that knows MINIs. It may be somewhat inconvenient out of town, but a clean bill of health would give you some piece of mind, while the discovery of major problems could save you considerable grief down the road.

Good luck. Hope it turns out well.

 

I would try to have it inspected by an independent mechanic- we had both of ours inspected by the Carchex service of Carfax. They revealed some minor problems, nothing we couldn't handle or that needed to be taken care of immediately.

Enjoy your first generation R50! IMHO, it's the most "real" new MINI out there. Sure, they are quirky and somewhat troublesome. Learn to do things yourself, save a bundle, and become a "real" British car owner. MG owners would love to have cars as reliable as ours.

Val

 

Yeah the only other thing I can see on the Carfax was that it had the sunroof replaced?

I guess I'll take it for a test drive tomorrow and give it a glance over. I'll have a mechanic glance it over too. Thanks again for the help.

 

The Middlands 5 speed transmissions are notorious for chewing teeth and having to be replaced. It's ridiculous how bad those transmissions are.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...e-respond.html

My advice is stay as far away as you can unless you have deep pockets. It's not worth the bother. If you REALLY want a Mini, pick up a 2005-2006 R53, or an 03+ S model. Just a suggestion.

 

If your looking for a 1st Gen I'd go with a 2005 - 2006 its a better car.

 

Since it's had the sunroof replaced, you might check for leak traces around the headliner, and take a water bucket with you to check for current leaks. Knowing how the MINI's roof rails work, be sure to up the windows before pouring the water on though.

 

For reliable, fuel efficient transportation, I suggest a pre-2004 VW TDI, or a '90's era Toyota.

That said, I'm selling my 2002 TDI which my 2002 R50 has replaced as a daily driver. Sometimes fun outweighs crappy (relatively speaking) fuel consumption, and questionable reliability. If you can do your own maintenance, it won't be so bad. The transmission is the one killer for these cars, and that has obviously already been addressed. The sad thing is even if you are only paying for parts, and doing your own labor, the transmission replacement is often not worth it. $3000.00 trans (rebuilt with core) in a $5k car.

 

I bought a 2002 R50 but opted for the extended warranty and will see how this midlands holds up. It had 38k on it when I bought it and I have put about 8k on it since February and it is just fine. I may not keep it to 100k but it is sure helping in the lower payments category compared to an R56.