Looking at getting a used MINI cooper (2004 ish)

[alfa147x]

Im looking to get a used MINI Cooper around a 2004 models as they go for around 12 000
This would be my first manual transmission car so its a bit of a new frontier

2 questions
1) is this a bad idea?
2) what should i be looking for when buying one, or a used car in general

I know people think is a chick car, what ever i like it so those people can go fuck them selfs

Thanks a bunch
Alfa

 

[AMCRambler]

I may be wrong, but didn't the Cooper S version have a supercharger in the earlier models that had issues? I thought I read that some where but I'm vague on the details. At least that's a starting place you can google though.

As far as the Cooper being a chick car, no I don't think it falls into that category. I would say it's more of a hot hatch like the Golf R32 then a chick car like a Miata or a Jetta.

 

[Mermaidman]

I've heard that maintenance/repairs are expensive, but don't know if that's true.

 

[Maximus96]

sweet, another mini driver. sorry i don't have much to contribute. i'm still waiting on mine to arrive.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: Maximus96
sweet, another mini driver. sorry i don't have much to contribute. i'm still waiting on mine to arrive.

well its either a used MINI copper or a new fit
I would like copper just because it would be more fun to drive

 

[Xyclone]

Being a new MINI MCS owner I would say that used MINIs (and Civics) have such a high resale value that it does not make sense to buy used. Also, the R53's used a Chrysler engine, and I'm not positive on its reliability. Do some research on North American Motoring and the internet/Consumer Reports.

On the other hand, MINI's are ridiculously fun to drive, handle like a dream, and are very fuel efficient. Also, good call on the manual, since I heard the CVT was pretty bad. It's been replaced by a standard BMW steptronic (auto with manual shift gate and paddles) for the new generation.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: Xyclone
Being a new MINI MCS owner I would say that used MINIs (and Civics) have such a high resale value that it does not make sense to buy used. Also, the R53's used a Chrysler engine, and I'm not positive on its reliability. Do some research on North American Motoring and the internet/Consumer Reports.

On the other hand, MINI's are ridiculously fun to drive, handle like a dream, and are very fuel efficient. Also, good call on the manual, since I heard the CVT was pretty bad. It's been replaced by a standard BMW steptronic (auto with manual shift gate and paddles) for the new generation.

thanks for the info

I cant afford a new one as they start at 20 000 about half of that would be nice or a little more but no more then 15 000

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
I may be wrong, but didn't the Cooper S version have a supercharger in the earlier models that had issues? I thought I read that some where but I'm vague on the details. At least that's a starting place you can google though.

As far as the Cooper being a chick car, no I don't think it falls into that category. I would say it's more of a hot hatch like the Golf R32 then a chick car like a Miata or a Jetta.

im not looking for the S
Would still like to save on that gas

 

[zerocool84]

Yes the Mini Cooper is a chick car but I still like it.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alfa147x

Originally posted by: Xyclone
Being a new MINI MCS owner I would say that used MINIs (and Civics) have such a high resale value that it does not make sense to buy used. Also, the R53's used a Chrysler engine, and I'm not positive on its reliability. Do some research on North American Motoring and the internet/Consumer Reports.

On the other hand, MINI's are ridiculously fun to drive, handle like a dream, and are very fuel efficient. Also, good call on the manual, since I heard the CVT was pretty bad. It's been replaced by a standard BMW steptronic (auto with manual shift gate and paddles) for the new generation.

thanks for the info

I cant afford a new one as they start at 20 000 about half of that would be nice or a little more but no more then 15 000

Yeah, but you mentioned Cooper. If you are saving $4,000 by buying a car that is 405 years old there is a problem. This is something that Civic lackeys buy.

EDIT: Holy crap, I just looked at miniusa.com. $20k for a base Cooper?!? WTF???? I bought a loaded Cooper just 4 years ago for that same price!

 

[Thump553]

If you are looking to save on gas, remember that Coopers drink only premium. I test drove one earlier this year and loved it, but the premium gas requirement was a deal killer to me (and the dealers want full list).

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Yeah, but you mentioned Cooper. If you are saving $4,000 by buying a car that is 405 years old there is a problem. This is something that Civic lackeys buy.

EDIT: Holy crap, I just looked at miniusa.com. $20k for a base Cooper?!? WTF???? I bought a loaded Cooper just 4 years ago for that same price!

I don't think you know what you are talking about here.

Also good luck on getting a $20k Mini even new, they have an option sheet that is insane.

Most used mini's will sell for more than a base models new price around here.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Yeah, but you mentioned Cooper. If you are saving $4,000 by buying a car that is 405 years old there is a problem. This is something that Civic lackeys buy.

EDIT: Holy crap, I just looked at miniusa.com. $20k for a base Cooper?!? WTF???? I bought a loaded Cooper just 4 years ago for that same price!

I don't think you know what you are talking about here.

Also good luck on getting a $20k Mini even new, they have an option sheet that is insane.

Most used mini's will sell for more than a base models new price around here.

I've only had a couple :roll:

I got a loaded 2004 Cooper (all packages) brand for the base price of a 2008 Cooper. I seriously doubt that inflation raises the base price from $16,0000 4 model years ago to $20,000 nowadays.

It's also not hard at all to get a base Cooper. Walk into a dealer and order it.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Yeah, but you mentioned Cooper. If you are saving $4,000 by buying a car that is 405 years old there is a problem. This is something that Civic lackeys buy.

EDIT: Holy crap, I just looked at miniusa.com. $20k for a base Cooper?!? WTF???? I bought a loaded Cooper just 4 years ago for that same price!

I don't think you know what you are talking about here.

Also good luck on getting a $20k Mini even new, they have an option sheet that is insane.

Most used mini's will sell for more than a base models new price around here.

I've only had a couple :roll:

I got a loaded 2004 Cooper (all packages) brand for the base price of a 2008 Cooper. I seriously doubt that inflation raises the base price from $16,0000 4 model years ago to $20,000 nowadays.

It's also not hard at all to get a base Cooper. Walk into a dealer and order it.

Didn't say it was hard to get one that is a total base, I said good luck doing so. I have yet to see any total base minis around here and Palm Beach is like a mecca for them.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Yeah, but you mentioned Cooper. If you are saving $4,000 by buying a car that is 405 years old there is a problem. This is something that Civic lackeys buy.

EDIT: Holy crap, I just looked at miniusa.com. $20k for a base Cooper?!? WTF???? I bought a loaded Cooper just 4 years ago for that same price!

I don't think you know what you are talking about here.

Also good luck on getting a $20k Mini even new, they have an option sheet that is insane.

Most used mini's will sell for more than a base models new price around here.

I've only had a couple :roll:

I got a loaded 2004 Cooper (all packages) brand for the base price of a 2008 Cooper. I seriously doubt that inflation raises the base price from $16,0000 4 model years ago to $20,000 nowadays.

It's also not hard at all to get a base Cooper. Walk into a dealer and order it.

Didn't say it was hard to get one that is a total base, I said good luck doing so. I have yet to see any total base minis around here and Palm Beach is like a mecca for them.

That is really no different than any car nowadays if you are looking on lots.

 

[Maximus96]

Here is a link with good info for the OP