Hey everyone! So I have alwayes loved Mini's and I am in need of another car. I plan on picking one up in the next couple of weeks. I dont have much money, under 4k, so I cant buy anything new. I dont mind working on cars as long as its not crazy electrical or rebuilding transmissions, you know pro stuff. I can do a lot of other stuff. I was looking at an 02 or 03 non S, manuel. Any thoughts? Is there a better year in my price range? Are these cars money pits? Again I dont mind the work but I also have to make it to my job every day.

Thanks for reading my post and im glad to be here!

 

Welcome to MINI Cooper Forums! Since you're looking at first gens 2002-2006, read up on the buyers guide HERE. It gives you good things to look out for. The best from the gen 1 MINI's seem to be 2005-2006 Manual MCS. If you're looking into a second gen MINI 2007-2013 it would be recommended to purchase 2011-2013 with the N18 engines for the S models. For the base models, those tend to not have as many issues and are more reliable. If you do, however, want to purchase a 2007-2010 MCS N14 engine then be sure to get all maintenance records to see if the HPFP, timing chain, P/S, oil leaks, thermostat - water pump, turbo feed oil return line, etc have been maintained. The HPFP on gen 2 MINI's has sky rocket in price recently so that will be a much more expensive fix now unfortunately. MINI's do cost to maintain, but they are rewarding in that they're so fun to drive. We also have some great tech articles that can help you fix your MINI when needed along with some great parts pricing. Post up some prospects and let me know if you have any questions.

 

Welcome Cmag! Thumbs up for manual transmission!