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School me on 2002-06 MINI Cooper's

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SiviK

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
So I want a MINI, looking at used and want to know the real life up's and down's that go with em.
Here's here I am with em, Any color will do, aside from black.
Has to be manual.
Where are the faults, what should I look for.
 
#4 ·
Re: School me on 2002-06 MINI Cooper's (SiviK)

My wife got one in 2002 when she was 16. (Her first car and probably one of the first new coopers in the US) Another one in 2004 when that one got totaled and another in 2006. (She likes 'em.
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) The 02 and 04 were Cooper S's and the 06 was a JCW. All were brand new.
I believe they updated build quailty in 2005 and updated the interior a bit. Besides that I can't help. Sorry
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Modified by kensington at 6:40 PM 6-27-2008
 
#6 ·
Re: (superduper54)

Quote, originally posted by superduper54 »
if you can afford it I would go with the 2005 and up,
as said above in 05 they updated everything and gave the car new gearing that made it quicker, every year the mini became more reliable so the newer the better

The new engine/drivetrain is worth it to get the 2005 and up. Especially if you want mpg, the newer non 'S' Mini is pretty much the most fun high mpg car. The only other high mpg car that comes close is the Honda Fit.
http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
btw...how's the weather in Bakersfield. The Weather Channel said that the air quality there today was "Purple", which is beyond "Red".
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Modified by WakeHead at 10:20 PM 6-27-2008
 
#8 ·
yeah the air here in the central valley is horrible right now...its like fog, but instead its smoke.
horrible.

and to stay on topic, most cars as they progress get better and better... usually you never buy the first production of a certain car, and always go towards the end of the production run, that is if your buying used.
 
#9 ·
Re: (warrenW)

I had an 02 MCS and LOVED the thing.
Bought used with 50K miles on it.
Drove daily (and hard) for 2 years, 30K miles. Loved every minute of it
Only sold it because my wife was prego with our first child, and wanted one less monthly bill to contend with while she was off work for the year
02 MCS
6 speed, leather, moonroof, sports package.
Upgraded to 15% pulley, milltek exhaust, alta intake, plugs, wires upgraded, lowered on Hsport springs and sway bars.
Bar none most fun vehicle ive ever owned
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Discussion starter · #11 ·
Re: School me on 2002-06 MINI Cooper's (Impeccable)

Yeah, I really want to get a 3dr hatch. My personal preferences thus far are a used Cooper S, a new Fit Sport, or used MK4 GTI in that order.
Now it's just finding a 05+ Cooper S and having the ability to test drive one. I test drove the Fit and liked it as a whole sans the speed factor
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but can not find a Cooper S to feel em out, I test drove a 02 Cooper but it was beat and the dealer wanted WAY too much for it.

AS far as Bakersfield goes. It is as bad as it is being told. The air is HORRID and today it was more humid than usual. Being stuck in a metal building at work didn't help either. We aren't called "The Arm Pit" of the state just cause it smells funny around these parts. All the crap in the air gets trapped here.
 
#12 ·
Had an October 02 build 2003 MC (non-S)...quality on on the 2002->2004 was very spotty...they never got the car sorted until 2005, IMHO.
In particular was the ECU programming...that vintage had a problem with stalling on clutch takeup--Not something to have when cutting left across traffic!!
 
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#13 ·
check out north american motoring.com mini cooper forums, and their resale value is excellent and due to popularity bargaining is tuff, the 07's i believe got the manual 6 speed 40 mpg or the direct injected turbo S models lower 30's mpg and more fun, unless your in a major city dealers are sparse
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Re: (rodhotter)

Yeah, the nearest dealer is a few hours drive from here. My friend is willing to drive me into the Valley (L.A.) to test drive some used, I'm gonna try and see if she's willing to drive a bit farther to go to a actual dealer.
 
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SiviK
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