In the market for a Mini

JTang · #1 02-07-2010, 01:44 PM

So ive been tossing around the idea of selling my e30 and purchasing a mini. I'm getting ready to drive to new mexico and im not sure how the e30 will handle it. Anyways, Ive already test drove 2 minis, an S and a non S. I think im in love. They were both used. One was a 2005 and the other a 2008. before i buy, ill probably see about a new one as well. I have a couple of questions tho. When buying a used mini, what should i look for? do things start breaking as they get past a certain mileage? As a guy if i get a yellow one, am i gay? haha and whats the difference between a jcw and a S? Any help would be appreciated esp. if you know someone looking to get rid of one. thanks very much.

KyleB · #2 02-10-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTang

So ive been tossing around the idea of selling my e30 and purchasing a mini. I'm getting ready to drive to new mexico and im not sure how the e30 will handle it. Anyways, Ive already test drove 2 minis, an S and a non S. I think im in love. They were both used. One was a 2005 and the other a 2008. before i buy, ill probably see about a new one as well. I have a couple of questions tho. When buying a used mini, what should i look for? do things start breaking as they get past a certain mileage? As a guy if i get a yellow one, am i gay? haha and whats the difference between a jcw and a S? Any help would be appreciated esp. if you know someone looking to get rid of one. thanks very much.

I had both at one time, the MINI was my DD. Mine was a 2004, non-S 5 speed. I didn't have a single problem with mine. I bought it with 00000 miles on it (woo hoo!) and sold it with about 56000. Some of the early non-S cars had manual transmissions built by Midlands, you want to steer clear of any car with a Midlands gearbox in it. If you're looking at '05 and newer cars, you should be good. Working on my R50 was about as easy as working on my E30.

The R50/R53 cars had a bit of a 'mutt' engine in that it was a joint effort between Chrysler and BMW. They are good engines. With the R56, you're definitely getting more of a BMW engine in the car. I'm not sure about the differences between JCW cars in the R56 chassis, but in the R53 chassis there were a lot of BIG differences. I'm going to assume the same holds true for the R56.

MINIs are very good cars. The only reason I sold mine is that I had too many cars at the time, and the MINI drew shortest straw. Good luck with your search.

JTang · #3 02-10-2010, 04:48 PM

very good to know. thank you very much.

JonnyChimpO · #4 02-10-2010, 05:11 PM

well from a tuning aspect the 2005 r53 is way better have fun with.

Rabidfox · #5 02-11-2010, 07:26 AM

Friend from work has a yellow non S 5spd (I think). 60k think it's and 04 05 wants 10ish. Want more info?

She's a fun older lady so it hasn't been dogged to shit but it has seen over 35

JTang · #6 02-11-2010, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rabidfox

it has seen over 35

haha idk if i could get a yellow mini tho. even a yellow S is a little out there for a guy. let alone someone in the military.

i appreciate the help tho. im still shopping around

Rabidfox · #7 02-11-2010, 01:02 PM

Rattlecan flat black lol

JTang · #8 02-11-2010, 01:04 PM

rattle can camo...mmmmm

JonnyChimpO · #9 02-11-2010, 03:33 PM

I was considering yellow

Uber Boosted873 · #10 02-11-2010, 10:41 PM

yellow with black stripes = sex. or ignore paint completely and just get a camo wrap

JTang · #11 02-12-2010, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uber Boosted873

yellow with black stripes = sex.

I agree, but only on a S. I'm not man enough to buy it tho. I have to draw the line somewhere.

Uber Boosted873 · #12 02-12-2010, 12:40 AM

do it, black rims, rally lights, low and good night!

vbrad26 · #13 02-12-2010, 01:03 AM

im not going to lie when i drive my girlfriends yellow mini i feel sort of gay lol
but maybe its the mini disco ball thats hanging from the rear view mirror...i dont know lol but there is just something about it
and its still a 6 speed S
but its that old yellow not the newer yellow...
the newer yellow is not as bad imo as her yellow...

JTang · #14 02-12-2010, 01:19 AM

I dont have a girlfriend right now. soooo with that being said if i got a yellow mini id probably get laughed out of the military, no matter how many times i would try explain to people that its a 6 speed "S"

vbrad26 · #15 02-12-2010, 01:22 AM

well like i said if its the newer yellow its not as bad...

JTang · #16 02-12-2010, 01:33 AM

if the same wheels on the first one were black and it had black racing stripes. i might consider it.... if it were the last one and i was getting a fantastic deal... and it would have to be a S. you are right tho about the color. the newer ones are more like a macaroni and cheese kinda color. not too bad.

vbrad26 · #17 02-12-2010, 10:03 AM

yeah i agree with the black wheels
my gf's is the exact same as the first picture and i have wanted to paint her wheels black for sooooooo long lol it would go perfect with the black mirrors and roof...

JTang · #18 02-13-2010, 11:33 PM

I GOT ONE!! 2010 pepper white with black stripes. Its pretty legit. Thats all i got right now.