Awesome story esmith! Thanks for sharing. Love to hear about the Gen Ones with 0 probs and lotsa miles! So your JCW package was installed at the Factory. The MINI COOPER 'S's should have all came with the JCW packages standard from the Factory! Tons-o-Fun! (the folks that added the kits as an afterthought didn't fare so well I'm afraid). The 'GP's I think would have to be the ultimate BMW MINI, but the Factory installed JCW Models are right up there too!!!!!!!!!!

Mini Estate

 Along with my 67's' I have an 03 's' with the John Cooper Works engine package owned from new. 105k miles and O problems. If you could find one of these you would have the ultimate BMW mini. I love my classic mini but just in small doses.

Ken,

The power steering pump, (and fan), are still being replaced by MINI for free if they fail (if I'm not mistaken) They cover both the parts and labor. It's about a $1,000 repair. Just short of a recall. My wife nearly lost control of the 2004 MCS when the pump quit on her a couple years ago. Interestingly, they do not cover or replace the power steering pump hoses that eventually start leaking. Maybe you have to own the car from new to qualify for the new pump and fan???     Mini Estate

P.S. Tod- There are no shortages of beautiful 2002-2006, (Gen One), MINIS for sale out there with low miles. Is there any particular reason you don't want a 6-speed??? My friend bought a used 2005 MINI MCS Convertible with an automatic transmission. He didn't have any problems with the tranny, but he did get really bad gas mileage. (yes I know the Cabriolet's are a heavier car, but the best mileage he ever averaged was 19mpg!) Most of those miles were highway. 

Im not a fan of the newer minis,my classic mini is only a toy i have 4 toys and two dailys .One nice car as a daily BMW,1 daily ford ranger...one real nice done up ranger fresh paint etc etc...two mustangs ,one faster one ...one fun stickshift car...and the Vtec mini...

If he wants something comfortable and nice ,he probably doesnt want a classic mini..id never want to HAVE to drive a mini everyday as an only car.Yea i drove mine a lot when i could but there was still times id walk past and want a nice AC,quiet,smooth,nicer car...the new BMW minis are very nice but just not for me but i can see why people like them.

2005 is just another regular car, nothing unique about it,  get a classic mini, 

its a real head turner. 

You should buy an 05 mini s but you should buy my 6 speed that's for sale!

Well, shows what I know about BINIS 

But my comments still stand on the CVT.

Very much appreciate all the feedback.

It does seem like the transmission complaints are focused around the CVT.  But if Ken is right that the 2005 S does not use the CVT then that makes me feel better.  Do we know if that's for sure..?

Spank, the OP is looking at an 2005 Cooper S auto - the Cooper S never used the CVT...

Ken

That s suspiciously low miles for a 2005. Be VERY skeptical.

 

Also, I cannot say this more emphatically: DO NOT BUY A CAR WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION!!! No matter how cheap it is (Well, under $1K is only even a maybe). There was a class action lawsuit. Craiglslist is LITTERED with sub $3K MINIS with bad CVT transmissions. The belt part alone is over $600 and more parts are likely needed.

This problem with CVT transmissions is NOT overstated.

I own a 2004 MINI that I bought with a bad CVT transmission and I'm going to attempt a 6-speed manual conversion, but so far I'm $400 deep in used conversion parts and I'm getting them dirt cheap. I have no idea what I'm going to do about the ecu issues the conversion will cause.

So, if I were in your shoes-- I'd say HELL NO to an CVT MINI. Again, the problem with the CVT is NOT overstated. STAY AWAY if it is CVT.

Hey Tod,

The 2005 Cooper S with automtic trans is a decent choice - provided it passes a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a independent repair shop familiar with MINIs, you have full maintenance records, and it wasn't abused.

I'm not aware of any 'glaring' issues with this model - the early Cooper S auto trans had some issues but were sorted up with software by 2005.

A couple areas to check are the Supercharger and Power steering pump.  Make sure they don't have any signs of fluid leaks.  - These can be expensive to replace should they fail.  It's not common, but not unheard of.

good luck!
Ken

 

edit:  You might take a look at our MINI Club Listing to see if there is a club near you - perhaps you can contact them to see what shop they recommend in your area for a PPI.

 

tod-

While this forum is basically set up for classic mini owners, many of our friends have a classic mini as well as a BMW MINI (BINI), you might get some help here but maybe best to go to Sunshine MINI or N/A Mini for the proper help-

BIG AL-

I have never owned a Mini, but am thinking of getting one.  I might go look at a 2005 S model, automatic transmission (unfortunately..), with about 32,000 miles on it, priced at $9995.  Can anyone speak for or against getting this car?  I have seen some of the complaints about transmission issues.. Is that overstated?  Something to worry about?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.