Three cars....you get one vote

[danewilson77]

Hey fella's. I am an E46 guy.....but I am looking at a mini cooper for my son (17). He currently has 1989 BMW 325iX. Links provided below.

I know next to nothing about mini's, and hope for some advice/opinions on the following 3 cars.....

1. 2003 Mini Cooper S with 114k, $8900.00

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=282888532&dealer_id=613152&car_year=2003&rdm=1282367036405&lastStartYear=1981&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&num_records=25&systime=&make3=MINI&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=C_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=51&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=23188&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=50&doors=&transmission=&max_price=10000&cardist=96&standard=false (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=282888532&dealer_id=613152&car_year=2003&rdm=1282367036405&lastStartYear=1981&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&num_records=25&systime=&make3=MINI&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=C_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=51&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=23188&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=50&doors=&transmission=&max_price=10000&cardist=96&standard=false)

2. 2002 Mini Cooper w/ John Werks Package and 91k, $8573.00

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=279513608&dealer_id=55299719&car_year=2002&rdm=1282367036405&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&make3=MINI&systime=&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=C_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=26&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=23188&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=10000&cardist=78&standard=false (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=279513608&dealer_id=55299719&car_year=2002&rdm=1282367036405&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&make3=MINI&systime=&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=C_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=26&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=23188&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=10000&cardist=78&standard=false)

3. 2004 Mini Cooper w/ 95k, $8990.00

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=273113668&dealer_id=100025480&car_year=2004&rdm=1282367036405&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&make3=MINI&systime=&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=C_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=26&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=23188&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=10000&cardist=47&standard=false (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=273113668&dealer_id=100025480&car_year=2004&rdm=1282367036405&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&make3=MINI&systime=&make2=MB&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=100&marketZipError=false&model3=&model2=C_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&first_record=26&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=23188&advanced=y&end_year=2011&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=10000&cardist=47&standard=false)

Very much appreciated.

D77

[SilverBeam]

MINIs are one of those cars where every year they got better. They were constantly tweeking and improving the cars so things that went wrong all the time in 2002, where pretty much OK by 2003 or 2004. It's always a good idea to get the newest MINI you can, and a 2005+ is ideal, but I understand that's not in your budget (it wasn't in mine either). That said, I like the 2003 S, I think it is a nice car. But if you worry about your son and power, then the 2004 "justa" cooper would be a fine selection too-- and it's newer. Which ever one you get, I'd change out the thermostat and expansion tank on it. I'd also get the 2005 power steering fan shroud installed to help protect the fan.

[danewilson77]

Thanks Lauren.....this mini forum is kinda dead....

[SilverBeam]

Yeah, I'm working on that.

[SDKmann]

I take my vote back, I thought the second one was a MCS with the JCW package. Definitely get the MCS.

[GreenBMW325is]

dane like silver beam said, look for a more newer mini, 05-06 would be a good year. if you need it looked over i can do that.

[danewilson77]

dane like silver beam said, look for a more newer mini, 05-06 would be a good year. if you need it looked over i can do that.

Ahhh....Greeenie Haz Mini?

Great info, and thanks for the offer.

I may expand my search area.

Thanks to all that have replied....:buttrock

[cky751]

there is a reason the mini forum is kinda dead.

[Winchm60]

Voted for the MINI Cooper S!!!

[danewilson77]

there is a reason the mini forum is kinda dead.

Por que?

[GreenBMW325is]

i don't haz mini, im level 1 mini master tech. so i know mini.

[Hornung418]

Man, I remember looking for a MINI...even with 75k they were still priced at like $18k...
Go for the newest MCs you can find as per improvements stated above. The MINI Cooper was just lacking in general...No giddy-up and weak powerband at speed...couldn't get out of the way of itself.

IMO the Clubman is the greatest variation of the MINI. Longer wheelbase for improved handling and it has barn doors...Can't go wrong lol

Anywho, good luck, Dane!

[danewilson77]

Yeah....lookin at this 2005, with 98k. Figured it might be a good car for him.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=282481503&dealer_id=57401244&car_year=2005&rdm=1282561817106&lastStartYear=1981&model=COOPERS&num_records=25&systime=&make3=&make2=MINI&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2000&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&model2=&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MINI&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=23188&advanced=&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=&max_price=10000&cardist=48&standard=false&rdpage=thumb

You guys got anything to say about dis one?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=45906897&listingRecNum=40&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26mkId%3D20075%26stkTyp%3DU %26rd%3D75%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-yrId%26zc%3D23188%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-0-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26yrId%3D20200%26yrId%3D20144%26yrId%3D20199%26y rId%3D20143%26yrId%3D20198%26yrId%3D20142%26sf2Nm% 3Dmiles%26rpp%3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

Just realized you can see the above link prolly.

Here is the write up....

2003 Mini Cooper S - $9,950

Features: A/C: Front, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Steering, Remote Keyless Entry, Bucket Seats, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Airbag: Side, Alarm, Anti-Lock Brakes, Fog Lights, Premium Sound, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Rear Window Wiper, Tinted Glass

Selling Points: This is the nicest mini cooper that you will see on the road. Was kept garage kept for a while but not lately. The mini has a lot of aftermarket done to it, i am not sure on all of them but i will list what i know: exhaust, air intake, supercharged, lowered, 18" premium rims, brand new low profile tires, aero package (new bumbers and side skirts), short shift shifter, full sound sytem!!! subwoofer, amp, head unit, speakers, all alpine! there are many more. has a manual 6 speed transmission, power windoes, remote key, brand new starter. was owned by a repairshop owner so anything and everything has been done to it to make a perfect car.
Condition: the car is in almost perfect condition, there is a small dent on the side of the hood, i have included a picture of it for reference.

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-12.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-9.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-3.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-5.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-4.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-7.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-8.JPG?t=tr/w:640

Not a fan of the deck....but my son would love it.
http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-11.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-6.JPG?t=tr/w:640

I think the dent he is talking about is on drivers side front fender....looks pretty minor.
http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-1.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-2.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_0a390bfacee8e867e6fb7ac40f79ddfa/i-10.JPG?t=tr/w:640

Maybe offer $8500.00???

Also....if I buy from Private seller....do I have to "out of pocket" the taxes, title, and licensing, or is there a way to get that incorporated into the loan?

[Hornung418]

Too aftermarket for my liking. Lights would be cool if they had somekind of yellow accent incorporated...
Looks like a lot of panel gap and very poor paint matching on the bumper covers...accident possibly?
And with the audio setup in the boot, doesn't look like you can get any luggage in there. Shift boot needs addressing as well. I'd keep looking.

[SilverBeam]

Yeah that yellow is weird, but vinyl comes off. If it was owned by a mechanic then I think it would be a good car. The kit is OEM and legit, as are the tail lights. The sub install could have been WAY cleaner, but your son can always play around with that if he wants to reclaim the trunk.

It's a tough call between the white 05 Justa and the electric blue 03 S. The Justa will be newer and have a lot of neat features, but will be slower. The S has the potential for more problems, but has the nicer engine/body kit. Since your son is only 17 I'd say get the Justa. He has his whole life for fast cars (granted the S isn't really that fast) and I say the newer, more reliable option is the better choice at his age.

As for tax, title and license that all depends on the bank. My credit union did offer to include it in my loan, but I chose to pay those things cash, so yes, it is possible.

[GreenBMW325is]

i would stick with the cooper, the 05 white one(first link). plus the clutch is cheaper on a cooper then the s.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for all the info......youguys are awesome. My E46 buds came through for me....hehe

I put down an offer on a another Benz.......don't kill me....

My wife and son my turn to the dark side.....but I will always stick with you guys and BMW.....

We'll see how it goes. My wife talked him outta a mini and over to the dark side....she said the guys at school would make fun of him if he drove a mini.

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_188b6165842ccd05b5f0784942302109/i-7.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_188b6165842ccd05b5f0784942302109/i-9.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_188b6165842ccd05b5f0784942302109/i-10.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_188b6165842ccd05b5f0784942302109/i-2.JPG?t=tr/w:640

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_188b6165842ccd05b5f0784942302109/i-4.JPG?t=tr/w:640

[GreenBMW325is]

people can make fun of you in a mini, but a supercharged mini has some balls to it and 04+ got a nice little burble(backfire)to it. you can haz always another zhp for the son.

[SilverBeam]

Wow, your wife is great at instilling self esteem into your children.

[ArticZ]

And here my vote for a 17 year old going away to college was going to be honda or toyota.

It would last forever with little maintenance, even if he beat it to hell. A shop that worked on these cars would be easy to find, easy repairs, and you could easily pay for said less costly work over the phone.

In college you shouldn't have a car where you give a crap if your buddy sets his book bag on the top of the car when having a casual converation, or a car that your girl spills beer on as she walks up from that party with the overflowing plastic cup from the keg party, or that ding that another 17 year old made when he innocently opened his 1988 Civic against the car in the overcrowded parking lots at school.....

But, that it just me

Buy him a BMW or a Benz when he graduates.

Even if he is the type of owner who would be Mr. Attentive of my car...who wants that at 17? I would rather my kid chuckle at his girl tripping over sandal as she walked up to my car, and parking in an often patroled assigned car lots, then parking 10 miles away from his destination so that his car doesn't get a ding.

But, that's just me. :dunno

[danewilson77]

But Honda nor Toyota were a votable option....

[325liv3]

But Honda nor Toyota were a votable option....

LOL, true.

[spazzboy]

Thanks for all the info......youguys are awesome. My E46 buds came through for me....hehe

I put down an offer on a another Benz.......don't kill me....

My wife and son my turn to the dark side.....but I will always stick with you guys and BMW.....

We'll see how it goes. My wife talked him outta a mini and over to the dark side....she said the guys at school would make fun of him if he drove a mini.

http://view.admission.net/abc/carsads/_CARSADS_188b6165842ccd05b5f0784942302109/i-7.JPG?t=tr/w:640


I think people would make more fun of him in that hideous M-B hatch than in the Mini.
Good luck with the purchase

[danewilson77]

I think people would make more fun of him in that hideous M-B hatch than in the Mini.
Good luck with the purchase

Maybe.....its been the first week of school and he hasn't gotten his applehole kicked yet.

[Bthayer23]

Should gone with a MINI... but either way, an automatic?

BTW, if anyone else is looking at MINIs, check out the buying guide on MotoringFile.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

[Bolen1621]

Should have put all the money into having a bad ass E30 IX!

I agree that the MB is girlier than the mini, but at least when I was in high school I think people (especially the girls) would just be looking at the fact that its a newer Mercedes. A lot of people I work with think because I have BMW (a 20 year old 230k mile E30), that I must be rich even when I tell them its old.

[beken]

Sorry to be late but if I might jump in here with an opinion here...

If you're buying for your kid....

Get a fairly simple MINI Cooper (non-S) with manual transmission. The MC does have a very usable power band. He'll learn to work the transmission and be more engaged in the driving than to be fiddling with other things that distract from driving. It will be relatively simple to maintain and easier on gas. If you find a MINI Cooper with JCW Soundkit installed, that would be even cooler.

I've also driven the MB SC. It's not a bad car (for a Benz). But it does get very expensive to service as it ages. It's also not as fun and engaging to drive as a MINI.

[danewilson77]

Should have put all the money into having a bad ass E30 IX!

I agree that the MB is girlier than the mini, but at least when I was in high school I think people (especially the girls) would just be looking at the fact that its a newer Mercedes. A lot of people I work with think because I have BMW (a 20 year old 230k mile E30), that I must be rich even when I tell them its old.

LOL...that is the car he had....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Decorated%20images/1989%20BMW%20325iX/DSC02278sz800-1.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Decorated%20images/1989%20BMW%20325iX/DSC02276sz800.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Decorated%20images/1989%20BMW%20325iX/DSC02279sz800.jpg

http://s1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Decorated%20images/1989%20BMW%20325iX/

[Bolen1621]

^ I'd rather spend the money on maintenance, wheels, and a drop for the ix than the c230. Just my opinion though. My good friend has a c230; it's not bad, but it's not something I could own without having plenty of mods done first.

[danewilson77]

^ I'd rather spend the money on maintenance, wheels, and a drop for the ix than the c230. Just my opinion though. My good friend has a c230; it's not bad, but it's not something I could own without having plenty of mods done first.

Me too.....unfortunately...he wouldn't come along side of me to make any of the upgrades. Car is currently F/S. First 2k goes home with it. I paid $2500.

[Bolen1621]

Me too.....unfortunately...he wouldn't come along side of me to make any of the upgrades. Car is currently F/S. First 2k goes home with it. I paid $2500.

That's too bad for him....I don't think I could ever sell my E30 and I haven't even had it for a full year yet. I saw the F/S ad already. If it wasn't an auto and I had 2k my E30 doesn't already want for it's huge list of summer projects, I'd be interested. Good luck with the sale.

...oh and I would probably force my kid to keep the E30, although by the time I have a kid that can drive E46's will be the new E21 and the E90 will be the new E30...:D

[beemdoublewho]

Knowing what i know now about mini's, I wouldn't get any of them.

[danewilson77]

lol......want to elaborate for my own education?

[Speed6]

Should have gotten him a convertible bug...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/rp/images/05vw_nb_tc_1-1.jpg
I am pretty sure every high school boy needs one.

[DVMotorsports]

Knowing what i know now about mini's, I wouldn't get any of them.

This

[manutdx]

This

whats that?



I had a 2002 mini Cooper for 5 years and never had a single problem with it.

I never got called gay or made fun of either. I am a High school teacher and the kids usually are fairly quick to tell you what they think. I've already had a couple kids tell me they don't like my 328xi.....

And girls really like the Mini which is a bonus. :evil2

[SilverBeam]

whats that?



I had a 2002 mini Cooper for 5 years and never had a single problem with it.

I never got called gay or made fun of either. I am a High school teacher and the kids usually are fairly quick to tell you what they think. I've already had a couple kids tell me they don't like my 328xi.....

And girls really like the Mini which is a bonus. :evil2

High school girls?

[manutdx]

High school girls?

Probably.......

but that wouldn't be too good for the career or the marriage. I meant girls in general.

[Christina10]

So what have you decided at last ?? In my view Mini Cooper the simple version would be more than enough for your kid... You can upgrade it later as per your requirements. And no doubt Mini Cooper is the best option.. So go ahead..

[Morpheustj]

funny thread.. Thx for the weblink on buying a MINI.. I'm thinking about going MINI.. Anyone in the market for a loaded 05 Comp ILB M3 with 13k miles?