2005 - 08 mini cooper S convertible help ---buyer guide

[felixy69]

hi guys
looking to buy a 2005 - 08 mini cooper S convertible
what are the pros and cons ?
i want a 6MT but an AUTO will do as well but i heard the CVT isn't reliable ??
at 150000kms ....what should i worry about ?
any advice will help greatly
thanks

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I believe that none of the S models had the CVT; the auto-equipped ones had a traditional automatic gearbox.

At 150,000km I would expect that the supercharger would need to be serviced soon. There will also be wear and tear on the car, much like any older car with a bunch of km on it. Look for any mushrooming of the strut towers. Check that all systems work, especially including the top. Check the seals for wind noise or water ingress. Most MINIs are prone to rattles and squeaks in the interior. The fewer the better, but don't expect it to be completely free of them.

There are almost certainly other things to look for, but I am less familiar with the 1st-generation supercharged cars than with my 2nd-gen car.

--DD

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Yes, CVT is MINI One and Cooper only. An R52 is a fun little MINI, especially when you can motor with the top down. I'd check the condition of the convertible top. The convertible top mechanisms can fail and those are very expensive to replace. Also, I've seen more than a few times where the tensioner rope on the tops work their way loose at the end and break. Maybe try and find yourself a Sidewalk edition. Post up some prospects for us when you can. You will want to make sure routine maintenance items were kept up on and check over the cooling system as that is one often neglected area on MINI's. Good luck!