Shopping for a Mini
 

I am in the market to buy a used automatic 2000-2008 Mini for my 17 year old daughter. I am willing to spend up to $11,000 with a maximum mileage of 75,000.

So far, I've checked autotrader.com, cars.com, recycler.com, and carsmax.com.

There are a few, but nothing stands out. Any suggestions?

Thanks, David

Craigslist is the other biggie. I picked up a 2004 Mini with 65k yesterday, found it on CL.

My neighbor JUST traded her's in MINT condition.. I can get you the dealer in Reno she traded it to... a real cherry

If you can get someone to take you to a wholesale auction you'll easily find what you need in your monetary range.

Don't you have access to police seizure auctions?

Go to NorthAmericanMotoring marketplace section.

I would recommend you avoid the Cooper (non-S) with the CVT. They wear out and are not repairable - you have to replace the gearbox!

2003 MINI (BMW) Cooper
Contact: alexis
Phone: 954-778-0689
E-Mail: E-Mail Seller
Location: Coral Springs
State: FL
Country: United States
Year: 2003
Make: MINI (BMW)
Model: Cooper
Body Style: Sedan
Motor:
Transmission: automatic
Color: Seafoam Green
Miles: 60500
Posted: May 26, 2009
Modified: Jul 22, 2009
Price: US $9,800

http://www.minimania.com/cars/7F6DFC...6923158A%2Ejpg

From reading the NA Mini Cooper forums the early automatics (CVT) have a high failure rate and is not a cheap part to replace ($8,000 at the stealership)

Stick with 05 and newer since they seem to be more reliable

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/154606-cvt-reliability.html

The CVT isn't rebuildable?

Replacement parts are not available thru BMW/MINI... only rebuilt units ($$$)

Thank you everyone. All the info I get is much appreciated, David

Good advice. NAM is a good place for information. You may want to try So. CA Mini Maniacs, although she may want to join in with them for fun after she gets the Mini. They are a very active social group.
http://www.scmm.org/

Early mini with CVT is a boring car to drive. Perhaps she should consider learning to drive a stick.