Thank you for the detailed replies. I am considering buying a Mini from Carmax. It will be financed, so I would be more than a little disapointed to shell out $$ for major repairs on top of a payment of almost $300 per month.
The 2002 Mini S's seem to be $3,000-5,000 less than the 04 and newer Mini S's. Should I gamble? I do have my rock solid Carrera 3.2 to use as back up and I can ride share with my wife in a pinch.
Mike
FWIW: I am a fan of the Mini. I like the driving dynamics of the S and the engine sound it cool too. But, contrary to some opinions expressed on other threads, my light weight Carrera 3.2 is exponentially faster, quicker, more solid, more lively, more fun, is a billion times better looking and oozes quality by a factor of a trillion
