Daughter wants a Mini, buyers / gearbox tips please?

[Fat Boy Chim]

i am looking to buy my daughter her first car, we are looking at 51 - 53 plate (within our budget) Mini, when looking at various adverts, i have noticed that a lot of cars are advertised (new gearbox / Clutch fitted) is this a common problem on the early new shape Mini's?
I understand they changed from a 'Midland' box to a 'Getrag' box after 2004 as the Midlands did wear out.

I have test driven one only this morning (51 plate @ £2000), and there is what sounds like a bearing noise coming from the passenger footwell (gearbox location) the noise is quite loud in 1st and 2nd gear, but gets quieter, as you move up the gears.

the noise also stops completely, when you depress the clutch while moving? therefore could it be the clutch?

while i understand, this isnt good, could it be costly to repair / replace if it is the gearbox?

also any other buying tips would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

Steve Willson

[MX-5 Lazza]

I wouldn't touch any Mini Cooper/One of that age unless the gearbox was perfect. Any noise from that area at all just walk away. There are plenty to choose from.
Mine is an 03 Cooper so has the Midlands gearbox. I bought it from a dealer with a 3 month warranty knowing that there was a problem with the gearbox making it very difficult to get into reverse. I just left it a week then claimed a replacement gearbox on the warranty. Nice for me as I'm sure it was being sold under the usual asking price because of the gearbox issue so I now have a cheap car with a new gearbox.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Friday 1st March 14:19

[helix402]

See the Honest John car by car guide.

[alan36]

If the sound goes when you press the clutch it is probably the clutch release bearing. This is a gearbox out job and new clutch kit fitted but dont hold me to that. If you are interested get a mechanic to check over the car before you buy.

[scottyrocks]

I wouldn't touch the Midlands gearbox with a 12 foot pole.

[MX-5 Lazza]

scottyrocks said:

I wouldn't touch the Midlands gearbox with a 12 foot pole.

Admittedly, that would make gear changes difficult.

[Fat Boy Chim]

MX-5 Lazza said:

scottyrocks said:

I wouldn't touch the Midlands gearbox with a 12 foot pole.

Admittedly, that would make gear changes difficult.

Thanks very much so far!

[DanGT]

If the box has problems then I think I would look around. The midland box just needs looking after. Change the oil for a good one and dont abuse it and thay can last ok.

[Happy82]

We are about to swap a 56reg with 34kmiles in as a p/x for £4k, is that outside your budget? We'll be doing it this week so just thought I'd offer it up in case you're interested!

[Fat Boy Chim]

Happy82 said:

We are about to swap a 56reg with 34kmiles in as a p/x for £4k, is that outside your budget? We'll be doing it this week so just thought I'd offer it up in case you're interested!

Many thanks, and im sure its a good buy, but im afraid it is out of my budget

[CarsOrBikes]

If the noise is like a rattle, and goes just as you apply weight to the pedal, then release bearing is likely, if it only goes when the pedal is at the floor it is the last part of the travel that disengages the clutch so in my opinion will be in the gearbox, which on its own is actually not necessarily such a terminal problem

There is a lot out there about this noise and people demanding new gearboxes, then still having the same noise.

The old Mini rattles aswell, but still go on

I sold one last week that had this rattle (to a garage for stock), the box was Getrag, (05my) and sound. I have a 28k 05 S that also shows slight signs depending on how smooth the idle is, and that is a Getrag but 6 speed

If your budget commands you have to look at certain age cars I would not be put of by the latter rattle alone, but if the noise was remotely present as pulling away or worsens even, then leave it. If it rattles at idle, and not too loud and is otherwise silent, then you should still perhaps consider the vehicle overall.

only my2p of course