I am going to look at a y plate mini tonight for my girlfriend. its a mini one with 75k miles and full service history.

Ive tried to reasearch as much as I can in such a short space of time (only decided to look at a mini yesterday) what I have found out is : wiper motor failure. seats not reclining or returning etc, creaky dashboard. and thats it. the seller did say to me that when he squirts water out the rear wiper it squirts it out the front too. is this major or minor repair? as he says £10 to fix job.

Can you experts tell me what else to look out for, im good with cars so i know to look for previous damage.repair work etc (hpi has come back clean) engine knocking, head gaskets etc, but what are the other common faults/ any recalls on this model, any weak spots/leaks, any give away sounds which indicate worn parts/bushes anti roll bar links etc etc.

Thank you in advance for any pointers. regards

I was advised to avoid models that come with the Midland gearbox...I hear it can be troublesome....and after Monday's watchdog program, have a look at the power steering pump.

Gearbox made of cheese, make sure the change is nice and smooth and as you would expect it to be, reverse easy to engage.

As for the washers, never heard of that one, if it's a £10 fix, get the seller to fix it for £10, seems ridiculous to not spend £10 and sell a car with a fault, when it can be sorted for a tenner, allegedly.

Rattles, squeaks in the cabin.... Other than that, the usual used car buying tips all apply.

ok great thanks guys, one think i forgot to mentionis the seller did tell me he had the gear box and cluth replaced 10k ago which is nice. but i haven't a clue what box was put back in. knowing my luck it will be another midland box.

as for power steering problems. i was informed of this and im about to try and find watchdog on ther bbc i player.

Don't bother with watchdog, just take a look in the faults and fixes forum, especially the long runnig and huge thread on power steering pumps.

AFAIK the rear washer should only wash the rear, and the front - the front!

As Paul says, for £10, they can fix it.

This is a useful site:

Avoid Used Car Fault Guides, Used Car Reviews, Values, Prices | Used Car Expert (http://www.usedcarexpert.co.uk/)

If you're buying a used car, it tells you what the common faults and re-calls have been with that particular vehicle. Obviously you can find this info on mini2 but it's certainly very useful if you're buying something other than a Mini.

we ended up buying the car as its seems to be a good one as far as i can tell.

one query i have is, the insurance company asked if it was a basic mini one or salt/pepper/chilli pack.

i haven't got a clue.

it has a/c but no sunroof, all cloth interior with zebera stripes throughout, white mirrors and front fogs. can anyone tell me what mine is or advise me on how to tell the difference between the 3 options

thanks in advance.

May i ask how much you have paid for the one

Hmmmm - does it have mirrors with lights in on the sun visors, height adjustable passenger seat? I know it won't have a glove box. Trying to remember what was in the Salt pack when they first came out.

Found this dated April 2002 (floor mats, silver interior finish, stowaway straps, front fogs, interiorlighting-pack, CD-radio Boost.) This is the Salt.

no glove box,

driver seat height adjustable only,

lights on passenger sun visor only. mirror on both visors.

no interior roof/ grab handles? do any mini's have them?

metalic silver dash trim.

not sure on headlight adjustment yet but will check, im sure it does have it though.

will check for stowaway straps. where abouts in the boot would these be attached. onthe backs of the back seats or to the sides of the boot?

does have the mini cd player but not sure if its a boost one or are all mini cd players the cd boost one?

All CD players are Boost. I think you have got it cos you've got fogs too.

right I have head light adjustment, chrome interior door handles, no stow away straps in the boot, (the backs of the front seats have the netting for maps etc).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/shayneperry/DSC_0069.jpg

right I have head light adjustment, chrome interior door handles, no stow away straps in the boot, (the backs of the front seats have the netting for maps etc).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/shayneperry/DSC_0069.jpg

The simple option is to just call the dealers with your reg number and they'll tell you the spec!

great post, this info is usefull to me too,
good looking mini that too :cool: