Due to a change in circumstances I am considering buying a Mini Cooper S.

I've been to see a lovely 2002 model, all the kit I want, decent colour, great condition etc etc but just today, also had a look at a car being sold by the boyfriend of a colleague at work.

Its been sat at his parents for a few months as he's not massively advertised it.

Anyway, put together this page with pics and info and wondered what people's thoughts are?

davidmbell.com/mini/

Its only had one previous owner before the current one, and is the colour and spec I like. (I only really want sunroof and those wheels so not that fussy).

The 2002 I looked at had multifuncion 2 spoke wheel, climate and cruise, whereas this has normal AC and three spoke but not multifunction wheel.

Anway, its in "OK" condition and not quite as loved as some I've seen.

There's a rattle from the exhaust, one of the front speakers buzzes, and most importantly a patch of rust just above the reg plate light on the boot lid.

Now none are deal breakers to me for the right price.

It was originally up at £5995, to which I walked away from. They then came back and said it really does need to go, and so they'd been on Webuyanycar and were probably prepared to take nearer £4500 (they shouldnt have told me that as it valued it at a pitiful £3600!!)

The girlfriend of the guy selling said they really do need it to go, and if they're considering WeBuyAnyCar then surely if I offer anything over £3600 they'll be happy...

I had hinted originally I only had £4200 to spend, I'd be happy to spend £4k on this based on getting rust fixed, wheels repaired, leather tidied etc.

As its a facelift version of the car is this worth it? I think so, but would welcome your advice please!!

Taxed to end of Feb, MOT to August, FBMWSH etc etc.

Any advice welcome!

David
PS not convinced the AC was working ok, when I turned it on the green led on the AC button flashed about 5 times then stayed on? Is this an issue? Regass? Cant' tell as its freezing today anyway!!!

sounds like they are desperate to get rid !!

also sounds like it may be a bit of a dog and need loads of cah spent on it ?

really up to you, but buying cheap is not always best, and I would advise you to save more cash and go newer/better.

Iain

sounds like they are desperate to get rid !!
They're selling as he was promoted and the Mini became redundant due to him being given a company car. She was going to keep it hersflef but as she has horses she's having to stick with her Ford Focus (saddles and Mini boots don't go). I've no reason to doubt anything they say - it's been sat on his folks' drive for a while with the price in the window but they've not put any real effort into selling it.

also sounds like it may be a bit of a dog and need loads of cash spent on it ? I think its just a bit unloved. Some people have cars as means of getting from A-B and not something that's pride and joy (like it would be to me) - but no reason for it to be a dog, had a good look through paperwork and its had everything it needed doing done all at main BMW dealers too.

really up to you, but buying cheap is not always best, and I would advise you to save more cash and go newer/better.

Saving up more cash simply is not an option, a relatively urgent purchase is needed, to the extent that if I don't I risk not being able to pay my rent - long story involving partner losing job, having a break down, being diagnosed with bi-polar after spending £1000's... So I need to so sell my BMW Z4 and buy something NOT on Finance (anyone interested? Z4 sDrive35i?) - so something quick but cheap has to replace it - that being a Cooper S.

David

appreciate you have certain circumstances David, but my advice still holds.

if not looked after these cars can cost a lot of money to sort out, so beware !!

Iain

Any other tips from the community besides the words of warning above?

Anything else to look out for?

Engine mount/leaking coolant tank/oil leaks???

Thanks in anticipation

David

Clutch ever been replaced? If you get that done at a dealer, you're looking at about 1500 pounds I would estimate (with flywheel change).

The pre-2005 models are notorious for expansion tank leaks. I also think the crank seal on these models tends to leak.

Will they let you drive it to get the engine to operating temp? You can identify a lot of issues by giving it a short drive.

One thing you should know is that, in general, Minis are high maintenance the higher the kilometers. Your experience may differ, but I find that once they get up there in miles and age, more frequent problems tend to manifest and generally they are expensive repairs. You may just want to keep that in mind when making your decision.

They're selling as he was promoted and the Mini became redundant due to him being given a company car. She was going to keep it hersflef but as she has horses she's having to stick with her Ford Focus (saddles and Mini boots don't go). I've no reason to doubt anything they say - it's been sat on his folks' drive for a while with the price in the window but they've not put any real effort into selling it.

I think its just a bit unloved. Some people have cars as means of getting from A-B and not something that's pride and joy (like it would be to me) - but no reason for it to be a dog, had a good look through paperwork and its had everything it needed doing done all at main BMW dealers too.


Saving up more cash simply is not an option, a relatively urgent purchase is needed, to the extent that if I don't I risk not being able to pay my rent - long story involving partner losing job, having a break down, being diagnosed with bi-polar after spending £1000's... So I need to so sell my BMW Z4 and buy something NOT on Finance (anyone interested? Z4 sDrive35i?) - so something quick but cheap has to replace it - that being a Cooper S.

David

Interestingly I also bought an older MCS recently after selling my Z4 to free up some cash. I would simply say compare it to others on Pistonheads and if it seems ok then go for it. Also, if there truly is a full service history then that's pretty good. I have to say though, that whilst the mini is a really solid and fast(ish) car, there's not a day that I don't miss my Z4 - oh, apart from last Friday when we had snow!:)

Saving up more cash simply is not an option, a relatively urgent purchase is needed, to the extent that if I don't I risk not being able to pay my rent - long story involving partner losing job, having a break down, being diagnosed with bi-polar after spending £1000's... So I need to so sell my BMW Z4 and buy something NOT on Finance (anyone interested? Z4 sDrive35i?) - so something quick but cheap has to replace it - that being a Cooper S.

David

I'm selling my Gen1 06 MCS, looking for another M3 or a Z4, let me know