Help Just bought a 2004 Mini Cooper 63000 miles on clock. It constantly makes a whining noise which is worse when turning the steering wheel. Some days its not to bad other days it is really really loud. It is also using a shocking amount of petrol I have had the car 13 days and have used £40 + of petrol doing one 28 mile B road journey doing approx 50 -55 miles per hour and the rest of my journeys have been in town going to and from work 3 MILES TOTAL A DAY. Is this normal for a Mini? what is the average MPG? town driving/motorway driving?
Could there be a link with the whining noise and the high fuel cosumption. Always wanted a Mini now Ive got one and Im worried sick (though I love the car)

Hi firsttimeminiowner,
Welcome to the forums :)

Well, from what you're describing, it sounds like there is a problem with the power-steering pump. Check 2 things

1) check the power steering fluid, see that it has enough fluid
To check, turn off the engine, unscrew the power steering tank cap ( located to the right of the coolant tank [the beige tank in the middle] ) on the cap, there is a plastic piece with 2 markers. The fluid level should be somewhere in between

2) if the fluid level is fine, then i'm afraid your power steering pump is on it's way out and you're gna need to replace it. I'll try and find some links for refurbished ones and replacements, and post them here.

Regards,
Andrew

Hi Andrew thanks for your advice. I took my mini to mini dealer to have it checked and they were brilliant changed the steering pump (like you said it was on it way out) and did not charge me a penny £700 worth of work x so I could not be happier the guys down there were brilliant and my car is now running beautifully. Thanks very much x