Hey everyone!

Currently I drive a RenaultSport Clio 182, and do love it, however I'm getting a bit fed up of it's 'French-ness', and having a never ending list of things to spend time scrabbling around on the driveway fixing! :p

I've only heard good things about the Mini Cooper S, like their style and having seen a few bargains around I'm quite tempted! Basically, what do I need to know!? Besides the basics you look for with every car, I'm not sure what I'm looking for...for reference, I'm looking for an earlier supercharged model, around 50-60k, seen a few for the £5,000 mark. I'm assuming those independent vehicle checks from the AA/RAC are a waste of time? (I'm based in Gloucestershire, England). I haven't been caught out yet, but I've been annoyed that I've had a few faults to fix shortly after buying a car that maybe someone with a more in-depth knowledge would've picked up...

MINI2 seems a great community with a mix of countries, so looking forward to hopefully being a part of it soon!

Welcome! :)
These buyers guides are a good starting point for earlier Cooper S:
MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide (http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/)

Buying guide : MINI 2001-2007 | AROnline (http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/2011/08/19/buying-guide-mini-2001-2007/)

The 1st Gen MINI FAQ Thread. (http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f10/1st-gen-mini-faq-thread-741/)

Welcome! :)
These buyers guides are a good starting point for earlier Cooper S:
LINKS

Excellent, helpful post, thanks. :)

I see oil leaks mentioned as an issue...I did see on the MOT sheet for an MCS I looked at 'oil leak' as an advisory...! I imagine it's quite hard to tell without it up on a ramp though...?

Youll love the minis. I've seen some nice Cooper works about for that sorts price. I'd say as long as it's not been in a accident look for faults you'd look for buying any car. Hope you find your car