Advice for potential new owner

[skitz.]

Hi all,

I am currently looking at buying a Mini Cooper S. I have had my current car (not a mini) for the last 3 years and am now ready for a change. During the last 3 years I was a forum member and enjoyed good advice from members. So I thought I would register here and see what advice I could get.

The car I am looking at is a 2003 25 plate Cooper S, with Sat Nav, leather trim, factory sat nav etc. It is marked up at £6200. Does this represent good value for money?

Are there any 'gotchas' that I should look out when buy a Cooper S Mk1. I have been advised to check that the window drops and closes properly when open then doors and that the interior lights are functioning correctly as these can be expensive to fix. Any thing else?

What is the fuel consumption like? I currently drive a 2001 Astra 1.8 SXi and I am always moaning about the consumption on short journeys? Is the Cooper S any better?

My initial insurance quotes were unbelievable. I was quoted on average about 80 a month on MoneySuperMarket. I am 34 but with only 1 year no claims. The cheapest I found was on Admiral, but only after I added the missus. Any insurance advice?

What is the reliability/servicing/parts like?

Any advice for a potential new owner would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

Sean

[MINIAC]

How many miles are on the car?

I have a 2002 MCS and have kept records of fuel consumption. Mine has ranged from 17 MPG in stop and go traffic up to 34 MPG cruising at highway speed. That equates to 20 - 40 miles per UK gallon.

Service intervals are roughly 15000 miles depending on how you drive. MINI dealership labor rates are outrageous, so you'll want to find a good independent to work on your car if you're not mechanically inclined. Like BMWs parts are pricey. The most common fault on all 1st Gen models is the power steering pump especially on models built prior to July 2004.

[Floor-is]

Some more tips and hints:

- Check the handbrake. There should be no slack
- Check the bonnet, it should open easy and close without having to 'push it down'
- Common problems with the belt drive (tensioner, adjusting pulley and the belt)
- Depending on milage: brake discs and pads, especially the front. The brakepad-sensor should be attached!
- The clutch should grip quite fast, not near the top of the clutch

Check all the knobs, check if the headlight cleaning works, if the foglights work and the glass isn't broken.

The Mini isn't the most eco-friendly car you'll find. Depending on how fast and sporty you drive... It can be a real guzzler!

[minicore]

The price sounds about right depending on mileage. Don't expect to return much more than 30 MPG on average, potentially much less if you have a heavy right foot!

Plenty of good advice in this buyers guide too: MotoringFile » MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide

[Dave Elliott]

Check for rust. My 2002 MCS has had rust on the bottom seem of the door frame (driver and passenger). Lift up the rubber door seal to check.

[iain cooper]

my advice would be to buy as new as possible and with a warranty if possible, as if you buy a dog it will cost you a fortune to put right.

2003 is asking for trouble unless the car has been really well looked after.

Iain

[skitz.]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your replies. Very helpful. The full advert for the car is this :

Features:
52,000 miles
Manual
SILVER
Petrol

Full Description:
3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 52,000 miles, Silver, 1 Owner. Full BMW Service History, FACTORY FITTED SAT NAV, Leather seat trim, Air conditioning, Electric Panaramic Roof, Sports seats, Alloy wheels, Radio/CD, Electric windows, Electric mirrors, rear spoiler, Chilli Pack, Multi function steering wheel, Computer, Traction control, ABS, Power assisted steering, Colour coding - Body, Metallic Paint, Driver airbag, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, alarm remote controlled, Immobiliser, Rear headrests, Folding rear seats, Alarm, Body coloured bumpers, Front head restraints, Height adjustable drivers seat, PAS, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Rear wiper, Rear electric windows, Steering wheel reach adjustment, central doorlocks with remote control, ALL HPI CHECKED CLEAR AND WARRANTED. Part Exchange and Finance available on this vehicle., £6,190

With this in mind does it sound ok?

[iain cooper]

certainly sounds ok re the advert, with some warranty too ? how many owners ?

you need to have a good look over it, check condition of alloys as they tell how car has been driven, check electrical things work especially panoramic sunroof, etc

sometimes you get a feeling about a car, if in any doubt walk away as there are hundreds of them out there.

Iain

ps also have a good look at the driver's seat as it can sometimes tell it's own story.

[skitz.]

Dammit! It was sold by the time I could get back down there!
Thanks for you help guys.... guess I need to keep on looking!