potential purchase

[15LSP]

im going to view a 51 plate mini cooper this week. It has 38K miles but 3 owners. Should i be worried why it has had so many owners? Anything I should look for ie: problems.

Thanks Laura

[Richard Crofts]

3 owners on a 5 year old car is not a lot. My 52 plate S had 2 owners and when that hits 5 years will be sold to someone who will be buying a 5 year old car thats had 3 owners. I todays age many folk change there car every year (thats what my cars first owner did as he upgraded to the JCW), then theres large numbers that change their car when the 3 year warrantee is up (thats what happend to mine with the second owner) and when mine gets to the end of the TLC and I have some insurance I will be considering changing to a different car or model of MINI depending on finances and family circumstances (that will be about the 5 year mark). That easily makes 3 owners in 5 years. My car is pretty sound and engine wise seems to be a real peach.

On a 51 plate ONE or Cooper I suggest listening and feeling the clutch and gearbox as both were known to have issues on earlier cars. Leaking expansion tanks and trim rattles were also issue. Early cars also had something about pulling to the left while driving and under brakes, but most were fixed. Check that its gone to the dealers for all remedial work on the recalls issued on that age and model by BMW.

Get a decent test drive in it and have a good look round. Have a listen to the engine and check the basics like on any car (water i the oil, blowing exhausts colours of plugs etc. If its from BMW it will have a 1 year warrantee anyhow so minor stuff will be fixed without questiuon by a good BMW/MINI dealer.

R

[Tonyt3]

No, people tend to 'upgrade' rheir Mini's to the higher models as circumstances allow, so, they do change hands. 3 owners on a car this age does not in itself signify an issue of any kind. However, it does give you leaverage to force the price down.

Never buy the firsst car you see, theres loads of them out there... make sure you buy the best your money will stretch too...

[15LSP]

thanks. Very helpful. Ive been looking for a while but this one ticks the most boxes and well within my budget. Its a private sale but it has full service history & a remaining TLC service

[humph]

Just a quick one on TLC. Be aware that BMW's claim of 50,000/5yrs is not strictly true. TLC covers a set number of services, and the car lets you know when it needs one. For example my Cooper's TLC has finished at 34000 miles and 3.5 years old. TLC includes two Oil Services, a brake fluid change and an inspection 1 service. Worth noting as the blurb can be misleading. Once you've had these thats it.
Agree with the checks above re clutch, box, rattles, also listen for a knock in the steering column that indicates worn bushes. Give it a good test drive. Hope you find what your looking for.