Inspecting a 2002/52 Cooper Auto - any tips?

[moo_oose]

Hi,

A complete newbie so apologies if I've asked anything which is already mentioned elsewhere...

I'm looking at buying a 2002/52 Mini Cooper Auto privately, any tips on what I need to look/listen out for which may indicate expensive mechanical problems?

I've looked at the FAQ already, but it seems to be tailored to existing owners rather than potential buyers - any help would be really appreciated!

Many thanks, Paul

[Babes]

I have purchased several 2nd hand MINIs and always do this. Take the car to a MINI dealership, the entire history of the car is stored on the key. They put the key in a reader and they can tell you everything that has been done to the car. Then get them to hook the car up to their computers and run a diagnostic test to see if it throws any fault codes.

You will have to pay for this but best piece of mind you can get. I recentlty purchased a MC with JCW sound kit in the UK from Australia without even driving the car.