hint and tips on buying a cooper

[beeva86]

you help would be great guys/gals im looking at an 06 cooper petrol and am looking for hint and tips on what to look out for when buying as i dont want a lemon any help would be great and helpful to me thanks greig

[mab01uk]

This is a USA Mini buyers guide which should help you:
MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide

[beeva86]

had a read through this thanks but in looking for forum members feed back and what to look out for and there experence of buying a mini

[solidsponge]

Quote: Originally Posted by beeva86 (original)

had a read through this thanks but in looking for forum members feed back and what to look out for and there experence of buying a mini

I dont have enough money for an 06 plate, but have an ancient just cooper one. I have heard of similar problems though even on later models, which would be water in the footwells, just lift up the mats and if theres patches on both sides its not water from people getting it, it leaks water in via the door seals and maybe side panels, its a right mess on trying to find out where and trying to fix it. I think Ive fixed mine finally with some black silicone round the door frame under the seal. Its a terrible design flaw btw.

****** midland gearbox I guess wont be on that 06.

Try get one with steering controls on the wheel because you wont really be replacing that.

Watch out for not all models having a simple on board sodding computer, otherwise wont know MPG or anything like that.

Get one with the stereo in if you can, after markets look crap generally.

Again, auto air conditioning is better, many dont have this.

Check in the boot for water in boot, sometimes happens.

Runflat indicator, if there is a light on the dash, and its orange like (!) that symbol I wrote. Its broke if its permanently on. This info is 100% correct. If it stays on its broken sensor. If it flashes its fine but tyres are off. Need to press button near handbrake though and drive a bit to reset it.

Check the front windscreen actually fits. Lots apparently dont (which also leads to the water issue) If you look in each corner right and left sometimes there is a gap. Not really a big issue, but its another weird design flaw.

Finally make sure the ECU light goes off with ignition. Basically there should be no lights on. If you put the DSC OFF the light will go on, turn it back on and it goes off because it wants you to drive with that on.

Also try get one without runflats as theyre bumpy and not great handling. But its not really a big deal, lots come with cheap tyres on unfortunately.

Probably not very helpful really.