I'm thinking about buying a 2002 Mini

[andydiesel]

Hi there-

I'm looking into buying a 2002 Mini (regular model) and am reading very mixed reviews on the internet.

The car I'm looking at (i won't see it until saturday) has 105,000 miles with a manual transmission, and has had two owners. The current owner has all the maintenance paperwork from about 50,000 miles on that i'll look at when i see the car.

Is there anything I should be aware of with a Mini that has 100k+ miles on it? Am i looking a big giant money pit? I've driven a friends Mini and loved it, but don;t really want a car that will be in the shop all the time. So far I don't think too much has gone wrong with the car other than the electric motor for the power steering pump being replaced.

thanks.

[MiniDeLux]

In addition to the full service history, I'd ask why it's being sold. Also ask if the clutch has ever been changed and if so, when.

Lots of things can go wrong on a car with 100k+ miles on it. Longevity from this point forward will depend significantly on service and driving history. Since it's the non-S version, there is slightly less to go wrong in terms of the supercharger, etc... My biggest concern would be the transmission, shocks and struts and timing chain and whether or not the oil was changed regularly and the scheduled services were done properly.

Quote: Originally Posted by andydiesel (original)

Hi there-

I'm looking into buying a 2002 Mini (regular model) and am reading very mixed reviews on the internet.

The car I'm looking at (i won't see it until saturday) has 105,000 miles with a manual transmission, and has had two owners. The current owner has all the maintenance paperwork from about 50,000 miles on that i'll look at when i see the car.

Is there anything I should be aware of with a Mini that has 100k+ miles on it? Am i looking a big giant money pit? I've driven a friends Mini and loved it, but don;t really want a car that will be in the shop all the time. So far I don't think too much has gone wrong with the car other than the electric motor for the power steering pump being replaced.

thanks.

[minihove]

Agree with whats already been said, I have a 2002 model too (cooper). You'll want to see evidence (full service history/ list of receipts for parts & work etc).I'll give you a rundown on what i've had replaced. Don't let this put you off but maybe check to see if your potential car has had these items done so you have to avoid paying out for them yourself. Front suspension-top bearings, front suspension/wishbone bushes, gearbox (mine's due for replacement still on it's 1st at 105000 this I've been told is close to a miracle!), power steering pump. Steering column can have issue's like a knocking sound when turning the wheel (grab it and give it a fairly quick thorough turn left to right you'll see what i mean) , this is just the bearing on the column and is common but not unsafe at all. Test drive with the stereo off and listen out for any other noises coming from the steering / front suspension at low speed , walk away if there are any. Check the exhaust as well, it should hve been replaced by thay age if not this can be pricey too. I love driving my cooper despite what i have paid out. Take your time finding a decent one thats maybe had some of this work done and you should be ok. It's already been stated a car with that many miles from the outset will always cost more to maintain . Take your time in choosing a decent one and you should be ok. I'd only get rid of mine for a cooper S

[mab01uk]

These buyers guides below may help you.........when you get a good early Mini One/Cooper change the gearbox oil asap.......BMW's 'filled for life' service policy killls the gearboxes outside of warranty!
USA
MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide
UK
Buying guide : MINI 2001-2007 | AROnline

[andydiesel]

I appreciate the help, this was the information I was looking for.