Any advice welcome

[David43]

I am thinking of buying a mini cooper 03 - 53 plate. Any advice, please?

[Paul]

Do it.



Seriously though, are you looking at a specific car or just window shopping, do you have anything specific you'd like to know or get some opinions on? If window shopping, what sort of a budget you're on might help people give some ideas on what to expect.

[DaFlake]

Kind of a broad question as Paul mentioned. However, MINIs are just plain fun cars. YOu won't regret it.

If you narrow your questions down a little, we can definetly help you out.

[Richy777]

I was looking at getting an 03 MC but I then found out the the face lift cars 54 onwards have a much better gear box. So I then started looking for a 54 MC, but I have ended up ordering a new MC. But I supose it depends on your budget.

[David43]

Hi

Well the spec is...Mini Cooper in Silver, Black Roof, Air Con, Chili Pack, Cd Player, ideally 1 owner, up to 24K miles, ideally a non smoker & TLC. Budget up to £10,500 K ish perhaps more if a dealer.

[Minnie Mouse]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Do it.

Paul, you took the words right out of my mouth

What can you expect? Hours and hours of fantastic driving amongst other things

[mendel williams]

Get 54 reg onwards the new gear boxes are better & more reliable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MINI-Morgan]

I have to agree with mendel.... but a Mini is better than no Mini if you dont have the option.

Happy Motoring!

[Richard Crofts]

Ensure you get TLC with it. On an 03 go for something with low miles, just in case you get one of the slightly worse boxes (mine was an 03 and the old Rover based box and it was fine but some people have had trouble). Also, not related to the purchase of the car, make sure your insurer covers factory fit options as standard not as modifications!

I loved my 03 Cooper and thought the engine box were great, they have a tendancy to have a few rattles and squeeks on the interior when cold but over time you'll find these and the dealer will remedy them (mine did anyway).

Good hunting hope you find one in budget.

R

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Don't take too much notice of the Midland Gears (referred to as the "Rover" gearbox) Vs Getrag gearbox issue. Some early gearboxes have failed and some of the later ones have been dogged with noise problems and issues with crunching when selecting reverse.

Neither gearbox is "better" than the other and neither gearbox is that bad either; just be aware of the difference in the gear shift quality and go with the one that you prefer.

Now is definately the time to be looking at a near new MINI as there are some really well specced examples going for good prices in the "For Sale" section on this site.

Tigger.

[:: Jon ::]

check for worn brakes as they made need replacing around that age.. both the discs and pads..

listen out for any rattles and get them to sort it...

you should be fine if you buy from a dealer but saying that just double check everything..