MINI2

David43 · Jan 26th, 2006, 10:13 PM

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

Paul · Jan 27th, 2006, 07:58 AM

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 · Jan 27th, 2006, 09:43 AM

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 · Jan 27th, 2006, 04:24 PM

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 · Jan 27th, 2006, 06:04 PM

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 · Jan 27th, 2006, 09:10 PM

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 · Jan 28th, 2006, 03:01 PM

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

MINI-Morgan · Jan 31st, 2006, 02:46 PM

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

Happy Motoring!

Richard Crofts · Jan 31st, 2006, 03:05 PM

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 · Jan 31st, 2006, 04:57 PM

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 :: · Jan 31st, 2006, 05:35 PM

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..

Jan 26th, 2006, 10:13 PM	#1
David43 Pleased with my Mini Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reading Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 28 Offline	Any advice welcome I am thinking of buying a mini cooper 03 - 53 plate. Any advice, please?

Jan 27th, 2006, 09:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 06:17 AM Posts: 10,850 Offline	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. Global Moderator
http://www.mini2.com/forum/

Jan 27th, 2006, 09:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
Minnie Mouse It's nice out..... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Londinium Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 24,778 Offline	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 ~~Global Moderator~~

Jan 31st, 2006, 02:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
MINI-Morgan MINI Obsessed... My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southampton, Hants Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 4,770 Offline	I have to agree with mendel.... but a Mini is better than no Mini if you dont have the option. Happy Motoring! One Man, One Project......find out what happens next at MINIProject.co.uk For MINIs in the south it can only be South Coast New MINI Club

Jan 31st, 2006, 04:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tigger, Eeyore & Roo I'm Back! My Classifieds Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kernow, near England Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 4,632 Offline	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. Unintimated and I'm back!! For sunshine, fun and Cornish Pasties: New MINI Kernow Cornish Oggy Run 2009!

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Jan 27th, 2006, 07:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 41,222 Online	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.

Jan 27th, 2006, 04:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Richy777 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Durham Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 128 Offline	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.

Jan 27th, 2006, 06:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
David43 Pleased with my Mini Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reading Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 28 Offline	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.

Jan 28th, 2006, 03:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
mendel williams MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: St Helens , UK Local Time: 10:17 AM Posts: 679 Offline	Get 54 reg onwards the new gear boxes are better & more reliable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 31st, 2006, 03:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
Richard Crofts THE STICK Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Worcestershire WR15 Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 3,174 Offline	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

Jan 31st, 2006, 05:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
:: Jon :: . My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Local Time: 11:17 AM Posts: 15,109 Offline	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.. EMPTY SPACE NEEDS FILLING.... but it has to be something that wont get me banned

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