[the subtle modder]

Hi newly registered to the forum but been browsing for a while

After an upgrade from my little Seat Arosa 1.4 and test drove a Mini cooper, loved the whole car except performance i found poor comapred to rivals

i was thinking of getting a clio 182 or a 206 GTi 180 of which i have test drove both today and although impressed neither were as good as the Mini cooper S i drove on saturday, i was bored so having found an S at the dealers i test drove not really thinking i would have it, it impressed me so much so that im about to put a deposit down spec etc is below let me know what you think of the deal etc and any problems i may be missing

2003 registerd 03 plate Mini Coooper S chilli

in light metalic blue with the white roof/mirros and the the white 17" S spokes as people seem to call them

41,000 miles, Metallic Blue, 1 Owner. 17" alloys, Air-Conditioning, ABS, CD, Climate Control, brushed effect dash trim, Electric windows, Full service history, Heated screen, Blue and black full Leather seats, Side airbags, Tinted glass, ESC & Traction control.

12 months private dealer waranty but apparently covering everything EXCEPT the exhaust (even covers the charger)

6 months tax (he wont budge anymore

£10,000 and my car partexed in for £4000 its booked at £3500 but has £2500 of mods, good deal? cash least he would go down to was £9800 so not really worth the extra hassle

all seats flipped forward and slid etc so i assume it hasnt got the seat frame problem or am i checking the wrong thing?

climate control worked very well

im certain it was pulling very slightly to the left and i believe this is one of the noted problems on this forum BUT apparently is no longer a free recall according to the dealer?

both side windows seemed to go up when door closes and vice a versa

brakes although not as sharp as i expected seemed VERY good so doubt there is problems with them, couldnbt feel any dragging and it went very well so doubt they were sticking on

according to a dealer i rang he said they are known for the airbags problemns but couldnt say in what way? baffled as to why you would have problems here?

anything im missing ansd is the price good?

i appreciate any replys, thankyou

wayne

[mikbmini]

Sounds like a good price to me mate. I just bought mine a couple of weeks back, and its a 53 reg, registered jan 2004. 29,000 miles, half leather, harmon kardon, boost minidisc (why???), S Spoke alloys, but no climate only manual aircon, in immaculate condition inside and out for £11,500. That was from a BMW MINI main dealer tho so full warranty, etc.

They gave me £500 over book price for my old car, a 1998 Audi A3 1.8 Turbo.

Only thing is, that first thing in morning when its cold, the clutch makes a wierd noise like its slipping, and have taken it back and they now tell me it needs a new clutch!! They say warranty should cover it, but if not then theres gonna be a murder, because they shouldn't have sold me a car with a f***ed clutch ...surely. So try and give it a thourough test, and make sure there are definately no noises and such.

Anyway that doesn't sound like a bad deal mate, plus you can't expect to get anything back on the mods you made to your old car. If anything they might even lower the price as most people would want to avoid buying a modified car, unless its very specialist - like a skyline or something like that. What about taking some of the mods off and replacing them with standard parts again - if you still have them? Would the dealer lower their offer at all? If they won't then you could do that and sell some of the modified parts on to re-couperate some of your losses.

[ONED]

Try selling your car private, unless dealer is giving whats seems like a really good deal on your own then take it!

But generally your gonna get way more privately!.....but don't expect to get the £2.5k of extras back!!....may not be everyones cuppa!

[Mister]

ONED is right about the extras. It's a little like putting an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard: seems like a good idea, but actually does zero to increase the value of your home. You won't recoup this money.

It sounds to me like you're getting an excellent deal on the S. If I was in your position, I'd avoid the hassle of trying to sell the car to a private party, take the trade-in that the dealer is offering you, and start driving that S like you stole it.

[ALD0]

I had the clutch problem on mine, my fly wheelneeded replacing too. The car you got sounds good, you will always lose money on mods off your old car, can you take off and sell separetely depending on what they are?

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I agree with what others have said in that:

1. It sounds like a good deal.

2. Take the trade in.

3. Return it to as near standard as possible and sell the parts separately if it does not adversely affect the trade in value.

It's interesting that it's a single owner car. In similar circumstances I've looked through the service record while the dealer's been looking the other way! It's usually left in the glovebox and gives you access to the original owner's details near the front of the book. I've phoned them later and usually they are only too willing to tell you all about how good (or bad) the car was!!! Certainly doesn't do any harm

[the subtle modder]

First off thanks for all the reply, its appreciated

He asked what price i wanted and i said i didnt know but had 4k which he explained was way OTT he offeed me base book price on my car which is £2850 + its on 18k on a 53 instead of 40k so got him to just over £3k, i then said right ill, leave everything on it and although he tried the "just because you like the car how it is doesnt mean opthers will" which is fair but mods are as below none are over the top, all subtle and quality

Smoothed and colour coded bumpers (massive difference),

GTi spoiler to stop it looking boxy

Audi TT Quatro Full denim blue front and rear seats ( he loved these)

Fully height adjustable coilovers

VERY rare deep dish wheels

after explaning it all to him and the fact although i want the mini (more than he knew) i wasnt going to be easily ripped off so he agreed £4k as long as i chucked the standrad gear in as well (not that bothered about it anyway) i figure he will return to standard and sell the TT bitts on etc

i didnt expect the car mods to add value (many will agree from looking at my sig benath this that my arosa is somewhat of a marmite car BUT it is imaculate (its a show car) its very low millage and quite rare so adding everything together i feel im being fair

the one thing i didnt like about the car to be honest is one thing that 'Tigger, Eeyore & Roo' has touched one, i alwayts check all the docs and although i couldnt find an invoice with their number on i did find it was an ex lease car whih would usually be a big non no to me BUT it was in this womans name, the car is from cardiff if i remember correctly which does explain the fact all four wheels are lightly curbed

the car is straight as a die with no previous paintwork signs the ONLY thing i found (im a body tech so fussy) is a very very tiny dink in the top of the rear quarter beneath the window which is nothing to worry about

the Intercooler plastic surround has been rubbed very heavily by the bonnet sealing strip which suggests alot of hard driving but its all free reving and although the revs started off high on tickover (1500 for 3mins, 1200 for 2 mins and then jusk below 1k after that) it settled down and was totally smooth

after the test drive i checked the oil and the end of the dip stick is Very slightly milked but i blame this on condensation? as i know for a fact the car has been sitting on the fourcourt for just over 3 weeks

I thought at first the rocker cover gasket was leaking as there is burnt oil around the gasket but then dad discoverd someone had spilt oil over the rocker cover on filling the oil so we assume its from this and certainly no other visible signs

the clutch statements worry me ALOT as i know its isnt a warantly covered item and neither is it cheap to do, i did check both low speed and high speed accleration (this one alot ) and both fine, i also checked accleration in high gears which usually shows them up but again nothing, i set off hard from one junction just to put a smile on my face and it was very impresive with just 2 second or so delay which i assume is a combination between wheelspin/traction control and i think its also fly bi wire throttle like the arosa?

also is the traction control switchable? i couldnt for the life of me find a switch/ i found the one for the ASC and tried it with this switched on and off

Actually there was this whine noise coming from under the bonnet especially every time i booted it



oh sorry thats the supercharged which i fell in love with the noise standard really impressed me

i have found another same spec and colour but air con instead of climate but 10k miles less for same car price so pondering over whether to wait till weeknd to go drive that one and have a look if its any better in any way + deal

cheers for any more replys and things to check

wayne

[Saad]

The windows go up slightly when you close a door, and come down slightly when you open. It's standard Mini window procedure. Nothing wrong there.

And also the higher revs for a while is just the engine cold starting. All Minis do that too.

Just thought I'd clear a couple of worries for you.

[ALD0]

If you have seen another on Cherished, the dealer should be able to source it for you.

[the subtle modder]

Quote: Originally Posted by ALD0 (original)

If you have seen another on Cherished, the dealer should be able to source it for you.

My local dealer does atcually have one in, a 54 plate in the dark blue for £12500 with low miles but the spec isnt great (no fulll leather nor climate) and you are paying the high premium extra just to have it from MINI which although the waranty's are apparently good there will always be the flaws

saad Ye i know the windows are meant to do that but i understood there was a known problem with them not doing so?

alsoquick question dragged from other post, 03 plate MCS chili should it have the function to display the speed in front of me?

thanks for the replys as usual youve been more help than you think although you have talked me into spending 10k so im not sure if should be thanking you

wayne

[ALD0]

Quote: Originally Posted by the subtle modder (original)

My local dealer does atcually have one in, a 54 plate in the dark blue for £12500 with low miles but the spec isnt great (no fulll leather nor climate) and you are paying the high premium extra just to have it from MINI which although the waranty's are apparently good there will always be the flaws

saad Ye i know the windows are meant to do that but i understood there was a known problem with them not doing so?

alsoquick question dragged from other post, 03 plate MCS chili should it have the function to display the speed in front of me?

thanks for the replys as usual youve been more help than you think although you have talked me into spending 10k so im not sure if should be thanking you

wayne

No it won't display the speed in front of you, I think it's 54 plate onwards that do that on the on board computer, or possibly march 2005 build onwards, I know it's on the face lift though...

You will pay extra for the for a car from MINI but as you say will get 12 months warranty, breakdown and MOT as well, also tax if ya canwangle that, I managed to get 12 months

[ONED]

The windows can sometimes loose the settin, but this can easily be reset !

I think it's just a matter of opening each window fully and then closing it again

[mikbmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by the subtle modder (original)

My local dealer does atcually have one in, a 54 plate in the dark blue for £12500 with low miles but the spec isnt great (no fulll leather nor climate) and you are paying the high premium extra just to have it from MINI which although the waranty's are apparently good there will always be the flaws

saad Ye i know the windows are meant to do that but i understood there was a known problem with them not doing so?

alsoquick question dragged from other post, 03 plate MCS chili should it have the function to display the speed in front of me?

thanks for the replys as usual youve been more help than you think although you have talked me into spending 10k so im not sure if should be thanking you

wayne

Do you mean display the speed on the on-board computer, behind the steering wheel? My Cooper S is a 53 reg model built December 2003, registered January 2004, and that displays the speed on the trip computer.

The one you said you've seen at the dealers sounds like it might be Indi Blue - its a really nice colour, definately the best colour to go for IMO.

BTW clutch needs to be replaced on my 3 week old Cooper S (well 3 weeks to me, actually 3 1/2 years) and is not under warrenty but as was like it when I bought the car, I think the Coopers BMW MINI dealership I went to are going to foot the bill. Not sure if all non-franchised dealers would do that? Perhaps a reason to stick with a genuine MINI dealership? Dunno.

[gemmalaw26]

on board computer was only introduced in chili pack after 04 unless specified at build - i think!!
with ref to clutch if car is less that 30 days register with warranty dealer should do it as part of used car prep

[the subtle modder]

Quote: Originally Posted by ALD0 (original)

No it won't display the speed in front of you, I think it's 54 plate onwards that do that on the on board computer, or possibly march 2005 build onwards, I know it's on the face lift though...

You will pay extra for the for a car from MINI but as you say will get 12 months warranty, breakdown and MOT as well, also tax if ya canwangle that, I managed to get 12 months

disapointed about the speed display to be honest

Not sure if the mini waranty is worth payig for with the main one i looking at i will get 12 months gold class cover which does genuinely seem to cover nearly everything BUT the downside being in the event of a waranty claim they will only pay £45 an hour and i know the nearset Mini dealer charges £75 an hour so it wouldnt be going to them

Quote: Originally Posted by ONED (original)

The windows can sometimes loose the settin, but this can easily be reset !

I think it's just a matter of opening each window fully and then closing it again

nice to know its an easy fix if the problem does occur

Quote: Originally Posted by mikbmini (original)

Do you mean display the speed on the on-board computer, behind the steering wheel? My Cooper S is a 53 reg model built December 2003, registered January 2004, and that displays the speed on the trip computer.

The one you said you've seen at the dealers sounds like it might be Indi Blue - its a really nice colour, definately the best colour to go for IMO

Yep thats the exact thing im on about this one is a june 03 registerd one so i think thats why it has missed out, cant believ it isnt standard to be honest as dad and mum have just said it is quite a safety hazzrd as a quick check of the speed isnt a quick glance down to the steering wheel area is it

i does look like indi blue but after looking at you avatar m starting to think you may be slightly biased towards that colour os similar

Quote: Originally Posted by gemmalaw26 (original)

on board computer was only introduced in chili pack after 04 unless specified at build - i think!!
with ref to clutch if car is less that 30 days register with warranty dealer should do it as part of used car prep

so it could have been specced on mine then? how do you use the on bourd computer i thought it would be the end of the stalk like our scenic but thats just the alarm LED? it desplayed the climate controll temp on the little display in the rev counter does that mean anything?

cluthc been done under waranty is always a troublsome episode i have seen people who have had clutches wear out in 20k mils abnd dealers just say wear and tear when its quite obvious that sint really possible hoe do you tell if they are going on these? and is it a possible DIY job or hasnt anyone here attmpted it

wayne

[the subtle modder]

would any of you be put off by the fact this car is still sitting on the garage fourcourt? i know for a fact its been there since the 10th of august and from what i believe it was there a week before that as well

ill admit im quite wary of it now

its up for 10k and base booked at 9200 but this doesnt include the options it has on it nor the part ex deal im getting, it5s on 41k instead of the listed 30-35k but this isnt much difference

it is an ex lease car which is slightly offputting but its fully HPi clear and im a body technician so generally know what to look for and its all straight and true

or is it as mum thinks and the car is waiting for me to buy it

wayne

[ALD0]

Test drive it, if ya happy with it go for it-seems a reasonable price, the second hand MINI market might be a bit slower now with more people opting ofor 57 reg's (part x'ing there old cars R53's) also the introduction of the R56 there are more R53's up for the chop.

[karlbwg]

Just checking if my sig is working

[Lav3r]

This clutch talk is starting to worry me!
I picked up my MCS on Friday from Ryder Mini in Newport (it's now Sytner I think), and i've noticed when I pull away sometimes I can hear a squeeking noise.

Is this what you chaps are on about in regards to the clutch?

[ALD0]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lav3r (original)

This clutch talk is starting to worry me!
I picked up my MCS on Friday from Ryder Mini in Newport (it's now Sytner I think), and i've noticed when I pull away sometimes I can hear a squeeking noise.

Is this what you chaps are on about in regards to the clutch?

Yeah, it happened on mine and the flywheel was replaced, normally happened when car was under load or on cold and damp mornings.