Buying advice

[timmyjimmy]

Hi All,

I'm just in the market for a Mini Cooper S (supercharged version) and I wondered if anyone had any watch outs/tips when buying second hand? They seem pretty robust but I am sure there is some snag somewhere.....


Any posts gratefully received! I hope to be a fully paid up member soon. If its of interest my current car is a late 80's 911 and the cooper s I tried at the weekend was just as much fun as my porker...what a smashing little car!

Cheers
T

[gemmalaw26]

Hiya,

It does depend on what age you are looking at purchasing. You need to be wary of the steering columns on most minis over 4ish years old. they start to break down and when you turn the wheel it sounds like ball bearings rolling around - this can be as much as 500 to get repaired. Also always check the headlight adjustments (underload) they have a tendancy to both or one stop working after bout 2years (newer builds are generally ok) check them in something reflective to make sure they both move - if they dont they are bout 200 a piece to replace.
Your best bet is to go to a mini cherished garage as they have to make sure they are properly checked before going on forecourt are all warranted and MOT before delivery and get breakdown assist. But i would say that - i sell them!!!
We can also put in a national search for the right car for you. Private is just as good but can sometimes end up a little more expensive if things need replacing

good luck and happy driving
Gx

[timmyjimmy]

Thanks Gemma - thats very useful.

Looking at an 04 upwards really but they are good tips.


TJ

[GR33NIE]

Quote: Originally Posted by timmyjimmy (original)

Looking at an 04 upwards

TJ

Probably best, the gearbox was changed in the later 04's aswell, the previous gearbox did have some problems over time

[the subtle modder]

Quote: Originally Posted by GR33NIE (original)

Probably best, the gearbox was changed in the later 04's aswell, the previous gearbox did have some problems over time

what are these problems with the box's? i have been told 3 times now that 04 onwards is the better but i have 10k to spend so restricted to 03/53 with the required spec so would be interested to know the problems with the first gearbox's

wayne

[timmyjimmy]

Managed to avoid all this hassle by falling into the dealiership and ordering a new one. Sold my 911 on Monday, saw the new mini s on wednesday......picking it up tomorrow!!

Woo Hoo!

[gemmalaw26]

well done

You get better cover from a dealer - but you didnt buy it from me tho!!!! sniff sniff

[timmyjimmy]

Sorry Gemma!! You would be a bit of a trek for me.

Think I was quite lucky - stupidly sold my car without thinking what I was going to do in the meantime....Doh! Had been told that the wait for a new min cooper s was up to 8 weeks

However a quick trip to the local dealer and they found me one in my favoritie colour (dark silver/black roof) leather interior and brushed interior. And it ready tomorrow -