[Eric-RPS13-]

I've got it down to 2 prospective ones, both are S models that are British racing green with white top and power sunroof. same miles
seems like most of the used mini's around here have between 40-50k miles(is there a reason for this, a lot of them have dodgy clutches, but most places have said np and will replace that). There was an 03 with 128k miles, no probs in it's life according to carfax, so I know they can hold up.

anything I need to be careful of?

[KPKalle]

Hi and welcome Eric

Not sure of any mileage issues particularly. Unless it's to do with lease terms or something - previous owners having the option to trade-in after a period.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

They are generally pretty tough, though the firm suspension combined with large wheels / low profile tyres can make some of them rattle a bit. Check the sunroof for rattles especially.

Bare in mind that there was a facelift in July 2004, when the power rose from 163 to 170bhp. You can tell which it is, as the 163bhp had the clock mounted above the rear view mirror while 170 bhp versions have a near-useless clock, down in the speedo

As with a lot of cars, it's probably best to pay a little more and avoid an early one (2002 - 3) if you want the greatest peace of mind and slightly more compliant suspension Avoid 18" wheels unless you are blessed with very smooth roads where you live!

Don't expect amazing fuel economy and you won't be disappointed

Tigger.

[Eric-RPS13-]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

They are generally pretty tough, though the firm suspension combined with large wheels / low profile tyres can make some of them rattle a bit. Check the sunroof for rattles especially.

Bare in mind that there was a facelift in July 2004, when the power rose from 163 to 170bhp. You can tell which it is, as the 163bhp had the clock mounted above the rear view mirror while 170 bhp versions have a near-useless clock, down in the speedo

As with a lot of cars, it's probably best to pay a little more and avoid an early one (2002 - 3) if you want the greatest peace of mind and slightly more compliant suspension Avoid 18" wheels unless you are blessed with very smooth roads where you live!

Don't expect amazing fuel economy and you won't be disappointed

Tigger.

the mini's suspension is not bad at all, heh, well my last two cars had race prep suspension on the road, sooo ya, anything short of that is awesome and smooth to me. I would never put 18s on a mini WAY to big, you gotta be aesthetic about it.
I was actually thinking 16 inch TE-37s or Gram light 57S's bronze for both of them. Getting a tad wider wheel and getter a bit wider tires. I would loose rotating weight with those, I'm trying to see if someone makes 2 piece rotors for the mini, Going to remove the rear seat and make a small deck for my amp and a small sub box, and the rest will be cargo.

ya good advice on the rattles, I didn't notice any on either of the two prospects. The window control dash piece was loose though on one, that's pretty much it.

I guess I'm weird I think the S's MPG is pretty good, I won't go into details on the MPG on some of my old vehicles hehe.

what kind of weight reduction stuff can you do? CF goodies available?

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

That's fair enough then

I'm not too up on light weight bits, although some people have replaced the whole bonnet with a CF item.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Eric,

Any news on your MINI search?