[m1n1_c00p3r]

Hi everyone, long time fan of the site (since it started) just never got round to registering on the forums!

Im looking to buy a used mini one, im 19 and have allways wanted one for my first car, and even learn to drive in a cooper, im franticly saving all i can at the moment so i dont have to get such a big loan! And am also moving away from home too so lots of money is disapearing at the moment!

Anyway i need some advice on what sort of age i should buy (as i know some of the first minis had reliability problems, and i dont want a car that is going to cost a fortune to repair frequently) im looking to pay around 7k max for one, getting a loan for around 5k but i have been looking at 2000 (01) minis for around 5/6k these vary with the mileage some have 50, 70 even nearly 100 thousand on them.

Also are there any things i should look out for when inspecting the cars too? Just thought id ask such an expert comunity

[ThE.gRiZzLe]

It may be worth having a check with your dealership, as a couple of months ago i bought my Cooper as a MINI Cherished from the dealer for £7500 (1 year warrenty, breakdown cover, etc....).

It is a 2002 51 platem with 45 000 on the clock, chilli pack, auto air con, full leather H/K system, basically all the extras.... so worth checking in! + the warrenty is a bonus as yes the earlier models did have a few faults, but with a cherished cooper they sort it out anyway.

Good luck on finding one mate, hope this helps.....

[morrisminiminor]

Does it need to be a Cooper? You could get a later spec MINI One with a lot of options for the same price as a Cooper. If you are a red line driver then the One won't do as that's really where the extra performance is apparent but if you are happy to drive around without revving the guts out of it, you shouldn't notice much difference.

morrisminiminor

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

To help answer the original question, how long do you think you might keep the MINI for and how many miles would you expect to do in it?

Tigger.

[MINIMANIAUK]

I would advise that you get the newest and lowest milage car that you can afford,preferably an 04 or later , also it is worth waiting a few months as the prices are sure to drop this coming year.
Although a very popular car and demand is high ,there are also a lot of cars available.
The later cars are coming out of warranty periods and MOT tests due so another large batch of cars will be entering the used market ,all driving down the prices.
Clutch ,Brakes,and Exhaust,and tyres are the common items that will require replacement so if possible find a car that has had all these replaced or reduce the asking price of the car with a haggle (bear in mind the costs are £1000+ ,£400,£400,£400 respectively)
Private sales are where the best buys are but also the most risky,I always try to buy from well heeled owners as they have the money to get servicing and repairs done if cars out of warranty and can afford the drop their asking price!!!
Once you get a car the first thing to do is to get it serviced and inspected ,replace any parts reccommended and give yourself some trouble free milage from the outset using a little of the budget put away for the unseen.
My 2p worth

[NeuroBeaker]

Hey there, just to add to what everyone else is saying:

If you're buying privately, I'd made sure you were absolutely certain that the gearbox is ok. I needed mine replacing at about 32,000 miles because it just fell to bits - this is a widely recognized problem. That's expensive if not covered by a cherished warranty!

And keep an eye on the power steering, in first generation MINIs it seems a common problem is for the power steering pump to fail. I'm having mine repaired today - out of warranty, but MINI is helping with the cost as a goodwill gesture.

And finally, I do hope you find a fantastic MINI - and welcome to MINI2.com!

All the best,
Andrew.