buying first mini

[billijaywest]

hi there i am test driving my first mini Wednesday

2002 (02 reg)Hatchback42,000 milesManual1.6LPetrol
3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 42,000 miles, Red/ White Roof, Half Leather, Panoramic Sunroof, Electric Sunroof, Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, ABS, Multiple Airbags, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Radio, CD Player, Front Fog Lamps, Rear Wash/wipe, Height Adjustable Seat, Adjustable Steering Column, Rear Spoiler, Head Restraints, 17'' Alloys. , NEW 12 MONTHS MOT WITH EVERY CAr. £5,695

first of all is it worth the asking price and also how would you approach reducing the price with the garage

second of all - am i likely to experience any problems with this year mini?

third - what engine is it a bmw or crystler as it doesnt say and i havent asked as they are closed but id imagine there was a set year from what it became a bmw engine


thanks all

[Smooth Criminal]

Hi what model are you getting? all 02 MINI's have a Crysler engine simple reliable and robust. however the gearbox's in a pre '04 one/cooper are another matter...

[mab01uk]

Some of this same info will be useful:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-d...-mini-one.html

[meddc]

Asking price sounds about right for a Cooper S. But remember it's just an asking price. It's a buyers market for that age Mini - lots around!

For comparison, I recently (Dec 2010) paid £5700 for a spotless, well-specced 03 Cooper S with 47k on the clock. It was due a service, though.

[NatalieC]

I'm also new to the forum, and new to Mini ownership!

I bought a 2001 Cooper about 5 weeks ago, didn't drive it much because of the snow (didn't want to bend it!) but shortly before Christmas I started to use it and a banging/grinding noise appeared after doing about 200 miles, seemingly coming from the front passenger side.

Had it looked at by an experienced (but ex) BMW/Mini technician who diagnosed it was the gearbox. To cut a long story short and very luckily for me the garage where I bought it from agreed to take the car back and replace the gearbox with a reconditioned one.

Its been a pain to be without a car but I am hopefully getting it back on Monday and I can't wait
I was prepared for problems (power steering/gearbox etc!) and read up on common faults and knew that buying such an old one would more than likely be a risk but I think as long as you are aware what might go wrong and costs involved the driving experience and overall Mini ownership is worth it!
Even my 10 year old Mini drives superb, better than any other newer car i've had and I love being in it!

Good luck!