Future Mini Owner

[staningrimsby]

Hi Everyone,

I am a 42 year old male and at the weekend went looking for a long wanted mini for the missus, neither of us had even been in a mini before so were delighted when we found one we could have a good look at.

We enjoyed it so much that we are now looking for one each , the missus has a budget of around £3000 and myself £4000 I do realise that on that budget we will be looking at an 02 or possibly an 03 plate at a push.

What I would like to know is does anybody have any info or tips of thing I should look for as I have heard they have a few gearbos problems.

The missus is looking at a mini one were as I would like the mini cooper.

Cheers in advance
Stan.

[craig71u]

I am sure if you have the time to really shop around the cars are out there for you. I found one by contacting a trader, telling him my budget and what I wanted and he found it for me.

[mab01uk]

These Mini Buyers Guides should help to start with:
USA
MotoringFile MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide
UK
Buying guide : MINI 2001-2007 | AROnline

[staningrimsby]

Thank you guys,

We finally found one local that we like today its a Mini One on a 51 Plate in silver, its done 44000 miles with 2 owners from new and full BMW service history.

My missus really likes it but i did notice that the airbag light was on and while we were test driving the tyre pressure indicator came on, is this a problem, a common fault and can it be sorted ???

Regards
Stan.

[craig71u]

Leave it where it is, or get the dealer to sort it with a guarantee, or is this a private sale?

[mab01uk]

Neither of those things is really a deal breaker if you like the car, get some money off or better still, as said get them to fix them both to your satisfaction before you buy.

Airbag light is common fault on early Mini's (now an MOT failure) and usually a loose wiring connector under a front seat to seat side airbag, tyre pressure indicator can be simply reset if the tyre pressures are correct or if not it may be a faulty wheel sensor.
Mini Airbag light reset:
Airbag Warning Light - Forums

If you buy any early Mini always change the gearbox oil asap after purchase as this will extend the life of a good gearbox........BMW never change it even with a full service history which is not good for a long gearbox life!