Mini One needs repairs!!!!!

[goodtime416]

Hello everyone, I am new in this forum and I am planning to buy a used Mini one 3dr Hatchback 2003

A car inspection on the mini that i am interested, it appears that at least 6 different parts require repairs.

These are:

Quote:

1. Reverse light -Inoperative
2. Wipers/washers - Rear washer inoperative. Front, nearside inner washer jet poorly aimed
3. Air Con operation - No chilled air
4. Front RH tread/Front LH tread - 2mm both
5. Coolant level/Power steering oil level - Both half way between min & max
6. Exhaust pipes/silencer/mountings - Pipes surface corroded. Rear silencer outer skin cracked and disintegrating. Rear hanger weakened. However, no apparent gas leakage and system still secure.

and these looks like quite a big issue right?

how much do you guys think these are gonna cost me? should I let the vendor fix these or its better me doing it? (as in me finding a repair centre)

Also there's some scratches and dents:

Quote:

There is slight stone/debris chipping to the front of the bonnet.




There are dents in the middle of the drivers door, tailgate to the left of the 'ONE' badge, nearside side panel just aft of the door and above the sill, nearside door aft of the mirror, nearside door just ahead of the trailing edge above the sill and top of the nearside front wing (bonnet).

There are slight, but long scratches on the nearside side panel ahead of the fuel filler and a similar scratch on both the nearside side panel and nearside door.

would it be expensive to fix these?

Thank in advance and hope you guys can help me out!

[mab01uk]

Depends what price adjustment you can get, nothing too bad there but prices can mount up if you are not into DIY?......any vehicle inspection will highlight quite minor things to be expected as wear and tear on a used car and to cover the inspection for any comeback from you in future. Car inspections are a bit like the detailed Building survey reports when buying a house......they can frighten the inexperienced buyer by listing every single minor fault!

Reverse light may be a bulb or the gearbox switch both fairly minor.
Washer jet can be adjusted for aim and inoperative rear washer may be a pipe blockage, relay or washer pump......again not major issue to someone who knows what to do.

Tyres are wear and tear replacement.....allow for cost of 2 tyres.

Coolant/power steering levels are ok but just need top up - no big deal.

Allow for cost of new exhaust at next MOT but it may go on for longer, again use as a bargaining point based on prices to replace in a good local garage.

Dents and scratches again to be expected on an older used car - how acceptable they are or if you wish to fix them all is a personal decision but if you do want perfection you must allow for any costs to correct the damage.

[goodtime416]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Depends what price adjustment you can get, nothing too bad there but prices can mount up if you are not into DIY?......any vehicle inspection will highlight quite minor things to be expected as wear and tear on a used car and to cover the inspection for any comeback from you in future. Car inspections are a bit like the detailed Building survey reports when buying a house......they can frighten the inexperienced buyer by listing every single minor fault!

Reverse light may be a bulb or the gearbox switch both fairly minor.
Washer jet can be adjusted for aim and inoperative rear washer may be a pipe blockage, relay or washer pump......again not major issue to someone who knows what to do.

Tyres are wear and tear replacement.....allow for cost of 2 tyres.

Coolant/power steering levels are ok but just need top up - no big deal.

Allow for cost of new exhaust at next MOT but it may go on for longer, again use as a bargaining point based on prices to replace in a good local garage.

Dents and scratches again to be expected on an older used car - how acceptable they are or if you wish to fix them all is a personal decision but if you do want perfection you must allow for any costs to correct the damage.

I am quite happy with DIY, however I am new to cars and dont exactly know what to do.
So which parts can I easily learn and done and which parts should I find someone to do it for me?

here is the tyre's details:

Quote:

Front RH: Pirelli 175/65R15 84H Radial 2mm

Front LH: Pirelli 175/65R15 84H Radial 2mm

how much will this tyre cost me?

Im actually more concern about the A/C system and the exhaust system... how much will it cost me at most?


Thank you so much for replying (I didnt expect such a quick reply at all! you are amazing!!)

[mab01uk]

Air con may just be a routine re-gas, costs about £60.......BUT if there is a gas leak in the system or a failed component like the compressor it can get much more expensive, hence why many owners don't bother to repair air con on older cars. You can only find out what the problem is by taking it to an air con specialist to be re-gassed and they will automatically check for any leaks/function first.

Pirelli tyres in that size will be about £60 each.....a local independent fitter will be cheaper than a Kwik-Fit type of national chain. Lesser brands are from around £40 but tend to wear quicker and grip less.

Exhaust - best to phone a MINI parts dealer or exhaust fitting specialist - I would estimate around £200 - £250 for a standard replacement.

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by goodtime416 (original)

I am quite happy with DIY, however I am new to cars and dont exactly know what to do.
So which parts can I easily learn and done and which parts should I find someone to do it for me?

Good at DIY? Well car maintenance is not on quite the same scale as painting door or banging a nail in you understand.
If you dont know what to do, then its best not to as you might end up making a bigger job then you started with and it costing more to sort out.
Why not enrol for some evening classes at your local college, they start around now and see for yourself whats involved before getting the spanners out for yourself?