[JAMIE1131]

Hello to all you Cooper owners! I'm after some tips and hints of what to look for when buying a used MC. My brother is currently in the market for a Cooper and has been asking me for advice, is there anything thats different from the MCS that I should make him aware of? Tomorrow he his going to have a look at a car with 55000 miles, 2002, £7900 from a dealer. I think this is a touch on the expensive side (what do you think?) but he is looking to trade-in his A4 so he his stuck with getting it from a dealer rather than a private sale.

[humph]

Don't rush into buying the first one you see, there are plenty out there at the moment, probably far too many. Research your prices as they vary wildly, and independant dealers have no idea how to value MINIs. Make sure the car has a pack, preferrably chilli. Buy as new a possible, preferrable a facelift model, post July 04. This change solved a few problems. If it is a pre facelift be aware of rattles, squeeks etc. from the cabin. The known weak link in the chain on older MINIs is the Midlands gearbox, and serious failures, this was solved when the facelift came. Make sure you get a decent test drive and use the box to see how it feels. The clutch is also a thing to pay attention to. When idling press the clutch then release, if there is a rumble with the clutch released then the clutch bearing needs replacing. These are the main things I hope. Oh and be very wary of the reminder of 50k/5yr TLC sales gimick. The TLC package covers 4 services which are not at set, the car decides when these are due. When the 4 services have been done then the TLC is finished but many independant dealers don't know, or ignore this. Hope this helps.

[Buz999]

I got my 2001 Cooper with 34k miles at Xmas this year and this is the following advice i was given before buying.
Get the lowest mileage possible as the midland gearbox can fail.
On the test drive make sure it doesn't pull to the left as early ones had strut probs.
Search around to get aircon as this makes resale easier.
Check under rubber door seals as tendancy to rust under it at bottom sill.

Since owning mine i can advice you to
Check rear brake discs as the calipers have a tendancy to seize.
You must get the sports seats as the normal seats are crap! I upgraded to half leather sports and what a difference.

I have added various subtle styling mods along the way, all fitted by me, its the only way to get to know and fall in love with your Cooper.

Hope this is of some help and happy hunting.

[minisoopercooper]

if he can't afford a post face lift one then get an 04 build - i.e December 03 onwards as they brought in some better things like strengthened A pillars and the 3 spoke wheel. my Jan 04 has been faultless