Newbie - picking up cooper soon!

[zabba]

Well firstly hello, my first post, although i have spent some time browsing the boards, found them very useful!

My girlfriend will take delivery of her new cooper in the next few days, spec is :-

Pepper White
Black roof
Black bonnet stripes
Chilli pack

She is trading in her Ford Puma, which she managed to get an ok price for and a small discount on top. I'm very keen to have a proper drive of it, as I only got a short test drive. My current drive is a 2004 Civic Type R, and while I know the mini won't be as quick, i'm hoping the handling will live up to the hype!

Anyway the main question I have is what should she look for on the car when picking it up? any common problems?

Thanks in advance

[sel]

Below is a list of things my friend told me....very useful!! -and worth the read

Especially if your buying it privately

[sel]

Firstly, before you even go, you need to run a check on the car to see if there is any outstanding finance, if it's stolen, or if there is any accident or theft history. You'll need to get the registration number in advance, so that we can run a check on it. This can be done online, but a cost a few pounds (not a lot and well worth it). Let me know when you've got the number and we'll take it from there.

Provided that it's all legitimate, then get the exact model, specification etc of the MINI so that we can check what it should reasonably be worth as a private sale. You know the sort of thing, registration date, colour, aircon, leather, alloys etc.

Never view the car away from the owner's house. If in doubt find an excuse to go inside what they say is their house (use the loo etc).

Always check the car in bright daylight, do not make an appointment to see it late in the evening!

Provided all this has been done, then check all documentation. Is the service history intact, does s/he keep receipts for anything that's been done. Does the milage tally with the condition of the car, especially the rubber on the pedals, the wear on the driver's seat, the state of the door handles and the carpet under the driver's heals.

The average car milage is 12,000pa and a MINI should be around that number. The engine is very robust, but check the operation of the gearbox and clutch as this has been known to fail. Always check the carpets (even in the boot) for signs of water leaks, check the front footwells especially. Water leaks into the front footwells can cause expensive electrical problems.

Check the body carefully for small dents and scratches. Check for ill fitting body panels and signs of paint overspray that might indicate accident damage. Especially check the underbonnet area. Check that all of the paint matches.

Check that the steering is smooth and has no clunks when turning fully from lock to lock.

Ask if the car has been involved in an accident and if there is anything wrong with the MINI. They are not obliged to let you know voluntarily, but they must give straight answers to an outright question, or they will be liable. Ask this question when you friend can be a witness to the answer.

Get to know the vendor and get an idea if they have looked after the car. Dodgy people and dodgy cars tend to go together!

Check the operation of all of the electrical stuff (windows, lights, radio, fan etc) Take your time.

Check the oil for level and make sure it is either clear or dark. Worry if it looks like mayonaise.

Check the exhaust for leaks, they seem to have a lifespan of about 4 years.

Check the tyres for signs of uneven wear that could indicate a problem. A good sign is a set of matching brand tyres of a recognised brand (Michellin, Avon, Dunlop etc); it shows the owner hasn't skimped and cares. A mismatch of Ying-Tong-Idle-Eye-Po tyres is not good news.

Treat serious aftermarket mods, especially engine or electrical ones, with extreme caution. The best cars are mechanically and electrically unmolested. View aftermarket alarms as slightly less than worthless.

Try and take a test drive, but make sure you're insured. If you are used to driving a MINI and you'll soon know it it feels like crap! Ideally, it should feel nice and smooth (well, almost!) If it's an early one, check to see if the steering pulls to the left. It has been known on early ones.

If it is pre facelift the gearbox will be completely different to yours. Neither box is perfect and neither is any better than the other. Just be aware.

If in any doubt, walk away. It's not easy when checking a car or bike for a friend as they are often dying to drive it away and you have to be the kill joy! There's plenty of used cars out there and unless it's absolutely fantastic, it will be worth seeing 2 or 3 before taking the plunge.

If it is good, don't pay the full price, make an offer. They might accept it.

[zabba]

Thanks for the advice, it's a brand new car from a main dealer, so accident damage etc shouldn't be an issue (i hope!!!)

I've heard that panel gaps can be an issue on new mini's, is this true? if so anywhere particular?

[sel]

R56......

Wheel arches....make sure the 'gap' is constant - as it should flow with the bonnet!!
also check the boot rubbers arent rubbing on the paintwork where they shut.

Also check that the seats move easily-forwards and backwards up/down etc....sounds strange but maybe something you dont check as you'll only be using the front

Dealer should be all ok -fingers crossed ..... have a good test drive before you except it, and make sure youre 100% happy. - if you find something youre not happy with when you return your baby to its new home-phone the dealer straight away....

Enjoy