I am about to pick up a used mini today from a private seller. 2003 mini. He has a base Mini black with black top. Kinda grayish black. No sunroof. 5 speed manual. I think leather/pleather, 103k miles all everything has been fixed. Power Steering, to evap system replacement. Paid 7600. Does any one else here have a mini that has passed the 100k mile mark. Let me know and hopefully I will not have any issues. So far the history is that his mom bought the car and got rid of it at about 60k. A supposed old lady car, but everything checks out. Any advice what to do once this car is in my hands?
Thanks

 

I'm at @163k

by base i think your refering to the MC not the MCS. If so, check the following:

• Fluid level in the transmission - if its empty, a refirb trans installed runs $4600 (ouch)
• Check the thermastat for leakage. A good way is to view just below the air intake on top of the transmission, there's lots of recesses in the trans housing that capture coolant. You may also see leakage around the therm housing (incorporates the fill) attached on the head. If you can't keep coolant in the overflow, this is probably why. Very easy fix.
• Change oil

You might check with the local mini dealer to inquire of service history. May help you out. Regular maintenance is your friend.


So by the old lady getting rid of it at 60k, I assume the 2nd owner is parting now at 100k, right? Youre the 3rd owner?

 

Yes make sure the trans is full of fluid and don't abuse it. These midlands go out all the time.

Welcome

 

Welcome, 103K well hopefully you've got one of the long lifed MINI's, in fact it has made the over 100 mark, no reason to expect it won't go another 100. Best wishes for the future.

 

Welcome vizcarmb! I noticed you're out of Gilberts... the club started our Spring Drive 2009 near you (Big Timber/Randall Rd).

definitely take your MINI to a dealer (Patrick is closest?) and have them pull up the maintenance history (using your keyfob/VIN#). it'll bring up anything performed by a dealer. Hopefully the previous owner kept all receipts for work performed as well.

and as Way said.. drive it, dont abuse it. checkout upcoming CMMC events, maybe we'll see you down the road

 

Congrats & welcome

 

Congrats & welcome! Haven't hit the 100k mark yet, but we're almost 1/2-way there!