Hi, I'm once again looking - and drooling - at Minis again. Have been looking and dreaming for years. I have determined I just can't swing a new one yet. Am looking at used for around $10-13k. Even willing to go a ways away for a good one in a configuration I like. I really love the gold ones, but they are so hard to come by. I also really want heated seats (it gets cold in Ohio in the winter!).

Any suggestions on what I should pay extra attention to when looking at used Minis... probably the early 2002 or 20003s which are mainly what fall in my range? I'd appreciate any helpful hints or tips. I am eager to finally join the ranks of a proud Mini owner. (currently a proud 1977 Mustang II owner also).
thanks!

 

Good luck in your search, as to what to look for, it looks straight, no funny reflections off the body panels or signs of mismatched paint or over spray around the windows, doors, headlight rims etc. Make sure the car drives straight no pulling left or right, brakes should be firm no chatter or uneveness when applied, engine starts quickly and runs smoothly and strongly up thru the revs and the gears and clutch work smoothly without any clunks or hesitations or grinding or tendancy to jump out its slots. All of the electric equipment should work, lights, horn, radio, tires should be of the same brand and size and wheels match, tire wear should be even across the tread and front to rear. If it meets all these visual and tactile requirements then have it checked out by a MINI knowledgable service technician. Money spent here will be worth it and lessen the chances of expensive surprises down the road. Take your time and don't let your heart overcome common sense when you see "your dream". Get a Carfax report and be willing to negotiate as good a deal as you can even if it means walking away from a car you feel is more than you want to pay.

 

I would recommend taking any used MINI (except for one still under factory warranty) to a MINI mechanic for inspection before purchase. If the previous owner took good care of the car, it's a keeper. If the previous owner never did any maintenence and drove in into the ground, run from it fast.
BTW: This goes for any used car. Best wishes in your search!

 

One of the MINI specific things to look for in a Gen1 (if you're looking at '02s and '03s, those are Gen1) is if there is any 'mushrooming' of the front strut towers. Apparently the metal in the tower tops is a little on the thin side - sometimes the metal there, due to the action of the suspension, can be deformed over time. The metal pushes up, rounding off the tower (hence the term 'mushrooming'), which results in the suspension mountings shifting.

You want to check the towers to make sure they are in good shape; depending on the owner, you may find they have an after-market tower support bolted on to help prevent this issue. If you buy one that's in good shape but doesn't have a pair of supports, it's definitely suggested to get a set - several companies make them including Craven, M7 (either stand-alones or together with a tower support strut) or NM (only as part of their tower support strut).

 

I was at Orlando Mini last week and noticed they had a whole lot full of used Mini's of all kinds. Call them and ask for Kent Little.(He was my sales guy when I bought mine) If you can strike a deal you can fly down and drive your Mini home. Vacation & car at the same time.
Go to their site on Mini USA and see what they have. www.miniusa.com and go to the Orlando Florida dealers site.The Zip code to use is 32810