Hi,

Im looking for a 1st gen cooper s as a commuter. at my budget they are higher mileage 1st Gens @ about 80K to 110K miles. I would appreciate an advice. Im pretty hands on and can do a lot of DIY repairs/maintenance

Questions.
-What should I look out for.
-Is there a page to FAQ and DIY's?
-what is this Strut mushroom issues, is there a fix if I find one w it.
-Can I run it another 100k miles without a bunch of failures?

Basically i drive about 25000 miles a year and need a reliable car without a lot of failure. Hoping CooperS can fit this bill.

TIA for any advice ..

 

My wife has a 2004 with 99000 on it and other than basic maintenance there have been no problems. Mushrooming is an easy fix.

 

The best source of information on buying a used first generation can be found at www.motoringfile.com just below the ads in the upper right hand corner.

 

Control arm bushings wear out
P/S lines leak
Oil pan gaskets leak
Pass side motor mounts fail
Clutch feel good?
Upper strut mounts broken?

These are the first things I would check cause they are the most common.

 

Here's a link with a list of questions to ask. Good luck.

 

Don't forget the door sill rust issue.

 

Good luck with your search for the perfect MINI!

 

Good luck in your search, anytime you buy a used car with 100K on the clock you have to expect some repairs may be needed. Choose carefully and you can find a good one.