Hey guys i have been a long time lurker, and finally joined.

I am about to close a deal on a 2003 Mini Cooper S with 99k 6 speed.

It has Upgrade Sound Option, Heated Seats, fog lights, its Dark Grey with Black Roof.

What should i look out for? and is 9k a good deal?

Thanks and i hope everything goes well.

 

9K sounds about right for a very well maintained MCS of that year. Give the car a good test drive and have an MINI mechanic look at it if at all possible. It's $100 well spent. When you drive it, race the engine and drive at highway speeds. It should feel like a little race car --solid as a rock. Listen for unusual noises as you drive it. Also, no round ECU lights should come on, which are red or yellow and clustered around the speedometer. If any of these things happen, it points to a lack of proper maintenance and service issues that could be expensive or not. Only a MINI mechanic can tell you for sure, since they know what to look for.

IMO: There are too many good MINIs on the market to waste your money on someone else’s problems. The NAM Marketplace might be a great place to find a well-maintained MINI as well.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

Thx for the info. ill check some of the ones on this forum as well. Haven't set my mind completely on that one yet

 

Welcome to NAM.

Another place to look at.
Pull up weatherstripping at bottom of door frame. (the weatherstrip is not attached) Look for moisture or rust spots. Early 1st Gen. cars had issues with rust there.

 

So true Vollgas. What have you done to resolve these issues on your R53?

 

I've been lucky so far.
I check the weatherstrip after every rain.
Dry it all out.
Keep door frame area waxed!

 

great info here

 

Good luck!