Just found this Site.

Looking at an '02 Cooper with 75,000 miles (125000 Kilometers) on it.

Seems like a nice clean example, PO says the brakes and the clutch have been 'done'.

Asking is $5,000. with Safety cert and Emissions test.

I read the thread about what to look for re. oil seals ... any other tricks ?

Gord (in Toronto)

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Tricks? Just have fun. Welcome aboard. Post some pics.

 

 

Very nice. I like the wheels. Now go out and have some fun. Good luck.

 

service/maintenance records available?
CARFAX/AUTOCHECK OK?
PrePurchase Inspection (PPI) done?

 

Haven't actually seen/driven it yet.

Current owner wants to celebrate his Christmas first.

So we'll have to wait a bit.

But he sounds like a pretty straight shooter and I have high hopes so far.

 

Good luck, looks nice!

 

Thanks for the Welcome folks.

Had an original Mini back in the day and I'm looking forward to this one.

Gord

 

One thing to consider if it is the "right car" for you....
Check the production sate on the drivers side door jamb...
Some early 02 cars have lots of nonstd parts...suspension parts, engine mounts, and a few other items...so they do not have full part commonality with slightly newer 02 cars....as a result, these older cars are sold pretty cheap....but make some upgrades difficult/impossible.
Hopefully you found a keeper for you andyour plans.

 

Hey there! I'm new around these forums as well! I have an 02' Mini Cooper Hardtop!

 

Other items to watch for on a non s is the midlands 5 speed tranny....was not really strong enogh for tge coopers motor, and fail pretty regularly , espcially on early cars....was changed to a getreg 5 speed in 2005....and cvt...don't even get me started!!

 

Whatever happens with this one, I won't be buying an automatic.
Definite deal breaker for me.

 

Just make sure the transmission feels "right" and shifts good...not too loose or hard to get into gear....i'm guessing that many/most cars with many miles of this age are likly to be on a replacent tranny. Driven nicely, they do seem to last....agressivly, they tend to fail, espically in older cars...nwer midlands DID seem to get better.
just do you due dillagance on tge testdrive, ask questions...any 10 year old car can be a moneypit...the challange is to find the deals that gems!! Other ones are around if you don't find the right one this time!!

 

Nice car! It appears that it has had suspension work. Looks like it has been lowered. Just an observation. Good Luck!

 

Still haven't had a chance to look at the '02, owner's been ill.

While I was waiting I saw this '06 for sale.



Off to look at it right now.

Wish me luck.

Gord

 

Nice wheels! What are they?

 

06 way better built than 02 models. They have the Getrag 5 tranny among many improvements. Then again among many factors, a car's worth also rests on how it was cared for by previous owners. Good luck.

 

Original owner, 100,000 mostly highway commuting miles.

Wheels in the pic (don't know what kind yet) with new snow tires, original wheels with (used) summer tires, fitness and emission tests done, dives beautifully, wife LOVES it ...... SOLD.

Can we be in the club now ?

 

Congrats!!!
I think you will be much happier with the '06!! It has years of improvents, that resulted in a nicer car imo, and less rattles and sqeeks!! Enjoy!!

 

Grats, Gord! 100k km? That's just 60k mi. Great find. No charger, harmonic damper to worry about. You'll have lotsa motoring fun! Pace yourself on mods, it's addicting. Unsolicited tips: Aside from the necessary suspension check (control arm/sway bar bushes & ball joints), listen if you still have your low speed fan. Happy New Year!

 

100,000 miles .... 160K but still drives very tightly.

Runflat snows are harsh riding tho'.

I'll check the fan if it ever gets warm enough up here.

Gord

 

Congratulations, can't go wrong with the '06! Great looking car

 

Love the looks (not that I could ever keep it clean!). Motor in good health!

 

They say 'RTX' on the hub and I think the brand is 'Scorpion'.

The car came with summer tires mounted on the OEM rims and snows on the aftermarkets

 

Great looking example of a Mini, welcome and good luck!