Hello all,

My buddy has talked me into looking at Mini Coopers so I found one locally....

Its a 2004 Mini Cooper S with 150k miles for 3k. Blue with white wheels...

Besides the normal run down of a carfax, etc what would you suggest me look at and provide some advice on an "older" car with high miles ?

I am just curious because it would be my first mini. I am mechanically inclined as I have built cars in the past, etc...

If this is the wrong thread I apologize, and please move it

Thanks yall !!

 

Find an independent MINI mechanic in your area and have it inspected.

 

It's a good idea I am in country lol lol

Good idea

 

Yes, definitely get a PPI by a specialist. They will know what to look out for. Also, check out the R53 buyers guide here for common issues that you can look out for. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

Inspected and try to get it up on a rack of lift and do a look around. Make a list of thing that needs fixed. Get a carfax report or call a local MINI dealership with the Vin and they can tell you whats been done most of the time in service.

 

I agree .. it is best to have it looked at by a MINI shop if you can. I'm in MD too - Frederick area. Closest MINI to me is in Gaithersburg. There's another in Baltimore and Annapolis. There is a local mechanic that seems fairly good with the MINI's.

 

I'm in Maryland as well, living in the Columbia area and working in Annapolis. There are a few shops around here that work on Minis. What area are you in?

 

I am in Southern MD....

I passed on the car... It needed new Front Rotors & pads, along with a rear caliper.

I was willing to take a chance on fixing the CEL codes... They wouldnt come off the 3k...

I said good luck selling it as well, because they wouldnt get it inspected either.

 

Probably just as well, to me it sounds like they are hiding something. There are more out there, fortunately.