Hey there!

Just thought I'd say hi and introduce myself as my GF and I are looking to buy a Mini in the next couple of weeks. I was wondering if you guys (& gals) could help answer a few questions for me as I've had a quick search on the forums but couldn't find anything.

One of the cars we're looking to buy is an automatic 2002 (non-S), with about 50k on the clock. Questions are:

- what starts tend to go wrong at 50-60k and is it likely to be anything expensive ?

- the car has a tape player; rather than replace the tape player with an OEM CD unit, should I just buy an Alpine (or other) with iPod hook-up ? Any recommendations ?

- following on, would I need to change the speakers/wiring if I went non-OEM ?

- where would I buy a rear parcel shelf ? (at non-OEM ripoff prices)

- are extra keys expensive to get from the dealer ?

- the tires may need replacing by the time I drive it the 1000miles ( ) back home. Is it worth moving from the 15's to a 16" setup or will that make the ride less comfortable ? (car is going to be a city runabout with the odd 400mile trip to visit friends)

I gues that's it for the time being, thanks in advance !
Andrew

 

First of all, welcome to the insanity...
I think your questions have too much to do with personal preference for anyone to help...considering we don't know your budget. Problems with cars that have those kind of miles can very too...depends on what already has been done to the car (repair wise)..And how the car was treated by the previous owner(s). Do you know the history on this car? Stereo, get what you like...without doing a huge amp the wires should be fine. Why you buying a car that needs tires?..if you do, tell them to knock the price down for that reason. I don't know about keys or the shelf. Good luck..but don't jump into this deal unless you feel comfortable and sure you're doing the right thing.

 

Thanks saakey !

It's an eBay car and as far as I'm aware (and per CarFax) the car has a clean service history with no major faults or accident damage. It may be that I'm just out of date with car mechanicals (been a while since I've had a car) but I had it in my mind that certain parts are generally bound to need replacing at "x" mile intervals, more of them needing to be done at the 60k plus mark.

Re tires - I think they have about 1000 miles left on them but by the time I drive from FL to NYC, that 1000 miles will have all gone. I could just replace the tires at $60/piece but figured it was worth looking at some 16's at the same time - they seem to run at just under $200 each.

Thanks for the comment re audio, I'll do some more research and read through that massive iPod thread

 

Spare Keys run about $100.00 then sometimes they charge you to have them programed and that's almost as much if not more, depends on the dealer