I found a mini cooper s 54k miles navi... What do I look for to make sure the car is solid. I am going to fields mini to pull the records. But want to make sure I am not getting a lemon. I heard that the 02/03 had severall electric issues.. Please help me look int he right direction...

 

FYI- if the car is a lemon my wife will make fun of me cause she hates the car already... So save me a wifes scorn..

 

I used this as a guide...

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

 

Nice guide! look for the top of the struts if mushroomed also look for rust under the door seals. My 2 cents have it ck'ed out by a shop for a few dollars you will have a good understanding of what you have.

 

I bought an 03' MCS in august with 100k. I have put like 6k on it and haven't had any problems. Check the power steering, that's common. Also wheel bearings for noises, water leakage on the boot (well mine leaks somewhere when it rains and I can't find out where) battery. Is it auto or standard? Supercharger fluid, little things like that!

 

2002 and 2003 had some problems..... amongst them "s" manuals had a cable that would disconnect and leave your car in gear (it was a Mini recall) and the suspension had screws that would break off flush and would need to be replaced (another Mini recall), the wheels were not marked properly for size from the factory (recall), and there were also some minor over heating problems. These are as I have read them. Recalls are readily available at KBB or Edmunds, or gov't website. It reads that 2004 and 2006 were very good years. I have a 2008 base that has been excellent! Good luck. In my opinion no Cooper has ever been a disaster. Every car has issues and it helps to have a local garage that understands Coopers. Again good luck!

 

A quick way to check the infamous front control arm bushings (or other lower-front suspension issues): put a lug or torque wrench on a wheel bolt and try to tighten by pulling back on it (not up or down), see if the wheel moves differently (more) than the car. That was the first clue mine were bad.

Another common thing I'd want to check would be the supercharger oil level, but that would require removal of the water pump, which requires removal (moving) of the modular front end - not quick or easy, though ...

Get a warranty (no cost) from the seller ...

But it's all good - welcome!!

 

Check the door lock actuators and window motors - I've had to replace all of mine. You can also ask the seller what happened to the power outlet in the boot and try to get some money off

 

2003 MCS here w/ 67,000 with very minor issues so far.

A few dealer warranty items.

- frozen locks fixed and never an issue again.
- A window motor replaced and no problem again.
- Malfunctioning rear hatch release fixed and not a problem again (due to rubber seal failing and water).
- Premature wear on the LCA bushings at 45,000 miles and replaced under warranty
- Wheel bearing replaced by me which I am convinced was not a fault of the part - long story.

Other than that so far so good with my 2003 MCS.

There will be things that you will have to address so just be prepared. The Lower Control Arm bushings if not done already will surely need attention sometime. If you are getting a fair deal on it and that is the year that fits your price range then I say go for it.

As far as the super charger and such. I used to worry about this a lot. There is no sense in worrying so much... I love the car and if it goes I will just pony up the dollars to have it fixed (not from the dealer...) From the hundreds of thousands of super charged mini's out there I seriously doubt its a huge percentage effected with the problem.

 

I was thinking things that if they fail (a) disable the car and/or (2) are pricey to fix (same as I would w/ any used car)

 

Saturday came and went--what did you decide?

If you did decide to buy--

Check operation of the PS fan at low and high and whether the PS pump is original. (do a search)

 

If you haven't pulled the pin yet here is a list of pre-purchase questions that might help. Good luck.

 

Sorry I did get it..... love it. I see some of the issues that you guys warned me of. The bushing, door locks, etc. I have already ordered the Alta 15% pulley and short shift kit. Sourced the 17' panasport stock wheels painted black with red calipers. I will post pics later today.

 

I do have an additional question? Does intake make a difference? BMP claims 10 to 12 hp gain. My local mini specialist shop says it only give noise. If it is just noise I was going to go with the alta foam insert instead of a full intake system.

 

My new toy

 

Look Good, Hide the wallet...

 

I think a Cold Air Intake does make a little more power. I would be surprised if it was 10-12hp however. I imagine the greatest percentage gain from a CAI is seen when paired with a 15% pully... IMHO the best part of my DDM CAI is the supercharger whine is louder and sounds amazing. The pulley also increased the supercharger whine.

 

Realisticly I guess you can get 10hp at the crank out of an intake, cause with the DDM intake we have gotten 7hp at the wheels so that almost equals 10 at the flywheel. When deciding on intakes the difference in HP is splitting hairs. I spent a day at the dyno comparing intakes and the most we got was with the DDM at 7 wheel HP.

 

I just purchased the 15% pulley I will have it on the car on monday.....do you have a sound clip of the intake. I have own honda's and BMW's and intake was loud.. How is it on the MCS

 

My very first mod was the Alta V2 CAI - my butt-dyno noticed the improvement - and it is kinda loud (lapping w/ a subie for comparison)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iaigqIhY-Y
(I'm running w/ all current motor mod.s, including the 15%, etc, installed)

As far as which one, there's a thread for that - quite a discussion ...

 

Welcome Jayrocks to the elite club of MINI owners. Congrats on your purchase, I'm sure you will enjoy the MINI for years to come.

 

Verrry niiiice!

 

I bought a LEMON, helluva a deal and love it, minor repairs by BMW
with bmw parts......... replacedd catalytic conv. oxy sensors, replaced thermo housing, and re-programmed key...car has 35K, on Mini s, 6 spd.........