So I am a VW girl making the conversion to MINI/BMW thanks to some good friends. I found an 03 MINI with 91k miles, but it seems too good to be true. A friend recommended I post it here and get some feedback, sooo here it is:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

 

That MINI looks like its in great shape for the amount of miles that are on it plus it has some great options. I'd love to have the the steering wheel controls on mine but o well... Mine has a pretty crazy rattle from the sunroof and apparently it is a common problem with these things so just watch out for that. It looks like whoever had the car took great care of it so I wouldn't worry about too much.

 

that's what I'm thinkin! thanks for the feedback!

 

I bought a 2002 R50 in February with 38.8k miles on it for around $9.1k It did not have the heated seats, auto air, sunroof, DSC, AUX in, or MFSW controls. So the mileage is much higher but it has more options and is a year newer. Yours also looks better, I had just a bit of thin clear coat on a section of the body that I had the dealer fix before I picked it up.

No pictures under the hood...check the coolant overflow tank as they will usually be discolored and ready for changing if not already replaced (mine was replaced). Also check out the buying guide for the 1st gen cars for things like bushings, bearings, etc to look at and inspect during your PPI. I would reccomdn a pre purchase inspection by a MINI dealer or tech.

 

thanks!

 

thanks!

 

I have an 03 Mini... things to watch for: 1) clutch throw out bearing -- replace if you hear a 'growling' noise on acceleration, before it explodes and takes out your gearbox, 2) power steering pump fan, most likely will need to be replaced, if the power steering seems to go in and out on cornering, or it will fry your pump and keep your cooling fan from turning off, 3) cooling fan low speed resistor -- if hi speed fan runs on after turning off car for 5 mins, most likely the resistor is fried (very common), but DIY replacement is under $100 (need to be able to cut and splice wires), if you don't, can ruin AC and PS, 4) door lock actuators can go bad, 5) front control arm bushings and ball joints -- if the car kind of jerky at very low speed or reversing, these need replacing, 6) hood and rear door struts (pistons) -- if they don't stay up, need replacing, 7) if you are in a freezing climate, the door locks can freeze shut, but just wiggle the black latch button up and down a few seconds, and that can get you in (there was a recall on them, so this car may not have this problem).

These are some of the common Mini ailments for that year. But I still like mine.

 

I got a 2003 MCS with the Sport Package, Leather, Heated Seats, the Sunroof, and the Cold Weather Package with 75k miles for 8700. I'd skip on this one.

 

Price is high in my opinion. A couple months ago I sold a 2002 MCS with 78K on it for $8K. I would certainly ask for maintenance records to see what had been done to it. If you are asking what we think then it would be safe to assume that you are not comfortable with your own knowledge. If that is indeed the case then your money would be well spent to take the car to an independent garage or dealer and have them look the vehicle over. Best money you could spend. Might save you quite a bit of money in unexpected repairs or if you find some problems that can be fixed you can negotiate a lower price.

 

Not to sound rude, but did you try pricing a new Mini at the Dealer? (After reading some of the responses, theres too many things to lookout for) They were offering a really low interest loan on a new Mini, and the cost of buying one was lower than I thought. I too was looking at used Minis, but to finance a second hand car with higher interest rates brought payments way up.
Anyway good luck whichever way you decide to go. You'll love driving your Mini.