It 2003 mini for sale with a electrical problem. The circuit for gauges,cooling fan , charging has quit. What could Cause these issues and is it expensive to fix?

 

Why?

 

If it was a cheap or easy fix, the owner would have fixed it before selling it for less due to an issue.....

 

Just can't afford anything expensive right now and that seems to be the best choice right now I can handle Repairs as long as its not really expensive

 

On modern cars, most everything is computer controled....most stuff is turned on/off by the computer and it monitors stuff using one of 2 networks....
If the issue is due to a computer issue...might cost more to fix than the car is worth...
I would assume the owner alread looked at fuses...the days of just simple relays and ground issues (which can still happen) are mostly gone...
the mini is not a inexpensive or simple car to matain or fix....and some mini's, especially the early gen1 cars...pre2004 ones, can be money pits...good luck, but it might be best to get something else, and save up for a slightly better mini.

 

If you can't afford anything else then don't buy a mini with known problems unless you can fix everything your self and its not your only car. I would not by any car with an electrical problem.

 

If that is true, you certainly cannot afford this car!!

 

COuld it be a battery issue I read that it could be the battery that needs to be replaced? And my friend will be the one working on it so repairs are not an issue

 

Take a new battery over to the Mini and see if that does the trick somehow I think the original owner would have done that. I hope your friend has the knowledge on how to work on a Mini or make sure you get the manuals like the Bentley.

 

Just remember...MINI parts are kinda $$....remember, mini is closely related to bmw, and the parts $$ proves it.
Repairing mini's can get kinda interesting....there is a steep learning curve, but most diy'ers can do most of the regular mechanical stuff, but when it comes to electrical issues, often it becomes a dealer only fix, or a very $$ repair that includes a new wiring harness or computer parts. Good luck, but just remember, mini's get kinda $$ fast....$2000 to have just a clutch installed is common...much more than the typical car.

 

You got me wondering on how much is the mean price of computer parts or new wiring harness?

 

I would ask the seller why they are selling a broken car, at what is likly a deep discount (what is common) rather than fixing the issue, and getting more $$ for it.
My gut feeling is they will say "its a simple fix, so it not woth the effort"......which you say...." call me when it is fixed and working...i might think of buying it then"...and i bet you NEVER hear back....just remember, there are lots of cars out there, and don't start out with the words "sucker" stenciled on your forehead. Sure, some cars with issues can be "good deals" for the right person...but since it requires speciaized skills and time to fix, and you donot have weeks to wade through an issue, get parts, etc....
Beyond that, not having a working fan kinda indicates it may have been overheated a couple times...so this can cause issues with headscracking, head gaskets, etc.
Now...the no fan issue CAN be caused by a siezed powersterring fan..about a $200 fix, (the wiring harness was changed on 2005+ cars), but the fact there are other issues make me wonder what else is wrong....and just so you know, the automatic/cvt mini's (non-s ) has terrible issues, and it takes about $6000+ to swap out the tranny.....the 5 speed midlands unit is better, but driven hard, THEY DO FAIL....again, a $$ fix, but odd sounds or feel is a givaway it might have an issue.

 

If you have a tight budget stay away from any car with unknown mechanical or electrical issues. It will get expensive very quickly.

 

+100

 

Yeah, I'm gonna follow the crowd here and say that if it's got unknown electrical issues, RUN AWAY!