While I am new to the Mini community, I am not new to the message board thing. Yes, I have been searching furiuosly and I've read more about the Mini than I thought I could know. ("Things you didn't know about your mini" thread was huge, btw)

Anyhow, I've seen people mention, about 3 times, things to the effect of "The 02-03's had problems, but the '04+ were fine".

I just picked up an '03. What sort of things should I be waiting/looking for?

 

If its a standard cooper than the 5 speed transmission had some issues. As for the S (what I have) there are some odds and ends, most should have been taken care of by now.

Coolant tank leak
Rear suspension bolt (recall)
PCV hose (recall)
boot latch breaking
misc rattles

I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I remember. I had the first four, and they were all fixed under warrenty.

Nik

 

I have an '03 S and have had no major problems in 49k miles. I bought it used and do all my own maintenance work. Webb Motor Sports did my 15% pulley. I recently discoverd that on mine and older, rear camber cannot be adjusted unless you get aftermarket adjustable controll arms. Not complaining because now I can get new mods and upgrade my handeling. That has been my only "big" problem I have had. All my other "problems" were because I was playing with DIY mods. This is what I love most about my Mini it's easy and fun to upgrade!! Oh, and the best cornering, stopping, and fastest car I have owned.

 

This will help: R50/R53 Buyers Guide