Year: 2003
Make: MINI
Model: Hardtop
Price: $1700
Mileage: 117000
Color: Chili Red
Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing
Location (Region): NorthEast

2003 Mini Cooper coupe, $1700, not parting out

WMWRC33433TC46476
Two-door hardtop hatchback
Chili Red with white roof and mirror backs
117K miles
FWD, ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, PS/PW/PowerSunroof/Moonroof
4-cylinder, 1.6-liter, 5-speed manual transmission
~40 mpg highway/25 city
High octane fuel (93/96) always used
Northeast Pittsburgh area
Current on all recall/warranty repairs
All standard equipment
Two owners: my mom and me when she could no longer drive.


+ Interior is in good shape:
Cloth seats, front and side airbags, tilt steering, CD/AM/FM stereo
Extra mirror on the dash to see traffic lights when you’re first in line

+ Exterior also in good shape:
Power tilt/slide sunroof, rear moonroof, both tinted, no leaks, drainage lines checked/flushed in '17 and '18
Body is in good shape, no dents that broke paint (light dent on front left bumper, didn't crack the marker light lens, pictured).. Little to no body rust underneath
Front windshield has a ~0.5 cm star chip in it, about 2" above driver's center of vision and upper gasket has been replaced with silicone to avoid removing the windshield.
Original 8-spoke 15” alloy rims
175/65R15 on now, low-profile, ~50% tread on them, all pass the penny depth test

Repairs needed:
1 – 2017: Engine fault code P0303 for cylinder 3 misfire.
Replaced plugs with Mini plugs and coilpack
Pgh Mini dealer checked oxygen sensors (one passed, replaced the other), checked electrical system (no problems). Dealer suggested possible valve, computer or cylinder wall issue. My mechanic agreed on the valve and computer possibilities but thought the cylinder wall is unlikely

2 – May 2019: Coolant isn’t cycling, not sure if it’s the thermostat, clogged line or something else, so it overheats quickly. I limit my driving to 1-2 miles, 5 maximum. Weekend grocery shopping and church in my town, that's about it. I commute to work by bus.

3 – Rear window wiper arm tension feels weak and might be fixable. Also, the wiper fluid sprayer component of the wiper motor stopped working, a common problem with that dual-purpose design from what I’ve heard.

Inspection:
Inspected Feb 2018, safety inspection passed. The emissions inspection failed based on the cylinder misfire code. For the repairs and inspections noted above, I spent ~$800 between the dealer and my private mechanic. I applied for and received an emissions waiver. I can’t afford to invest more money in repairs, so I’ve allowed the waiver to expire.

If you're serious about buying, I'm willing to split an inspection cost at an official inspection station so that you have your mechanic's opinion.


Driving:
Power steering, acceleration and braking are tight and responsive
Clutch and gearshift are smooth
Small turning radius, easy to park
In good condition, it has been fun and economical to drive. I’m not able to keep up with the repairs now.

KBB has $2400 in fair condition. I’m asking $1700 due to engine issues.

I follow all legal steps to sell. We can arrange for short test drives in Fox Chapel or Harmar areas. I'll accept a cashier’s check or cash at your credit union or bank. Title transfer at Pittsburgh AAA/DMV.

I also created a Google Photos album with 40+ pictures in it if you'd like to see more detail. PM me and I'll reply with the link if NAM allows it. I can send from/to external e-mail also.









You can set the sunroof to two tilt-up positions and can stop it anywhere along the track from the tilt positions to fully open. The drainage lines were flushed in '17 and '18 and I haven't experienced any leaks around the gaskets or roof opening.



Speedometer and mileage at warm idle:




Note the minor dent to the plastic of the driver's side front bumper. The dent is from a ~5 mph contact with a stop sign post in snow and wet grass following a slide pulling away from an adjacent stop sign. The post bent away from the bumper on impact. The impact didn't crack the lens.


















The check engine light is on due to the cylinder 3 misfire.