2004 s coupe buy or not to buy
I'm looking at a 2004 Coupe S, manual and it has these issues.
1. The current owner (Co) installed an air /fuel guage, it constantly jumps between Rich and Lean and doesn't stay in the wide area called Stoich which is where I would think the reading should be. Is this just the way an aftermaket accessory gauge reads or is there something amiss?
2. The Co has towed the mini behind an RV..not on a dolly, but w/ all four wheels on the ground. Problems to look for?
3. The steering wheel is not centered, ie the center cross bar w/ the multi-function buttons is tilted down to the left. Is this a result of #2, linkage, a massive geometry challange in the front suspension?
4. The steering shimmies from the get go up to 80 mph (and maybe higher). Is this related to #2, #3, wheel balance, out of round tires, aftermarket wheels (koenig, I think)?
5. The Co says it needs tires, I didn't have time nor the right clothes on to do a proper check. What are the best tires for wear, smooth ride (no autocrossing...yet) and traction in our quickly changing Colorado weather?
Thanks

 

Personally, I'd walk away from this one. Why? Because a good owner wouldn't A) install an AFR gauge improperly or have a screwed up AFR and keep driving and, B) drive around with a bad alignment. What does your gut say? For me, whenever I'm looking at used cars, as soon as I get that feeling something isn't right, I walk. I don't want to purchase something and have serious regrets afterwards. Besides, there are more Minis out there for you to find.

 

not to buy.

 

I was running away when I heard "towed the mini behind an RV"

 

I would not buy a car towed wheels down behind an RV.

 

Consider why you want that car and also what it might cost to fix all the things you suspect could need attention. Be careful that you're not buying into an expensive headache.
Good Luck!

 

Run. Away.

 

I would buy it as a project car under 2 conditions.
1) I already had a MINI I could drive.
2) It was very, very CHEAP!
I do not think that the A/F gauge is a big deal because AFAIK the O2 sensor is only an ON/OFF switch anyway. I am pretty sure that the engine computer averages the time the O2 sensors (pre and post cat) are active to determine the air/fuel ratio.
The front end probably has extremely 'shroomed towers. Could need new struts and a good 4 wheel alignment. I though it was OK to tow the MINI 4 down.
For the right price this could be a nice project. If you need something to drive right now, then RUN AWAY!

 

Far, Far away...

 

Offer him half of the retail used price, AFTER a MINI mechanic gives you an estimate to fix everything.

 

+1 Walk away.

 

walk away.. another one will come along..

 

IT's a question of economics and risk. If the price is right and the cost-too-fix acceptable, may be a good buy. However:

- How many miles has it been flat-towed? Count that in for strut, suspension, and bearing wear.
- Are the towers mushroomed? If it's been flat towed, it's seen some bumps and been literally yanked around - have a GOOD bodyshop check frame and suspension alignment. Flat towing isn't necessarily bad, but if it's been flat-towed long distances with that shimmy, then you may also see front suspension and steering rack/linkage issues. That may be fixable, but you're chasing rabbits and several repairs (rack, alignment, balancing, tires, etc.) can add up. $100 alignment + $600 tires/balancing + $x00 suspension repair + $x00 steering linkage issues and a steering rack can easily be $2000 by the time you're done, BUT if the Mini is priced $3000 below market you can do that.

- How does it run (ignore the a/f gauge or have it disconnected). Throw any CEL codes? Have a Mini dealer check it out.

You never mentioned price, but if other cars area available at a like price and without issues, walk on this one. If the price is right and the delta between price and competitive price will cover the fixes, may be a bargain.

My gut says "find another", but reasonably if it's a financial decision that covers the risks, may be worth it. Have a risk mitigation strategy - know what the risks are and the cost to fix before committing.

 

As said previously, I would walk away...BUT, BUT, BUT!!!... it all comes down to how much are they willing to let it go for. If they're asking less than average, it might be a good grab, PROVIDED that you have a ballpark quote on the repairs FIRST. Let me tell you my story in a short run...I was spotting an '04 Mini Cooper MC40 for close to a month, (Yep.... a Montecarlo limited edition), and was getting ready to buy it when an '05 MCS in Electric blue came by at a significant lower price and with much less mileage than the MC40. I am aware that these MC40 cars might be a high-collectible car within a few years, but since I wanted a Mini to put miles on it, enjoy driving around, and not storing it unused for a few decades, I just went with the "Electric blue" MCS instead. it's just a matter of being patient and keep searching around. Just my 2 cents.

P.S. By the way, the MC40 is still available for sale if anyone interested. It's at Rick Woodson Honda, in Roanoke, VA.

Thanks,
Carlos(bond007)

 

Sounds like a mess.

As far as I know everyone of those A/F gauges sweeps back and forth constantly. I dont think that has anything to do with the car. The rest of the issues kill it without the gauge even coming into play. Offer low and get a estimate of repairs. There is plenty of coopers out there that are better taking care of.

BobJ is that a Weimaraner in your sig? I just picked up a 6mo puppy on sunday that was a little neglected. He's more of a chore than getting this car fixed.