What should I look for when buying a 2004 Cooper S?

I'm well versed when it comes to cars, but this is going to be my first Mini.

I'm looking to buy a 2004 S with about 50K miles. Pretty base car.

I've read some things about pricing, but what are the top items to check on before making a purchase?

Like engine/trans/suspension etc........

Thanks!

 

Got some used Mini puchase questions in our consumer info section that may help.

 

Thanks buzzsaw, those were pretty good, but being a gearhead I was wondering if there were some more insider clues.......

Oil here, oil there, maybe certain detailed things that can be seen in the overall inspection. Things that only apply to Mini? Any engine items to look out for with the S?

 

They are pretty much like any other used car. You should listen for that telltale rod knock, valve slap, funny noise that "just doesn't sound right," say thank you, but no thank you...if all that is good, ask for their maintenance records. No have, no buy. If all that is good, then go for a test spin and listen for changes is the supercharger in it feeling like it is bogging then screaming, then bogging, all in an upshift mode...could be anything from a bad supercharger (expensive), dirty throttle body (reasonable), dirty injectors, old belt, worn plugs, etc. I wouldn't buy that one mainly because there are so many pristine ones on the market right now.
Best thing you can do is solicit someone from your area who already owns a R53 Mini ('02 to '06) and ask them to accompany you as they will hear things you do not, feel the suspension, and by a relatively easy visual check tell you if it is someone's baby, or just another car in the driveway. Look on the sidebar for a club in your area. Good luck!

 

Where are you located.. Perhaps a local mini moder can help you check it out?

 

I'm in Palm Springs, CA.....the middle of a desert. I'd be buying the car from an older lady and the car looks like it was treated like a baby. I'm going to give the car a thorough once over in one week. I know one guy, that I work with that actually had a 2005 S, but he doesn't get too technical.

 

If you can get a few pictures of the engine bay (overall, close on left & right side). I might be able to point out a few things..

Also with pics of the interior might be able to identify which packages it was ordered with ..

Do you think this MINI has been modified? or are you looking for "known" issues on a stock setup?

Not sure you want drive down to San Diego.. But there are several shops or the dealer that can provide an inspection to give you a "heads up" on potential repairs in the future.

Hope that helps..

 

Very cool. Thanks for the info.

I was indeed looking for known issues that tend to pop up with these 2004's, or Supercharged S's.........

It's totally stock. No mods. Until I get a hold of the old girl that is!

 

Hi, and welcome to NAM.
Just wanted to mention that, in case you weren't aware of it, the power-steering pump IS supposed to sound like that!
Good luck,
Hegira

 

My '04 has 86,000 miles on it and it has had some mechanical issues that I think are over the top for any car, none of which are related to any modifications I've made. Power Steering Pump/Rack and Pinion went out at 60K miles, AC fan motor, Condensor Fan at 70K miles, pre cat O2 senor at 80K miles. My front bushings are toast (soon to be replaced) and I had some headlight issues which were fixed under the original warranty.
I would suggest to you and anyone else looking to buy a used MINI, to also purchase either MINI's upgrade warranty (which is pretty pricey) or one from an outside vendor like ADVANTAGE, which is the one I bought...and it has paid for everything listed so far. I paid substantially less than Mini's warranty package (but also, it was for less miles). Even so, and though at the time they were a major pain, I wouldn't have any other ride...I love this car...whoooeeee!

 

Funny you mention the warranty. I think I'm going to go with an after market warranty for 3 year coverage, 12K miles per year. I've owned a lot of german/euro cars and I know the woes of all the little things going bad. But, the ownership/fun to drive factor usually wins me over.

mc40387, that was a great post, thanks for that info, it helped out a lot.