Hi everyone,
Thank you in advance, I'm NEW to Mini and need your advice.
I've been looking GTI, Mini, or Rabbit S, and found a high mileage (145K) 2005 Cooper S.

Please advise on following areas:
1) Anything particular to look or ask the owner other than basic stuff?
2) Is there timing belt to replace on 2005?
3) Water pump?
4) Transmission?
5) He said that he installed High performance clutch (heavy to step)
6) Any electric devices to fail?

Any other advice or suggestions?

Again, thank you!
Honomatsu

 

I would ask about the timing chain when maintenance has been down, if the chain-tensioner has been replaced and about the Belt tensioner as well. Also I would ask if the supercharger has been maintained (oil checks) or if it has been replaced in the past (i would look at failed superchargers on here to get a better understanding) if it has been replaced ask if they replaced the water pump at the same time. Those would be the questions I would ask about since those are the parts to fail most it seems. Along with the power steering pump but that just makes a high pitch whine which is super annoying haha

The transmission is pretty stout I feel. Just make sure it shifts smoothly with no grinds and that should be fine.

Use your best judgement, I personally stay away from high mileage cars but if maintenance has been kept up with it should be a fun car.

 

Thank you trickpat35! It was my mistake that I posted it twice. Please see the other one.
http://tinyurl.com/869ysua

You mentioned about the timing chain, but I hope it's wrong...Thank you again!