I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on the purchase of this 2003 Cooper S, only problem is I'm roughly 1700 miles away. If I make the decision I will have a trusted friend take the test drive and make the purchase for me. All I'm asking is for you to take a look at the pictures, maybe spot something I haven't. Any info is welcome as I am still new to Minis in general. The asking price is $4,500, what do you gents think?

http://imgur.com/a/A2eES

 

From the pics it looks pretty clean, I'd ask for some pictures of the engine. I did see the air bag light was on. In my 05 s mini wanted like 1500$ to fix it. Luckily they just recalled that so I don't have to drop the cash. I'd check to see if yours in in the recall. Mileage looks good mine just turned 130k and still running good.

 

Has it been lowered? It definitely looks to be.

If so has it been lowered CORRECTLY? I only ask because I don't trust people doing their own work. If it's on race lands, or megan racing coilovers, cut springs or something like that who knows what else is off.

Do you like the roof graphics?


Other than that there's some wear and tear but for a car 10years old it looks pretty solid. I always think it's best to be harsh when looking to purchase so you're never disappointed. Good luck!

 

It's been lowered. The airbag light is on. It has aftermarket exhaust which appears to be crooked. The door panel is falling apart and missing the tweeter cover. The handle is hanging out. If that's not the guy's head in the reflection on the picture of the rear, there's a huge rust hole over the trim on the rear hatch. Unless it's super cheap, I can see that this car hasn't been cared for that well and I would walk. The few things that I see from the pictures don't show attention to detail, or care. It looks like someone has a car that's falling apart and they want to dump it.

 

They want $4,500 for it which of course is a haggling price. I think the rust spot is an unfortunate reflection of the pink building, hope so anyway. I'll know more tomorrow after my mechanic gives it the twice over.

 

Well if you do decide to pick up this Mini we have a great amount of tech articles here that can help you with fixing a few of the things you listed above. Good luck!

-Luccia