I just saw a 2003 Cooper for sale for 6K, and I am very suspicious of it, what are some common problems or complaints that run in the 03? thisone only has about 38000 miles on it

Thanks

 

bad tranny, cracked windshield...I think the tranny would be the first thing to check out if it's that cheap!

 

This is base Cooper or Cooper S?

Which transmission? 5 or 6 speed or CVT?

Common trouble spots-
Xenon lights
power windows
AC
5 speed midlands transmission or CVT in base cooper
rear hatch latch
fuel gauge
airbag light
front seat controls- seat back latch
Stumble/hesitation at lower rpms for MCS

 

This is base Cooper or Cooper S?

This is a Base Cooper, says its in excellent condition...just sounds suspicious at that price

 

Sounds like a scam, or it's a salvage title. More likely the former. $6K seems to be common price. If they have to 'ship it from overseas' or the like, guaranteed scam.

 

Here's what he says in the Add:

The body is in excellent condition all around.
Only 35,812 miles
The interior is all original, everything works perfectly and very clean.
Mechanically this Cooper is simply excellent.
The tires are a matching set of Goodyears.
Just turn the key, drive and enjoy.

 

I sent him an email asking for more information, problems and such, as well as a good reason for selling it so cheap...If its as good as he says, it might be a hell of a deal, but I'm not a mechanic, so I'd have a friend come with me to check it out anyway.

 

Scam.
Why would the single out the interior and say that it was all original? Also the "mechanically this cooper is excellent" statement smells of scam.
Are the asking for US $6,000? Thats a good sign when they are asking for US currency. What else are we going to pay with, peanuts?!
Might want to post all email correspondence with him here so we can work out what the skinny is. If he's a scammer the collective can sniff that out pretty easily.

 

Yeah you should test his knowledge.

Tell him that you know a lot about cars and that if he can hear a whining sound as you turn the steering wheel left and right that it is a sure sign of a power steering pump failure.

If he says, nope, no sound, it's very quiet--then you'll know somethings up.

FWIW, every prospective buyer that turned out to be a wholesaler looking at my '03 Cooper gave me this line to show off their knowledge (ignorance).

Richard

 

Two winters ago when the little woman's 2002 lost it's mind ($3k computer malfunction) I was suprised to find out it was only worth $10k retail in very good condition (kbb.com). Other than the computer problem hers was also all original and in very nice condition. Call the owner/ seller and talk to them, ask about service history, oil change intervals, ask for receipts, and do a carfax check. Doesn't sound like a scam from the info posted so far...

 

At 38,000 miles, it's still a ways off (probably) from some of the big problems. My 2003 had a bunch of issues.

The Cooper 5-speed is possibly weak, and definitely doesn't like extreme cold (well, below zero). Since I live in a cold area, I'm on my third transmission.

The power steering pump will not last forever. Mine died around 100,000 miles, but they will all go eventually.

The seat airbag wiring has been redesigned a couple of times. I've had 3 or 4 airbag lights due to seat wiring harnesses, and they've been replaced with the redesigned ones a few times.

The seat mechanisms themselves also were redesigned (I think). Both of my seats were replaced pretty early on when they stopped sliding front to back.

My entire speedo / instrument cluster had to be replaced when it flaked out.

Front control arm bushings wear out - but that should take more like 75,000 miles.

There's the door sill rust under the weatherstripping. (I'm suprirsed NAM forgot about that one - that was huge for a while, almost as big as the "melting" hood scoops on the new cars )

There is probably more...

 

I have emailed him asking some questions, but am still waiting for a reply. I am embarrassed to say that I can't find the link anymore!!! The more I hear about the 03s the less inclined I am to consider buying it, even if it is a genuine deal. I have an 06 MCS that is actually my wifes, but I love it, and would like a Cooper for myself, greedy me. Thanks for all of your responses, I'll let you know if I hear more about it.

By the way, the asking price was in Dollars.

 

what is a 'bad tranny?'

 

Meaning they are prone to failure. Not everyone experienced problems, but quite a few did. Mine blew at 43,000 miles, fortunately under warranty. Some have been through 3 trannies in 80,000 miles.

 

'03 MC's are full of problems;alternator bearings, belt tensioner, water leak at rear hatch, trany, fan module, tank vent valve, LDP Pump, 02 sensors, AC Compressor, seat belt wiring harness, dash rattles in the winter (unable to resolve) willdrive you nuts, power window, Indicator light MIL P0422 unable to resolve, windsheild pitting. I'm sure I have not covered all that has gone worng. Have fun hope you have lots of cash for the above!

 

I've had my 03 MC for almost 2 years now. Bought it with around 43k miles and now have around 60+K.

Problems? Zero...........so far.

 

yeah i just hit 50k miles with mine no problems either...