In my efforts to aquire more mods than I can afford, I have been looking at used and EBay items. I know enough about wear and tear to have a general idea about what to buy used and what really needs to be new, but I want a second (third, fourth, etc) opinion from you guys about springs. I know they "settle" initially, but after that, should a set of good quality springs or a swaybar fatigue significantly in 30k miles? I'm thinking no. Opinions?

 

Really depends on how the car was driven (raced? auto-x?); springs sag
after a while but most quality manufacturer springs will not sag any
more than 1/4" or so. I think you're fine with only 30K miles springs
or swaybar. I would look at the general wear (paint chipping or rusting)
and condition of it to decide.

 

Springs wear over time, they wear fastest from being compressed and stretched when used to the extreme as in autocross or track or by overloading the MINI.

If the miles are mostly highway and the owner did not autocross more than one season or regularly track the car then it is probably OK.

Accidents would also be detrimental so ask about any that might have affected the suspension.

 

Are you talking about aftermarket or stock? When I see used aftermarket springs for sale I think the owner didn't like the ride or they were too low(rubbing). If they didn't like them, you might not either.