Buying advice, especially convertible
Discussion
I'll be viewing some Mini's (around '06,07 years) in the next couple of weeks for my daughter. Just wondered if there was any 'commons' that I should be looking out for as I'm not familiar with the car in any way. In particular, convertible any issues/ signs to look for with the roof other than holes. Thanks in advance.
06/ 07 cars will be the first generation model for a convertible. Which model are you looking for One, Cooper, S?
No big issues you can check for. This model does have power steering pump failures, but nothing to really check for - they just go. Check the tyres as a set of run-flat tyres is not cheap. Check the roof mechanism does fully open and close again.
Enjoy!
Mike
No big issues you can check for. This model does have power steering pump failures, but nothing to really check for - they just go. Check the tyres as a set of run-flat tyres is not cheap. Check the roof mechanism does fully open and close again.
Enjoy!
Mike
Roof up the car rattles like a b
d. Roof down is a whole other experience. They are quite crashy on the runflats, changing them for 'normal' tyres makes a noticeable difference for the better. Lots of stories about roof failure on the net but we've not had any issues with ours (an 07 plate). Find a good independent for servicing, BMW/MINI are robbing sts with extortionate labour rates.
d. Roof down is a whole other experience. They are quite crashy on the runflats, changing them for 'normal' tyres makes a noticeable difference for the better. Lots of stories about roof failure on the net but we've not had any issues with ours (an 07 plate). Find a good independent for servicing, BMW/MINI are robbing sts with extortionate labour rates.Thanks for the replies chaps, it will either be a 'one' or a 'cooper' but unfortunately not an 'S' as the daughter's insurance would be a bit steep I would imagine (21 with only 3 years ncd). At first I tried to persuade her to have hatch as problems could arise with convertibles but then again who am I to speak having done the convertible bit as a youngster myself with spitfire and mg ( & had lots of fun !) So soft top it is.
Mine is an 05 JCW cab and it doesn't rattle too much (I did have to lube a few parts as it did when I first got it).
Power steering pumps as mentioned and you'll find the ride harsh on the run flat tyres but other than that they're pretty reliable from what I can tell. The other thing to check is the boot floor as if it's wet then the seal around the boot or the hood is likely to need to be replaced.
Power steering pumps as mentioned and you'll find the ride harsh on the run flat tyres but other than that they're pretty reliable from what I can tell. The other thing to check is the boot floor as if it's wet then the seal around the boot or the hood is likely to need to be replaced.
rednotdead said:
Roof up the car rattles like a bd. Roof down is a whole other experience. They are quite crashy on the runflats, changing them for 'normal' tyres makes a noticeable difference for the better. Lots of stories about roof failure on the net but we've not had any issues with ours (an 07 plate). Find a good independent for servicing, BMW/MINI are robbing sts with extortionate labour rates.
If changing to non run flats do you accommodate a spare as I believe there isn't one with using the run flats ?d. Roof down is a whole other experience. They are quite crashy on the runflats, changing them for 'normal' tyres makes a noticeable difference for the better. Lots of stories about roof failure on the net but we've not had any issues with ours (an 07 plate). Find a good independent for servicing, BMW/MINI are robbing sts with extortionate labour rates.monty999 said:
Thanks for the replies chaps, it will either be a 'one' or a 'cooper' but unfortunately not an 'S' as the daughter's insurance would be a bit steep I would imagine (21 with only 3 years ncd). At first I tried to persuade her to have hatch as problems could arise with convertibles but then again who am I to speak having done the convertible bit as a youngster myself with spitfire and mg ( & had lots of fun !) So soft top it is.
Insurance may not be as bad as you think. My 19yo son with 1yr NCD has a 3year old "S" and it was only £750, versus £550 for an 02 plate 1.2 litre corsa. Fully comp with £250xs.Boogs said:
Insurance may not be as bad as you think. My 19yo son with 1yr NCD has a 3year old "S" and it was only £750, versus £550 for an 02 plate 1.2 litre corsa. Fully comp with £250xs.
Yes, thanks for that, I've already checked and the insurance want an extra £270 to continue with the policy renewed in april for her 1.4 polo so not stupid money really. Haven't priced up the difference for a 1.6 ONE yet but engine size the same so wouldn't expect a lot of difference. Had a look at a couple so far but walked away from them (which is unusual for me as I usually barter around work to be done, but not knowing much about price of stuff BMW wise I am checking things out first). Will be looking at a convertible ONE at the w/e but it has electric window and reverse sensor problems so researching that at the moment (I've already asked if the thumping above the speaker worked and it hasn't ). Thanks again for the advice,
Rear sensor problem is almost certainly a faulty sensor, I think you can check by putting your ear up to the sensors and have someone put it in reverse (preferably someone you trust!) and the sensor that isn't clicking is likely to be the faulty one.
This will be true if the tone when putting it into reverse is either constant or intermittent.
This will be true if the tone when putting it into reverse is either constant or intermittent.
pdavison said:
Rear sensor problem is almost certainly a faulty sensor, I think you can check by putting your ear up to the sensors and have someone put it in reverse (preferably someone you trust!) and the sensor that isn't clicking is likely to be the faulty one.
This will be true if the tone when putting it into reverse is either constant or intermittent.
Thanks mate, already tried the listening thing on mates X5 . Didn't start the engine, just ignition on and selected R. I could hear the very faint ticking noise so now I know what I'm listening for. He replaced a sensor and they look the same as the mini one as far as I can see from his old.This will be true if the tone when putting it into reverse is either constant or intermittent.
I did have to put my ear over and against the sensor to hear anything. I thought at first just close would do but you have to press your ear on the sensor. Quite awkward but great tip to know.
Edited by monty999 on Wednesday 18th May 17:03
Edited by monty999 on Wednesday 18th May 17:08
monty999 said:
Thanks mate, already tried the listening thing on mates X5 . Didn't start the engine, just ignition on and selected R. I could hear the very faint ticking noise so now I know what I'm listening for. He replaced a sensor and they look the same as the mini one as far as I can see from his old.
I did have to put my ear over and against the sensor to hear anything. I thought at first just close would do but you have to press your ear on the sensor. Quite awkward but great tip to know.
No worries, good luck with the search.I did have to put my ear over and against the sensor to hear anything. I thought at first just close would do but you have to press your ear on the sensor. Quite awkward but great tip to know.
Edited by monty999 on Wednesday 18th May 17:03
Edited by monty999 on Wednesday 18th May 17:08
Window problem is probably the regulator which I believe is quite a simple job but not something I've tackled myself.
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