Buying an older (BMW) Mini
Discussion
Hi guys, I have a budget of around £3k and am looking at BMW minis
Im not fussed whether or not its a Cooper or a One, but I know it will obviously be an older registration, probably with higher than average miles... Ive seen lots around, some which look like good buys
I just wondered if anyone had any advice for me in terms of problems to look out for, or just general buying tips for these earlier models?
Many thanks in advance... Im new here so be gentle!
Im not fussed whether or not its a Cooper or a One, but I know it will obviously be an older registration, probably with higher than average miles... Ive seen lots around, some which look like good buys
I just wondered if anyone had any advice for me in terms of problems to look out for, or just general buying tips for these earlier models?
Many thanks in advance... Im new here so be gentle!
nothing major but at that age / price the early 2004 one and cooper have bad gear boxes so at your budget I would honestly think that you will need to factor a gearbox at some point. They all fail up until 2004 or the cooper s has always been good. Alot of people change the 5 speed midland for a getrag 6 speed from the S
Saying that some last for a long time 150K but some just don't make it past 80K luck of the draw sadly
Power steering pumps fail, that is a given on all models up till 2006, they cost just less than £500 fitted but not a hard job to do which can bring the cost down to £200+
Apart from that the BCU takes in water and you will want to make sure it had the rain coat added to it else that will almost write the car off if you have to pay to replace that.
The cars are very solid but the above points are the week areas, rust isn't too much of a problem and is hidden under the suspension, fuel tank, rear lights, under the rubber seals.
The engine its self is strong are quite problem free and really not much goes wrong with them.
Saying that some last for a long time 150K but some just don't make it past 80K luck of the draw sadly
Power steering pumps fail, that is a given on all models up till 2006, they cost just less than £500 fitted but not a hard job to do which can bring the cost down to £200+
Apart from that the BCU takes in water and you will want to make sure it had the rain coat added to it else that will almost write the car off if you have to pay to replace that.
The cars are very solid but the above points are the week areas, rust isn't too much of a problem and is hidden under the suspension, fuel tank, rear lights, under the rubber seals.
The engine its self is strong are quite problem free and really not much goes wrong with them.
RKDE said:
nothing major but at that age / price the early 2004 one and cooper have bad gear boxes so at your budget I would honestly think that you will need to factor a gearbox at some point. They all fail up until 2004
I had a pre-facelift '04 One with the Midland box and took it to 106,xxx miles without any sign of trouble - gearbox or otherwise. Not sure how many more miles I should've done for it to fail... 
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff