Other half buying a Mini- what to look out for

[rj1986]

Hey all,

my gf is looking to get a mini one- found a couple, and one from a indy specialist (masterdriver) near us for a smidge under 5k- 52 reg with 35k miles.
Has a few extras on it like air con and half leather. And more importantly a FSH

I'm not too clued up on Mini's, so is there anything to look for. The mileage is nice and low, so i'm not too concerned about a gearbox failing just yet.

Any faults with one this old, or warning signs to look for on the test drive?

Ta

[Justin Cyder]

52 plate will have the Midland gearbox which is fragile to say the least. Much better if you can go post '04 with a Getrag box.

Otherwise, look out for PAS pumps failing, coolant expansion bottles, engine timing chain tensioners, worn suspension bushes and wheel bearings. All common faults on the mini. With the gearbox, listen to the car in neautral. If you hear a tapping noise that goes when the clutch is depressed, run away. Input shaft bearing or clutch release bearing. Either way ££££s.

...and check all electrical bits work as on Minis, they often don't.

[rj1986]

Cheers.
I'll advise her and she what budget she can stretch too.
Admitally, a bit of background shows the indy to be very good, but ill get her to check what warrenty they have.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Last Aug I bought a 53 plate Cooper with 58k for £4500 from Inchcape.
Gearbox was knackered from day 1 (didn't like going into reverse) but I didn't mind as it was covered by the 3 month warranty so was replaced within a month. Everything else was/is fine and the interior particularly is like new.
£5k for a 52 plate One sounds a touch heavy to me...

[S93]

I was looking at the first gens, i think gearbox issues are the biggest problem, cant remember if the death rattle applies to 1st gens or 2nd gens, but i think thats a relatively cheap fix

[Justin Cyder]

Death rattle is about 30 quids worth of parts I.e. tensioner & bung and an oil change at the same time is a good idea. Takes about 20-30 minutes to do. Pretty easy stuff.

[rj1986]

Typically that one was sold, as was the one-seven i was looking at.
BUt now trying to organise a 55 reg for 5200, 49k.