Mini question ;)
Discussion
Hi folks, I'm new to this neck of PH.
Bit of a back story but I am toying with buying a 53 plate Mini One for my fiancé. It has the glass roof that seems to be a electric roof?? nice condition, 75k miles and has a FSH apparently.
Now I am here basically asking for advice, I am going to test it tomorrow are there any things too look for? listen for or check has been done?
TIA
Olly
Bit of a back story but I am toying with buying a 53 plate Mini One for my fiancé. It has the glass roof that seems to be a electric roof?? nice condition, 75k miles and has a FSH apparently.
Now I am here basically asking for advice, I am going to test it tomorrow are there any things too look for? listen for or check has been done?
TIA
Olly
Glass roof is an electric sunroof - only the front half opens. Can be quite rattly on the move.
Main things to look for:
* it's 10 years old, so suspension, bushings, shocks, etc. need checking.
* Exhausts on the R53s rotted pretty quickly, it will probably be on a third system by now.
* Power steering pump. It whines when manoevering at low speed (that's normal), but excessive noise or very heavy steering (almost impossible to turn) indicates there a problem.
* Coolant bottle. It was made with a seam down the centre that tends to split - unlike the S the One is not a pressurised system so it's easy to pop the lid and check the level and for any wetness around the reservoir.
* Dipstick snaps off, depositing the end in the sump. Requires an engine strip-down to recover. Cravenspeed do a replacement that is best swapped before the OE snaps.
Main things to look for:
* it's 10 years old, so suspension, bushings, shocks, etc. need checking.
* Exhausts on the R53s rotted pretty quickly, it will probably be on a third system by now.
* Power steering pump. It whines when manoevering at low speed (that's normal), but excessive noise or very heavy steering (almost impossible to turn) indicates there a problem.
* Coolant bottle. It was made with a seam down the centre that tends to split - unlike the S the One is not a pressurised system so it's easy to pop the lid and check the level and for any wetness around the reservoir.
* Dipstick snaps off, depositing the end in the sump. Requires an engine strip-down to recover. Cravenspeed do a replacement that is best swapped before the OE snaps.
I have a 53 Cooper and it's a lovely little car.
5-speed gearbox is made of cheese. Make sure the gear-change is perfect in all gears, particularly reverse.
The gearbox in mine was knackered (very difficult to get into reverse) when I bought the car so I got it changed using the warranty so it didn't cost me anything (other than a new clutch which I thought would be a good idea anyway).
Other than that, the only thing I've had to change is front lower wishbone bushes but that's to be expected on a 10 year old car.
5-speed gearbox is made of cheese. Make sure the gear-change is perfect in all gears, particularly reverse.
The gearbox in mine was knackered (very difficult to get into reverse) when I bought the car so I got it changed using the warranty so it didn't cost me anything (other than a new clutch which I thought would be a good idea anyway).
Other than that, the only thing I've had to change is front lower wishbone bushes but that's to be expected on a 10 year old car.
Mine just wouldn't go into reverse. I had to try a number of time, clutch in & out, different revs, being gentle, being a gorilla etc but it would only go in when it wanted to. Diagnosed as being buggered by Coppers in Reading. No problem at all with the replacement.
There probably are some that are just a bit awkward (like yours) but the early 5 speed "midland" 'box is a well known weakness.
There probably are some that are just a bit awkward (like yours) but the early 5 speed "midland" 'box is a well known weakness.
Thank you all so much, really appreciated all the info.
I can now say you lot have cost me money and I will be frequenting the Mini forum!
The test ride in the Cooper was first and I just felt she was a more 'loved' example. As such I now a Cooper owner. Have a good deal and some work being done, MOT, valet etc. So I shall get her in the next 5-7 days. I will fire up some pics when I get them and may raid the advert for now.
I'm also in a pickle, the One was going to leave me ok to not flog my ZX-9R but now I fear an ebay add will be written. The other pickle is, I really really really like it! to the point I may force my car on to Emma and keep the Mini. Hehehehe. No. I feel she is a good first car and will be fun for me from time to time.
Thanks again folks, I really am a lot more tuned up on them than I was.
Olly
I can now say you lot have cost me money and I will be frequenting the Mini forum!
The test ride in the Cooper was first and I just felt she was a more 'loved' example. As such I now a Cooper owner. Have a good deal and some work being done, MOT, valet etc. So I shall get her in the next 5-7 days. I will fire up some pics when I get them and may raid the advert for now.
I'm also in a pickle, the One was going to leave me ok to not flog my ZX-9R but now I fear an ebay add will be written. The other pickle is, I really really really like it! to the point I may force my car on to Emma and keep the Mini. Hehehehe. No. I feel she is a good first car and will be fun for me from time to time.
Thanks again folks, I really am a lot more tuned up on them than I was.
Olly
I can't wait to get her, also the Mrs has no idea about this so I can't wait to give it her as a present. I may have also purchased a private plate for her that's for the car but for Emma too lol. 
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