Buying a 2002/3 Cooper

[Gazzab]

Hi - any tips re what to look out for?
Took a look at a couple today in Sheffield at local garages. They were ok from a distance but up close the shut lines werent great and they didnt seem well loved.
Are the shut lines meant to be spot on?

[Gazzab]

Looked at 5 or 6 more today. And they were virtually all dogs, except one but that was sold !

[mike9009]

Hi

Sounds as though you are unlucky - unless your expectations of a 7 year old car is too high!! Shutlines on the Mini should be straight but not necessarily that close together!

What is wrong with what you are seeing? Small dents on exterior/ scuffs on interior? If you want an immaculate car might be worth trying BMW as they tend to have very well prepared cars (in my experience) although you will pay more obviouosly!! The warranty they offer is well worth it though.... What price range are you looking at??

Hope you have better luck soon....

Mike

[Gazzab]

Hi looking at only 7K or so.
The cars I have looked at have had panels misaligned and bumbers hanging off. Stunk of smoke. Dents on the sill from seat belt constantly being shut in the door. Ripply repairs.
I expect lots of wear and tear and overlook that. Though one of the worst cars for wear and tear was a cherished one I looked at today. In fariness they had already 'red stickered' it to show the damage BUT the rear boot was also misaligned. I just cant live with misaligned panels.

[mike9009]

Hi Gazza

Did a quick search on the Mini Website. The first silver car is in Doncaster and is £6399. Might be worth a look? All others are a bit expensive.

http://www.minicherished.co.uk/miniuk/minicherishe...

Shame because I part exed my Cooper S for that money a couple of months ago!

Also a couple of things to check. Tread depth on the tyres (the run flat tyres cost double your normal tyre), any small cracks in the windscreen (these tend to grow, but £50 on your insurance should cover that).

Good luck again!

Mike

[bazking69]

The second one we saw was immaculate and we bought it there and then. First one was advertised as immaculate, and was an utter dog with dings and scratches on every panel and peppered in stone chips, so I know what you mean!

52 plate Cooper, black with white wheels, red interior, 47k, a/c, FSH, 12 months MOT, taxed, warranty, from a reputable independant dealer, walked away with it for £6200. So 7k WILL buy a very tidy one, forgiving the fact that you can't expect showroom for a 6/7 year old car, but you'll have to trawl through all the poglers to find the gem sadly.

The thing that stands out to check carefully is that it goes into reverse freely when warm.

[Gazzab]

I want someone to offer me a Cooper S 52/03 reg for the right money with a good history (ie FSH, reasonable miles and no obvious signs of accident repairs) and not too many owners. Ideally max 60k miles with one lady owner. Grey with black roof and chilli pack.

[RikGT4]

Hi GazzaB, if you're still on the lookout for a mini please contact me. Mine's for sale here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1188626.htm

Hopefully what you're looking for. I would be prepared to sell it for £7000.

thanks
Rik

[Gazzab]

thanks Rik. My wife actually went out and bought one without any husband help today.

[RikGT4]

no probs, glad you finally found a good one.

Great cars.

Rik