'03 Cooper S - What to look out for?

[911p]

We're going to view a 2003 Mini Cooper S today, what are the things to look out for? Any common problems, potential big bills with them etc? Thanks in advance for all advice.

[SooperDan]

As above ^^^ The Cooper S back box hangs down quite a bit and is prone to attract rusty bits.

On a test drive check out for dash rattles and squeaks - quite common on any MINI really. Check all the electrics work & check for electrical work on the service history.

Other than that, not much in particular.

[EDLT]

Rusty back box (although it is just the outer skin that rusts, so it won't need changing immediately). Also the power steering pump whines and it is quite loud, you can hear in the car a low-speeds - they all do it though.

[911p]

Awesome, thanks for all advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

[s m]

911p said:

Awesome, thanks for all advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

Check to see if it has had a new thermostat and header tank( they crack on form seam and leak ) - if not they may need doing soon.
Check driver's side engine mount for oil leaks - common failure.
PAS is noisy as said.
Check wear on inside of rear tyres esp if still on runflats.
If it's not had a new rear box chances are it will need one soon at that age ( as said above )
Front control arm bushes

[911p]

All checked out OK, very well looked after car. Pretty much zero rust on the backboxes, leaky engine mount was also replaced under warranty recently. Thanks very much for all advice

[*Al*]

911p said:

All checked out OK, very well looked after car. Pretty much zero rust on the backboxes, leaky engine mount was also replaced under warranty recently. Thanks very much for all advice

So did you buy it? What's a leaky engine mount, that doesn't make sense?

[Mastodon2]

Leaky engine mount eh? Did the car have some sort of aftermarket torque dampener that you might be mistaking for an engine mount?

I would not worry about the exhaust rusting, you will probably want a louder exhaust on there at some point, some decent options available no doubt. If only to cover up the noise of the steering pump

[_Nathan_]

getrag gearbox prone to failure as is the cylinder head

[Defcon5]

The prefacelift doesnt have an oil filled engine mount, so that wont be an issue.

The PAS pump will fail at some point, its just a matter of when - approx £250-300 fitted for a recon one.

As said, header tank will split at some point.

If there is creaking/cracking from the steering rack it will prob be a bearing that needs greasing - easy job, but very good bargaining tool.

[911p]

*Al* said:

So did you buy it? What's a leaky engine mount, that doesn't make sense?

Yes we did. His words not ours - I thought they had some sort of hydraulic engine mount

[Bungleaio]

Great work. Check out the dave f air box to let the noise of the charger out!

[scotty_d]

I own a 53 plate cooper S in 9k in less than a year it has needed car with only 21k on it when i bought it.

Front wheel bearing.
Air con re-gas.
Brake pipes.
Disc's pads.
Eats run flat tyres, went through 3 of them before changing to standard tyres.
Needs a new back box as above Cheaper to have a custom stainless one made than a standard part.

Great fun but I don't think much of it build quality wise. I can't sell it as she won't let me as she loves the damn thing lol.

[sday12]

I'm told a lot of them suffer from 'the ghey'.

Edited by sday12 on Sunday 8th April 08:21

[hyperblue]

911p said:

*Al* said:

So did you buy it? What's a leaky engine mount, that doesn't make sense?

Yes we did. His words not ours - I thought they had some sort of hydraulic engine mount

Only from 2004 onwards, your car won't have that type of mount.

[Contigo]

sday12 said:

I'm told a lot of them suffer from 'the ghey'.

Edited by sday12 on Sunday 8th April 08:21

[mike9009]

sday12 said:

I'm told a lot of them suffer from 'the ghey'.

Edited by sday12 on Sunday 8th April 08:21

Yawn..... So 2001...

[FleshMechanic]

hora said:

Is the car for your wife?

If he's married, he's started quite young..

[rog007]

If it has a sunroof and has spent much of its time outside, check condition of the external felt seals as these seem to perish quite easily.

[s m]

911p said:

*Al* said:

So did you buy it? What's a leaky engine mount, that doesn't make sense?

Yes we did.

Good work - get it on non-runflats when you can ( if not already )