R53 Steering issues

[PaulG40]

Just put a deposit down on a 2003 Mini One for my missus, with a view to collect on Saturday.

I just wanted to ask about what the steering should feel like when turning the wheel at very slow speed or stationary. Should it be very heavy? I'm really having to wrench at the wheel to turn the car around, be it pulling off, or 3point turns etc.

At speed it's fairly ok (certainly not heavy heavy) and i'd read that 1st gen mini's had a heavier feel to the steering to add to the feel.

As the electric steering pump whines about (not too loud but noticeable drone in background when driving), I wasn't sure If it was normal or that the PS pump was on its way out?

Thanks.

[E-bmw]

Unfortunately "really wrench" can mean one thing to a petite 17 yr old girl, and something else to a 15 stone wrestler.

Having said that it does not sound right & as they are prone to power steering issues/failures, my answer would be walk away unless they are willing to get it checked over by a mini specialist.

[PaulG40]

Well we decided to walk away from the sale, as although I was fairly happy to sort any mechanical issues, as it turned out the seller didn't have the V5 as it was supposedly with the DVLA already transferring the car into her name as she'd apparently only had it a few weeks. But as the story went on, the timeframes and stories weren't adding up so we moved on. It was also the first Mini we'd been to view, and they always say don't buy the first you see. 😂 and now I got a good comparison to go off.

Off to see a Cooper later today, its sounding like a good one so fingers crossed.