Buying a mini What should I Look out for

[Fbloke]

We are going out this weekend to look for a Mini for Mrs Fbloke. She wants an automatic and likes the convertables. We have found a couple. They are 2-3 years old.

Is there any known issues with these or any potential problems I should look for. Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

PS I did spot the hood release cable repair for £750 in another thread

Ken

[Supermega]

Love the cab, A few people I know who have them, have had the hood replaced under warranty, mainly as the white wear marks(Like white streaks on the hood) start to appear on some models. Not know any to fail mechanically.
On the auto box, the CVT that used to be in the Cooper wasn't that strong from what I recall. If you can get a manual it really suits the drive of the MINI.

Good luck have fun in trying them out!

PS: If you test drive the S, It will win you over...the sound from SC is ace! its the fuel cost that bring you back down to earth tho! lol

[okgo]

Fbloke said:

We are going out this weekend to look for a Mini for Mrs Fbloke. She wants an automatic and likes the convertables. We have found a couple. They are 2-3 years old.

Is there any known issues with these or any potential problems I should look for. Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

PS I did spot the hood release cable repair for £750 in another thread

Ken

Beware of rattling. the convertibles seem to be a pain for this. Be aware they are bringing out a new model convertible early next year too.

[Supermega]

They do rattle a little compared to the hatch, you dont get much skuttle shake from them tho. The new Cab based on the current R56 will be out March 09 with a bit of luck. The new model will come with the more frugal and C02 friendly engines too...and even a Diesel(£35 a year road tax) if that floats your boat.

Like I said in a earlier post, try them out and see what you like. If you get a MINI ONE, you can get Cooper BHP from the Superchips bluefin(£250), the ONE gets longer gear ratios than the shorter Cooper, but will give you a better return in fuel mpg.

[Fbloke]

THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE GUYS.

We are going for the Cooper or S if we can get one. Mrs Fbloke wants an auto so thats what we will go for. I'll have a close look at the hoods. If the cab is a problem then we will go for the tin top cooper or cooper s but still with auto.

I'll post up when we have a result.

Ken

[okgo]

Fbloke said:

THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE GUYS.

We are going for the Cooper or S if we can get one. Mrs Fbloke wants an auto so thats what we will go for. I'll have a close look at the hoods. If the cab is a problem then we will go for the tin top cooper or cooper s but still with auto.

I'll post up when we have a result.

Ken

I would really try and get her into a manual, its SO much better.

[Supermega]

Nice one! head over to www.mini2.com for loads of info on the MINIs. Im sure the auto box is different in the S and Cooper. Think the S has a paddle shift change too.

:-)

[Fbloke]

We got one.

Managed to get a Red Cooper S cab with 4k miles on it. It was'nt hard to choose because it is immaculate. It has all the extras and the interior is excellent. Heated leather seats black and tan two colour. We are both well chuffed.

We pick it up Wednesday.

[Fbloke]

A couple of pics



and the interior

[Supermega]

Very nice indeed, looks great! Happy motoring!

[sad61t]

Very pretty car with that interior - I do prefer the R53's coloured inserts instead of the R56's coloured bolsters. Excellent for road trips, with heated seats extending the top down season well into winter.

[tashie]

Why can't i have one?

[haggle]

only thing to be careful of is the mini dealers tis not usually the cars that cause hassle but those that sell them