What to look/look out for
Discussion
Thinking of buying a MINI in the near future, probably the MINI ONE but is there anything I should be aware of or any known faults? Have seen that there was an issue with Power Steering Pumps but does that apply to the MINI ONE and is there anyway to tell if it has a suspect one?
Any other hints or tips you can provide to help me avoid buying a pup would be greatly appreciated.
Any other hints or tips you can provide to help me avoid buying a pup would be greatly appreciated.
You can't really tell when the PS pumps are failing. All Minis make a strange whining noise when turning at low speed - perfectly normal. There are some theories that larger wheels (17 inch, for example) may cause the failures more frequently than smaller alloys.
Other things to check that I know of, are the airbag light staying on and cracked windscreens (fairly easy to check). Check the tread on the tyres is good and if it has run flats it could cost ££££ to replace.
Best of luck...
Mike
Other things to check that I know of, are the airbag light staying on and cracked windscreens (fairly easy to check). Check the tread on the tyres is good and if it has run flats it could cost ££££ to replace.
Best of luck...
Mike
Hi,
When buying one, Buy with your head and not your heart as Mini's tend to steal your heart and make you think differently so make sure you do all relevant checks that you would with any car.
Power Steering Pump - These can show signs of fault, Mainly when your headlights are on and you turn the wheel full lock the lights dim right down, Try not to worry if they dim slightly it is normal. But if they dim to almost an orange glow like a torch dying then consider making an offer with this in mind. Sometimes they draw so much power that everything dies to the point the ignition lights come on like you have just started the car again.
Gearbox - These end to be the most reported issue and are expnsive when they go wrong. Any faint whirring noises or metallic sounds should be avoided, The MINI gearbox is in an awkward posistion and attracts high labour costs when the gearbox requires work.
Airbag light - These can appear and people tend to think its the start of a problem, There is a plug under the front seats for each seat mounted 'bag and these can be unplugged by a clumsy or tall passenger, or in my case, A drunk girl. If this is the case, Take the key out the ignition when checking otherwise static electricity from your body can cause the airbag to deploy if touched at the plug connections.
Runflats - Use this as a bargaining technique when talking price as these are expensive tyres, In reality, When they need replaced, Use normal tyres. They're cheaper and offer better comfort and are just as good.
Thats the ones i can think off the top of my head but there is no shortage of them these days so go and see a few to get an idea of a good one. Personally, I've found that there are more looked after ones than there are dogs so its not too hard to see for yourself the crap ones. But as always, Check things over, History etc. They are great cars and fantastic fun to drive. Do the relevant checks and you shouldnt have any problems.
I had a few issues with mine but it was more exhaust hangers etc. As long as the engine and gearbox is ok not much else tends to be an issue or that expensive.
Eurocarparts also stock parts for them now which is great.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.
(Excuse any spelling or missing letters, Im still recovering from this morning haha)
When buying one, Buy with your head and not your heart as Mini's tend to steal your heart and make you think differently so make sure you do all relevant checks that you would with any car.
Power Steering Pump - These can show signs of fault, Mainly when your headlights are on and you turn the wheel full lock the lights dim right down, Try not to worry if they dim slightly it is normal. But if they dim to almost an orange glow like a torch dying then consider making an offer with this in mind. Sometimes they draw so much power that everything dies to the point the ignition lights come on like you have just started the car again.
Gearbox - These end to be the most reported issue and are expnsive when they go wrong. Any faint whirring noises or metallic sounds should be avoided, The MINI gearbox is in an awkward posistion and attracts high labour costs when the gearbox requires work.
Airbag light - These can appear and people tend to think its the start of a problem, There is a plug under the front seats for each seat mounted 'bag and these can be unplugged by a clumsy or tall passenger, or in my case, A drunk girl. If this is the case, Take the key out the ignition when checking otherwise static electricity from your body can cause the airbag to deploy if touched at the plug connections.
Runflats - Use this as a bargaining technique when talking price as these are expensive tyres, In reality, When they need replaced, Use normal tyres. They're cheaper and offer better comfort and are just as good.
Thats the ones i can think off the top of my head but there is no shortage of them these days so go and see a few to get an idea of a good one. Personally, I've found that there are more looked after ones than there are dogs so its not too hard to see for yourself the crap ones. But as always, Check things over, History etc. They are great cars and fantastic fun to drive. Do the relevant checks and you shouldnt have any problems.
I had a few issues with mine but it was more exhaust hangers etc. As long as the engine and gearbox is ok not much else tends to be an issue or that expensive.
Eurocarparts also stock parts for them now which is great.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.
(Excuse any spelling or missing letters, Im still recovering from this morning haha)
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