9 replies to this topic

[Armoured farmer]

Hi all, I'm new to Mini's and need some of your knowledge , I'm about to buy the wife a 2005-ish Cooper S, what should I be looking out for please, normal checks but your Mini know how would be extremely appreciated.
Thanks all.

[creakyjaws5533]

You will need to try MINI2 or Totalmini as the forum is dedicated to the classic mini

[Ellie]

Errrrmmmm, you're on a classic mini forum fella.
And while some have a MINI as well, you'll get more help on a new MINI forum.
Good luck anyhows!

[sonikk4]

We do have a lot of owners who own both types so please feel free to ask your question here. As mentioned there are other forums as well that will cater to your needs who may give you a quicker answer.

[The Principal]

The misses has a 05 Cooper S

 

Things to look out for - front wishbone bushes to check turn the steering to the limit of the steering lock then gently kick the outside of the tyre if the wheel moves the bushes need attention. The bush tool costs £100, the bushes are another 100 plus the ball joint bushes usually need looking at another 60. Listen to the engine on cold start up for rattles in the top end, check for water leaks under the car and lastly the power steering pump is a known weekness and a lot of work to replace. Clutches are a lot of work to replace check for slipping and noisey thrust bearings. A replacement exhaust will set you back 500 and lastly check the tyres, ours eats Pirelli's at an alarming rate.

Edited by The Principal, 23 August 2014 - 06:14 PM.

[Stiggytoo]

See if the brake circuit test switch works...

It looks like this   

[A-Cell]

See if the brake circuit test switch works...
It looks like this   

OP ignore this, these are on classic minis only.

[Armoured farmer]

Thankyou guys an sorry

[humph]

Don't apologise, everyone welcome here.  Where to start on what to look for

 

• Power steering pumps are a very common problem (even raised on watchdog).
• Listen for screeching or squealing from the clutch, especially when pulling away.
• Suspension bushes, car sits low especially at the back and feels all at sea when driving
• Engine mounts, these look like silver spheres either side of the engine. They tend to leak and when they do leave a black mess below themselves.
• Cracked expansion tank. These split at the seam half way up, check for leaks.
• Supercharger boots in good condition as they can leak if they've perished.
• Supercharger buterfly valve. This manifests itself as a stumble/hiccup in 2nd/3rd under hard acceleration.
• Don't buy anything that looks as though it's been neglected or has little service history. MINIs don't take well to neglect.
• For me, avoid the S spoke wheels that many MCS come with they are dreadfully heavy and ruin handling (but look nice hence their popularity). Look for the bullet alloys on later cars as they're lighter.
• Don't listen to any dealer **** about having to fit runflat tyres on MINIs, you don't and they drive much better on normal tyres. MINIs were set up on none runflat tyres, the runflats were a last minute addition forced on Rover by BMW.
• MINIs have smart servicing intervals rather than set ones.  When you turn the ignition on the mileage to the next service is displayed briefly before the car's mileage is shown.  You'll need to navigate through the menus to find out exactly what the car believes needs doing next (they monitor oil services, front brakes, rear brakes, brake fluid, MOT)

For me don't buy a pre facelift model if your budget is big enough for the post facelift. The post facelift cars are better built with fewer rattles etc. Build quality on the 1st gen car improved every year so buy the best cared for newest car you can find. Also watch the price, independent dealers have no idea when it comes to the plethora of option available on the MINI beyond the Chili pack (and many don;t know that), because of that the struggle to set prices on them and it's difficult to compare.

 

Oh and finally once you've bought find yourself a good independent specialist as the dealer network is expensive.

 

Good luck.

Edited by humph, 23 August 2014 - 08:19 PM.

[sonikk4]

My mate has a 54 plate JCW. He has replaced a noisy wheel bearing and binned the run flats which makes a huge difference to the ride. Dash board rattles and latest thing is the trim cushion on the drivers door handle has come off.

 

Rear passenger room is rubbish with a standard sized adult in the back. Other than that the car goes well and the supercharger noise is addictive.