NPOCP: 2003 Mini Cooper S

"WhatDaFunk" (WhatDaFunk) 05/19/2014 at 12:34 • Filed to: None

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$4,800 seems like a good price, but lack of info in posting makes me wonder what's wrong with the car. Car is listed above "very good" KBB value, but does anybody actually use KBB as a guideline?

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Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > WhatDaFunk 05/19/2014 at 12:39

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With the sketchy reliability of these and the high-ish mileage you'll want to see lots of receipts for regular maintenance before you think about buying it. CP because I'd be a little concerned about what else has been done to the car other than wheels and a just drift sticker, signifies they're maybe not the type to leave a car stock. Also is it just me or is the hood scoop a different colour to the rest of the car?

Just4GP > WhatDaFunk 05/19/2014 at 12:40

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KBB is still a decent reference to use. 180k on the odo seems a bit high. I wonder if he needs to sell it because it's overheating like crazy or because he's tired of the gas gauge not working right.

offroadkarter > WhatDaFunk 05/19/2014 at 12:41

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remember mini is made by bmw

Sn210 > WhatDaFunk 05/19/2014 at 12:44

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That does seem like a good price, especially if those are real BBS wheels. But, at 180k, I'd assume it needs some sort of attention either minor or major.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > WhatDaFunk 05/19/2014 at 13:11

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Speaking from experience, be careful of these older first generation Minis. Initially they're strong but as the years pass, they tend to start falling apart if you don't look after them well. Also, it costs a lot to fix them up (because BMW). Certain issues have been highlighted, like the power steering pump - those can go wrong and will need replacing. If I remember correctly, a recall had been issued before but there's no guarantee that the previous owner(s) of this Mini took it in for the recall. Other niggling things? Centre console lights go out, electric windows fail and of course the general wear and tear on the engine components. That high mileage is definitely an indicator that certain things should've been replaced and/or repaired by now.

As far as I can tell the only modifications apart from the wheels and lights is the exhaust system - it's not standard. But that in itself could indicate other things done under the bonnet.

DarrenMR > WhatDaFunk 05/19/2014 at 13:47

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I would say take it for a drive. Check out a few things. Is the power steering really loud? Check the coolant expansion tank they are known to crack and leak. Check the strut mounts, the rubber cracks and the towers mushroom. Listen to the supercharger, if you can hear it at idle its probably on its way out. Not terribly expensive or difficult to replace, but its a long job.