Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004

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Tue 20 Feb 2018 20:02
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - Tom Hutcheson

Hi

Can anyone give me some advice on what to look out for when buying on this one.

Cheers

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Tue 20 Feb 2018 20:35
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - badbusdriver

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mini/one-r50-2001/?s...d

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mini/cooper-r50-2001...d

Have a read through that lot and have a real good think about it. We are after all talking about a 14/15 year old car which will almost certainly have had many owners, a good chunk of which WILL have thrashed the living daylights out of it. Buy on condition and history, and get it inspected.

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Wed 21 Feb 2018 00:02
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - Avant

Tom - does it have to be a Mini?

The best advice we can give you when buying in this price bracket is that condition is much more important than make or model. If you can find a well-maintained Mini of this vintage with a service history, fine: but Minis don't have the best reputation for reliability and longevity.

Edited by Avant on 21/02/2018 at 00:02

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Wed 21 Feb 2018 12:19
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - FoxyJukebox

Agreed-condition is critical. It's not just the maintenance track record on paper--but who has ever owned it and did they look after it well? Did they drive it carefully? ..I could go on and it's likely you may never find out the answers.

Buying any car over 14 years old is a risk-but if you are a passionate Mini fan who is prepared to spend --then go for it!

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Wed 21 Feb 2018 08:29
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - SLO76
Wouldn’t touch one. Gearbox issues and electrical gremlins galore. Buy only if mint, low mileage and has a perfect service record from a dealer or specialist. These are fun but not well made in typical BMW style. Buy a Fiesta, Yaris, Mazda 2 or Swift instead. Don’t leave yourself limited to one option at this money.
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Wed 21 Feb 2018 09:17
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - argybargy

Shame that, because its my daughter's dream car, as and when she eventually takes and passes her test. Timely advice, though.

Edited by argybargy on 21/02/2018 at 09:18

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Wed 21 Feb 2018 10:34
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - elekie&a/c doctor
Interestingly,a well cared for early model (pre 2006) is more reliable than later versions,those that have a push in key and button start are the ones to avoid.Avoid the Cooper S versions.Ride is very hard on runflat tyres.I would strongly advise driving one before purchase,as I found my 2003 Cooper very tiring when driving on a motorway. I had the power steering issue on mine,but fortunately BMW paid 90% of the cost.
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Wed 21 Feb 2018 10:39
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - pd

These cars are all very much in shed territory nowdays so difficult to be too hard on them.

Gearboxes (on the One and Cooper) are weak, clutches can also be a problem area and power steeting racks a frequent failure point. Also seem quite prone to oil leaks.

If you buy one for £800 and get lucky and get a few fun miles out of it and accept it on that basis they are OK but if you're looking for reliable low cost motoring on a budget probably best to look elsewhere.

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Wed 21 Feb 2018 20:25
Mini - Used Mini 2003 to 2004 - Mr Carrot Cake

Suzuki Swifts are more reliable.

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