Mini Connvertible R52 buying tips
Discussion
My gf is looking to buy an R52.
In broad strokes we are discounting the 'S' as she's not interested in the power, it will cost more to run and insure and the bork potential seems greater - mistake?
WIll probably be a cooper but a One wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Apart from the PAS, which I know is an issue with the tin top and I assume is the same here, is there anything specific I should be checking?
We went and had a look at a 55 plate one today with 86k on the clock, £3750 (seems high?) - it was a bit of a dodgy proposition, last 4 years it had undocumented servicing at the FE college they both worked at (I was walking away at this point) - but it was also a bit tatty with a number of mega stone chips, damaged trim and stained interior.
She's fussy on colour but the thing I don't think she will do without is the proper multi function steering wheel - which I understand is not an easy retrofit?
Advice welcomed.
In broad strokes we are discounting the 'S' as she's not interested in the power, it will cost more to run and insure and the bork potential seems greater - mistake?
WIll probably be a cooper but a One wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Apart from the PAS, which I know is an issue with the tin top and I assume is the same here, is there anything specific I should be checking?
We went and had a look at a 55 plate one today with 86k on the clock, £3750 (seems high?) - it was a bit of a dodgy proposition, last 4 years it had undocumented servicing at the FE college they both worked at (I was walking away at this point) - but it was also a bit tatty with a number of mega stone chips, damaged trim and stained interior.
She's fussy on colour but the thing I don't think she will do without is the proper multi function steering wheel - which I understand is not an easy retrofit?
Advice welcomed.
Cooper is noticeably better than a One, but the One is just a chipping away from a Cooper, so don't discard a good One. They both use a non-pressured cooling system so are less susceptible to the split bottle seen on the S.
All the usual stuff - exhausts rot faster than an Alfa Sud wheelarch; power steering whine (normal and abnormal); clutch/gearbox; trapped wires under the seats causing airbag warning lights. Check the glovebox lock. The big extra on the convertible is, of course, the roof. Fold lines are normal, but look out for other wear, and take the roof up and down a couple of times, including the part way position so you are happy with it. Unfortunately it is a case of when, not if, the roof fails.
MFSW includes the cruise and radio controls - I've read it's a "costly and time consuming" undertaking, and you'd be better off spending that time finding one with it fitted. Happy hunting.
All the usual stuff - exhausts rot faster than an Alfa Sud wheelarch; power steering whine (normal and abnormal); clutch/gearbox; trapped wires under the seats causing airbag warning lights. Check the glovebox lock. The big extra on the convertible is, of course, the roof. Fold lines are normal, but look out for other wear, and take the roof up and down a couple of times, including the part way position so you are happy with it. Unfortunately it is a case of when, not if, the roof fails.
MFSW includes the cruise and radio controls - I've read it's a "costly and time consuming" undertaking, and you'd be better off spending that time finding one with it fitted. Happy hunting.
The One is a great car if yo can find one with a Chilli pack and sports seats, it may have a spare wheel even. The roof cables snap at the front catches but are sold as kits to repair, but some people twist the roof frame from trying to open it as only one side releases, so go through the roof op fully. Check for water ingress into the boot and make sure you can't fit your hand down the side of the roof behind the doors, the anchorages tear apart, and again kits are available, but a bit of a dodge. Check for oil leaks, all easy to fix, but pas pipes are an assembly, and if you hear 'any' rattle from the engine it could be lifters or timing chain.
Listen to the car cold. Check for a heavy clutch! They have them, and if ignored can cause crank end float and problems.
I don't like the ragtop, but the model in principle is great, and the One can be remapped invisibly to give full throttle, which is the only difference between it and a Cooper anyway, so it is better than you think with the right options, and for me the gearing is nicer on them, with a longer 1st and 2nd slightly. Chrono pack cars are nice with the oil pressure gauge and oil temp, very handy to have, and facelift cars are nicer in general, as the one you looked at possibly, fog light in the centre of bumper, Getrag gearbox.
Listen to the car cold. Check for a heavy clutch! They have them, and if ignored can cause crank end float and problems.
I don't like the ragtop, but the model in principle is great, and the One can be remapped invisibly to give full throttle, which is the only difference between it and a Cooper anyway, so it is better than you think with the right options, and for me the gearing is nicer on them, with a longer 1st and 2nd slightly. Chrono pack cars are nice with the oil pressure gauge and oil temp, very handy to have, and facelift cars are nicer in general, as the one you looked at possibly, fog light in the centre of bumper, Getrag gearbox.
The One is a great car if yo can find one with a Chilli pack and sports seats, it may have a spare wheel even. The roof cables snap at the front catches but are sold as kits to repair, but some people twist the roof frame from trying to open it as only one side releases, so go through the roof op fully. Check for water ingress into the boot and make sure you can't fit your hand down the side of the roof behind the doors, the anchorages tear apart, and again kits are available, but a bit of a dodge. Check for oil leaks, all easy to fix, but pas pipes are an assembly, and if you hear 'any' rattle from the engine it could be lifters or timing chain.
Listen to the car cold. Check for a heavy clutch! They have them, and if ignored can cause crank end float and problems.
I don't like the ragtop, but the model in principle is great, and the One can be remapped invisibly to give full throttle, which is the only difference between it and a Cooper anyway, so it is better than you think with the right options, and for me the gearing is nicer on them, with a longer 1st and 2nd slightly. Chrono pack cars are nice with the oil pressure gauge and oil temp, very handy to have, and facelift cars are nicer in general, as the one you looked at possibly, fog light in the centre of bumper, Getrag gearbox.
Listen to the car cold. Check for a heavy clutch! They have them, and if ignored can cause crank end float and problems.
I don't like the ragtop, but the model in principle is great, and the One can be remapped invisibly to give full throttle, which is the only difference between it and a Cooper anyway, so it is better than you think with the right options, and for me the gearing is nicer on them, with a longer 1st and 2nd slightly. Chrono pack cars are nice with the oil pressure gauge and oil temp, very handy to have, and facelift cars are nicer in general, as the one you looked at possibly, fog light in the centre of bumper, Getrag gearbox.
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