Discussion
Hi
Went to have a look at a 2003 Mini Cooper S today, unfortunately the seller was stuck at work so only got time to have a quick look and am heading back tomorrow.
Car looked pretty good, Only issue I did notice with it was that there appeared to be a slight fluid leak which had dripped on the floor at the front of the car, pretty much dead centre. Looked like very clean oil although wasn't 100% sure.
Is there any common issues which may cause leaks in this area?
Went to have a look at a 2003 Mini Cooper S today, unfortunately the seller was stuck at work so only got time to have a quick look and am heading back tomorrow.
Car looked pretty good, Only issue I did notice with it was that there appeared to be a slight fluid leak which had dripped on the floor at the front of the car, pretty much dead centre. Looked like very clean oil although wasn't 100% sure.
Is there any common issues which may cause leaks in this area?
Power steering fluid, coolant from reservoir, possible transmission fluid (not so likely).
Walk away...
I am constantly amazed at the number of threads from potential buyers who have a seen a car and it all seems good, except...
There are thousands of cars available. If there's something dripping when you see it, then go and find one that it not dripping; if it does not change gear, then find one that does; if it makes a horrible noise find one that doesn't.
Sorry, rant over, but please don't buy it.
Walk away...
I am constantly amazed at the number of threads from potential buyers who have a seen a car and it all seems good, except...
There are thousands of cars available. If there's something dripping when you see it, then go and find one that it not dripping; if it does not change gear, then find one that does; if it makes a horrible noise find one that doesn't.
Sorry, rant over, but please don't buy it.
Had chance to calm down, went for a bike ride, feel a lot calmer.
The issue with leaks is that on these cars the causes are many and various. On my car (2005 MCS) the coolant was leaking from the reservoir. This is a £25 fix and very easy to do. Then the garage found a potential leak from the main bearing seal. This on the other hand is real expensive - I was quoted about £700 to repair. This reduced when I contacted Mr Clutch as the clutch would need replacing if the seal was done (as it just makes sense to do it) and the firm does it all the time: about £500.
So no, there are no obvious causes and if you can see it leaking then its probably serious.
The issue with leaks is that on these cars the causes are many and various. On my car (2005 MCS) the coolant was leaking from the reservoir. This is a £25 fix and very easy to do. Then the garage found a potential leak from the main bearing seal. This on the other hand is real expensive - I was quoted about £700 to repair. This reduced when I contacted Mr Clutch as the clutch would need replacing if the seal was done (as it just makes sense to do it) and the firm does it all the time: about £500.
So no, there are no obvious causes and if you can see it leaking then its probably serious.
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