is a 2002 Cooper S any good?
Discussion
I am currently living is South Australia and there are not many R53 Cooper S for sale. I just missed out on a 2004 car that was in budget.
I have seen a 2002 car for sale - This one:
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/MINI-Ha...
With mileage (54.000miles) I am keen and for the most part the specification is fine for me and I like the silver paintwork.
But am I right in thinking there were issues that plagues the early cars?
Would I also be correct in thinking that those headlamps are non Xenon? or do the pre 2004 Xenon headlamps look different to the post 2004 headlamps?
I know the later cars had slightly more power - is it notable?
Regards Richard
I have seen a 2002 car for sale - This one:
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/MINI-Ha...
With mileage (54.000miles) I am keen and for the most part the specification is fine for me and I like the silver paintwork.
But am I right in thinking there were issues that plagues the early cars?
Would I also be correct in thinking that those headlamps are non Xenon? or do the pre 2004 Xenon headlamps look different to the post 2004 headlamps?
I know the later cars had slightly more power - is it notable?
Regards Richard
Those ones aren't xenons, however the pre facelift did have them as part of the chilli pack - they do look different to the facelift ones though, and are prone to the igniters breaking, which is part of the actual headlight unit.
I used to have a prefacelift, and tbh the facelift is better in every way. Cracking cars though
I used to have a prefacelift, and tbh the facelift is better in every way. Cracking cars though
The early coper S is pretty robust. The early coopers and Ones had dodgy gearboxes. The six speed box in the Cooper S did not exhibit these problems.
Usual checks would apply. Check all the electrics work. Superchargers (on all models) can go at about 100,000 miles, so you should be okay there.
Only recurring issue we had with our 2002 MINI One was the airbag light kept coming on ... so just check that - try moving the seats back and forth to get in the back.
The runflat tyres can be expensive (although prices have dropped lately) so this could be a bargaining point too.
HTH
Mike
Usual checks would apply. Check all the electrics work. Superchargers (on all models) can go at about 100,000 miles, so you should be okay there.
Only recurring issue we had with our 2002 MINI One was the airbag light kept coming on ... so just check that - try moving the seats back and forth to get in the back.
The runflat tyres can be expensive (although prices have dropped lately) so this could be a bargaining point too.
HTH
Mike
Hi,
the new Mini is great, I have a 2004 R53 Works and the handlingis a lot of fun. Quirky little things but they do, like all cars have a few things to look out for. Because the first generation Minis were a joint exercise between Rover and BMW you'll find some Rover elements shine through.
So.....build quality is a little bit shaky but it's a fun car so it's OK. There are a few seals on the engine that can let the oil through and so it's worth checking that it isn't doing that because some of them, although not a major problem and I happily accept a minor leak on mine, it can be expensive to fix some leaks if you decide you need to.
If you do get a choice try the facelift model, late 2004 onwards because the supercharger was upgraded to improve durability but don't let that put you off the earlier model if you don't get the choice.
There's loads of good advice on here: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-gui...
the new Mini is great, I have a 2004 R53 Works and the handlingis a lot of fun. Quirky little things but they do, like all cars have a few things to look out for. Because the first generation Minis were a joint exercise between Rover and BMW you'll find some Rover elements shine through.
So.....build quality is a little bit shaky but it's a fun car so it's OK. There are a few seals on the engine that can let the oil through and so it's worth checking that it isn't doing that because some of them, although not a major problem and I happily accept a minor leak on mine, it can be expensive to fix some leaks if you decide you need to.
If you do get a choice try the facelift model, late 2004 onwards because the supercharger was upgraded to improve durability but don't let that put you off the earlier model if you don't get the choice.
There's loads of good advice on here: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-gui...
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