Is 54k mileage too high?

[MarkExigeS]

Hi all, am new to the mini thing and am thinking of buying my girlfriend a cooper S (too keep her out of my Exige), we have been to see an 03 reg with 54k on the clock and are seriously thinking about getting it, everything looks as new and has all the history, but is this mileage too high? we wont be fussed about resale value as will be keeping it for a good few years.

Also how do i know if it has the chilli pack?


P.S. Sorry for the daft questions.

[JCW_Matt]

Hi Mate,

I asked this question about my JCW cooper S a while back, The answer is definatley not to worry about mileage, the engine and gearbox on the Mini's are soild as providing they have been serviced properly (no reason they shouldnt be with TLC pack)

Mine is on 57k now and looks and drives like brand new.

[vixta]

mileage isn't too high, and if it has been looked after well, then go for it. generally in most 2nd hand ads for minis it will state if the chilli pack or pepper pack has come with the car. but there have been changes to the packs since the MK2 came out earlier this year. best thing to do is ask. btw, the TLC pack is an optional extra. this too has changed over the years. generally finishes after it's 50k service, but can be extended for a price. just go to your local mini dealer, and they should be able to help.
I'd also look at local mini web sites - very informative.

Edited by vixta on Thursday 27th September 10:23

[MarkExigeS]

Cheers for replies guys, we have now gone for it and bought the car, it is having a new clutch fitted and we can pick it up on monday

It is from a mitshubisi main dealer an was taken in px for a shogun, he does not seem to have a clue about the Chilli pack, but it has got air con,17" wheels, full leather and xenons. The only reaon I wanted to know if it has the chilli pack is because for some reaon the insurance is £350 cheaper without it.

[matc]

Having just bought one of these I got to know a fair bit about them. Yours has got a Chilli Pack, it gave you xenons, a/c, half leather and a few other bits. Interesting they are doing a clutch, after collecting mine I have since noticed it needs a clutch. Seems mad on a car with only 48k on the clock, although looking on the net it seems pretty common.

Have a look at mini2.com, quite an active forum.

HTH

Mat

[MarkExigeS]

Cheers Mat, just signed up to that forum.
I also just found a buyers guide and it does state that clutches last aroung 50k which does seem a short lifespan.

[TimJMS]

MarkExigeS said:

...
I also just found a buyers guide and it does state that clutches last aroung 50k which does seem a short lifespan.

How long are clutches good for in the Exige?

[MarkExigeS]

I dont know how long they are supposed to last but have had 2 previous elises b4 the exige and
have covered around 20k in my 1st S1 elise takin it to 50k then done 30k in my last which was from new and not needed one, but yes now i think of it ive not done 54k in a single car so i suppose its not too bad...

Edited by MarkExigeS on Saturday 29th September 10:47

[JCW_Matt]

I hear the clutches on the Mini are a bit prone to going.. but I do hope knowone's on here is going! Its a 2k+ bill engine out job I have been told!

Mine seems fine and I am over 50k.

[MarkExigeS]

I got a buyers guide from the used car expert site, and that says budget £700 an no mention of engine
out as surely this would be a horrendious design fault!

[JCW_Matt]

Ahh, would be good if someone could confirm this? As all I have ever heard in terms of clutch replacement is bad news and a huge bill.

[matc]

I've been quoted £460-480+VAT from an indipendant garage. I think BMW quote £1200.

HTH

Mat