Used Mini help

[Stixman666]

Hi all- looking to buy a cheap ( 3k-ish ) runaround for the missus and have found a 2005 mini cooper convertible with only 35k miles and full service history and would like to know if this is any good? Needs to be reliable for her.
Immaculate inside and out but 2 concerns are:-
timing belt- being original but nearly 20yrs old, surely the belt material would be alot less durable by now?
Engine gasket below pulleys is damp with oil- not dripping at all but is moist for sure so could need replacing which seems likely to be expensive?

Any help appreciated- thanks ??

Edited by Stixman666 on Saturday 19th October 10:35

[ZX10R NIN]

Changing the timing belt is essential, the rocker cover gasket you can do at (I'd get it all done at the same time personally) a later date.

Mini's aren't always the most reliable but if you've found a good one & are happy to maintain it then you'll be all good.

Remember that at this price point most cars will need the cambelt changing.

The tyres on that Mini are probably old too.

[Robertb]

It’s pre Prince engine so there is less to worry about.

To add to the post above, Make sure the clutch is ok as that’s a big job.

[cknotty]

2005 will be 1st gen so will have a timing chain. The Tritec engines in these are generally robust but a little on the thirsty side.

[SlimJim16v]

Didn't the gearbox have issues?

[clockworks]

I owned a 2004 Cooper S convertible for a few months. Great fun, but one of the worst cars I've owned for rattles an squeaks. Drove me potty! The only thing worse was a Reliant Robin. I pretty much stripped and reassembled the entire interior, adding fabric tape to all the mating surfaces and clips.

Take it for a decent test drive, roof up and roof down, over some less than perfect roads to make sure you can live with it.