7 replies to this topic

[Riz_Mini]

Hi there, im Riz from Sheffield....

Currently got a diesel astra and have owned some pretty special cars in the past, unfortunately the astra isnt one of them... its got the power and economy but lacks that special feeling, something which the mini actually does for me... ok, perhaps its not a performace car but its cute and cuddly.

In the past ive had the golf r32 and audi s3.... both excellent cars but I have to take a wise attitude since I bought my own place... anyways.....

Im thinking about buying a 2001 mini cooper s, one of the last 500 with 23000miles on the clock, is there anything I should look out for?

Its all pretty new to me, so all tips would be helpful

How much do they cost to run and service? now that rover has gone, where does one go to service them? and does FSH mean anything?

What kind of sound ICE upgrades are possible?

How much are repairs or common faults etc?

Thank you in advance as I know its a pretty why why why first post....

Riz

[mini bunnykin]

hey

welcome to the forum...

im sure these guys will help you out with anything you want to know the best place to ask on the forum is in mini chat or general chat thats where most of the guys who know about them usually are!

x

[Teapot]

Welcome to tmf. Sounds like you have soul, so you'll fit right in here. Most people will agree owning a mini is like a taxi ride -- the cash meter is ticking away as soon as you climb aboard. IMHO the way to keep costs down is to do as much work yourself as possible (or in my case get somebody else to do it for nowt while I hold the spanner and buy the lunch). Many, many people on this forum deserve bravery awards for just jumping right in and having a go. Which mini to buy? Others will have advice so you can make up your own mind which road to take.

[Riz_Mini]

I dont think I would mind paying somebody else to look after it... but should I expect major problems? the car will have about 25k miles (not 23k) and has FSH.

Would it be wise to buy some warranty, from a warranty company?

Im just worried that the engine will go bang during my ownership!

Riz

[Teapot]

While you're waiting for advice from tmfers with experience of later minis, try searching archives. You should find plenty of references like this one.

[Garagiste]

Another one here: http://www.theminifo...p?showtopic=645

No experience of the later (MPI) Minis myself, but I do know that they seem to rot even better than earlier ones, so a thorough check for tinworm is a must.

Oh, and welcome!

Edited by Garagiste, 24 October 2006 - 04:12 PM.

[Riz_Mini]

Ouch... there was me thinking a newer mini might get away with rust problems.

Riz

[Fairy_wishes]

Nope! if you dont want rust problems dont buy a mini

oh and dont be fooled into thinking the newer minis are better than the old, thats generally not the case

as for repairs, they can be very expensive especially for bodywork but mechanics can be too
best to do the work yourself that way you learn new stuff for next time it happens and you save yourself a fortune

i've come to realise that i couldnt actually afford to have a mini if we didnt the work ourselves because it certainly aint a 'cheep' car to own!

but other than that welcome to the forum

Edited by Fairy_wishes, 25 October 2006 - 12:59 PM.