100k+ mile Mini N/A bad idea?

[redbull325is]

Hey guys,
I'm an e30/e34 BMW so mileage doesn't usually scare me. I've located an '03 mini n/a with 110k miles on it, 5 speed. Anything I should look out for, how many high milers are there out there?

thanks,
Julien

[KingKong]

If you look it up, you will see instances of the early minis (R50) blowing their Midland transmissions. And on those with the CVT's, some are saying that it's not a question of if, but when.

Look for mushrooming on the front strut mounts. Also check the power steering system, including the electric fan for it. The hinges on the rear hatch tend to lock with rust after water/moisture gets in there. When it does, it will flex sheet metal instead of pivoting around the pin.

Besides this, window regulators, cooling fans, thermostat seem to go out, just like on BMW. AC Compressor, seat belt wiring harness, dash rattles were also mentioned regularly when I was looking up answers to the same question.

Having said that, we just picked up an 03 with CVT for the wife. I never should have went for a test drive, the handling got me hooked. It has 102K on it. I'm scared about this CVT and enjoying the car same time.

There are members on northamerican motoring that have over 150K miles and going strong.

[Alpine535i]

King Kong, is that the original CVT? If so, wow, that is awesome to see 102k on the original, gives me hope for mine which is at 70k. In the case of mushrooming, that make strut plates to prevent it, if it hasn't occured yet, I am ordering a set from VIP today. Every once in a while the doors and hatch should have some white lithium grease applied to the hinges, just like king said they will seize up. They are amazing little cars, just know what to expect and keep a little extra cash in the bank, haha. Good luck.

[catseye]

Also, whether or not this is a good thing to invest in depends on the amount. If you want to share that price, we can offer opinions on that as well....;)

[KingKong]

King Kong, is that the original CVT?

As far as I know, yes. We're keeping our fingers crossed with this one. Hopefully, it'll give us more happy miles.

[brownMINI]

My 2003 Cooper is up to 120,000 miles now.

I'd advise staying away, though.

The Cooper 5-speed is weak. On top of that, it has a seal that doesn't like extreme cold weather (well below 0 F). I'm on my 3rd transmission, but they are all cold weather related.

Seat airbag wiring has been redesigned a few times, and still isn't great.

Power steering pumps don't last much past 100,000 - if they make it that far.

etc.

[brownMINI]

Posting here to get my post count up so I can post links... sorry.