2003 MCS - seeking purchasing advice

[Audi refugee]

Hi - My first post here.
I am considering buying a 2003 Mini Cooper S. One thing that I noticed during a test drive was the upshift from 2nd to 3rd was notchy (not grinding).
The downshifts from 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd were both normal.
Is this a potential synchro problem and should I be concerned and/or walk away from this car?
Thanks,
Richard

[ka3oxi]

I wouldn't be concerned, but mileage and condition of trans oil would have to be considered. I would be concerned about other items though. Particularly the power steering pump and fan, cooling system reservoir tank, oil leaks from a variety of sources, idler and belt tensioner pulleys for the serpentine belt, the harmonic balancer on the crank pulley. The car should be gone over by a professional with Mini experience. The pre 2006 versions, super charged models, have been showing these issues with real consistency. I own a 2004 and have done all these repairs after it went out of warranty.

Good luck.