Need Your Help! Looking to Buy a Mini

[randan]

I'm selling my M Coupe and was looking into buying a mini cooper. I want a reliable yet fun car and was wondering if the Mini was it! I'm not to familiar with Minis and thought I would try and get some info from you guys. Ive done some research and have heard a little of everything and just don't know what to think. I keep hearing the same things going out on comments I've read, and there's been quite a few.

There's a 2003 Mini in town for sale that I test drove and was a fun car to drive!! It has an upgraded pulley (15% i think), JCW BBK, miltek exhaust, and JCW intake. The owner replaced the water pump, and the ABS after it went out. It also has 57,500 miles on it.

I'm just curious and what kind of maintenance is required and if there are certain things i should ask have been replaced or looked at besides the basics. Also what kind of costs am I looking at to replace parts. I know its a BMW, but I'm going to have to find a new mechanic if I get one, so I'm just curious.

Thanks!
Niko

[randan]

Also how common is it to find rust on the door sill area of Mini's in the earlier 2000 years?

[SilverBeam]

The rust is really common. They have a ~6y rust warranty or something like that but it's just surface rust.

For the 03s, some things that may go wrong are: thermostat and coolant tank failure, the power steering fans can get things stuck in them and overheat, it's best to get the 2005+ shroud to protect it. The automatic is not good, and should be avoided.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

That will help you with specifics.

[randan]

Thanks Silverbeam! That website helped quite a bit. I've been reading a bunch on north american motoring.

The car I'm looking at buying is a 6 speed so luckily I won't have the CVT problem.