Should I?

[Nanniepoo]

Need a new DD. Thinking of a snatching up an '05 Cooper S, with a stick. From what I've read in the parked buyers guide looks like this is the most reliable of the early years, while also being cheaper due to its age. I have an auto 94 325i and was planning on getting a E36 M3 for the longest time, but think I need a more reliable DD first, as I would treat the M3 as a toy. Biggest issue is where I work they cake the parking lots with salt, and rust is a huge issue. I would feel comfortable DDing the M3 in winter if it wasn't for this fact, my car has significant rust issues and don't want to run into that again.

Pros compared to my current car: more fun (stick + a little more pep), better gas mileage, lower insurance, newer (hopefully less issues, more "gadgets"; heated seats, etc).

Cons: Love rear wheel drive, unknown maintenance, I'm 6'3" ~190lbs


Looking for any advice on what I should look for as far as previous maintenance. I read about the oil leak areas and coolant expansion tank. The one I'm looking at currently has 75k, and I'm assuming it is still original (I haven't contacted the seller yet). Expected life of suspension, clutch, etc?

I'm comfortable with a wrench, and needing to do work on the car I buy won't be a problem, but it would significantly alter what I would offer for the car. Oh, and the one I'm looking at doesn't have racing stripes, which is a necessity. Advice?

Thanks!

[Nanniepoo]

bump

[TJC1]

From what I've read a person your size will fit in the car. You may want to check out this thread:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues-9/

I had our car up on the lift for the first time this weekend and noticed that there are some areas that may be prone to trapping salt so you may want to investigate that issue. I don't worry about it now, but Wisconsin is my home state and I can relate to rust!

[bimmershark]

I am 6'4" and around 300 pounds and the mini is comfortable as hell

[Nanniepoo]

From what I've read a person your size will fit in the car. You may want to check out this thread:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues-9/

I had our car up on the lift for the first time this weekend and noticed that there are some areas that may be prone to trapping salt so you may want to investigate that issue. I don't worry about it now, but Wisconsin is my home state and I can relate to rust!

Great, thank you. I'll check it out. I'll definitely be getting an undercoat to prevent future rust.




I am 6'4" and around 300 pounds and the mini is comfortable as hell

From what I've heard hell isn't very comfortable.