Hi all,

Newbie here...

Some dull background by way of introduction, before I ask for your help!

My wife used to have a 57 plate Cooper (with full JCW aerokit), but she soon realised that the engine didn't thrill enough. She's not a revver, so likes engines will low down grunt. She sold it after about 8 months of ownership and picked up an A3 Quattro Sport instead. My current weekend chariot is an Elise Sport 160, but having just moved house it barely gets used, and I no longer have the cash spare for trackday use. It's time to sell her on, and while we're at it we'll get rid of the Audi too.

Once we've taken out the cash we need to invest in some work on the house, we'll have a budget circa 6k to invest. Although the Cooper didn't stay with us for long, it was enough to confirm how much we both loved the Mini overall. So the obvious solution is to get ourselves a Mini Cooper S. I was thinking R53, probably a 2003 model. I'd love the facelifted late 2004 car, but don't think this will be in budget. Key things for me are the alleged improvements to the dash (fewer rattles?), the steering wheel (3 spoke not 2 - sorry, not a fan of the original wheel) and the general updates to engine and chassis all round. Also prefer the smooth grille surrounds. But hey ho - you can't have everything when money's tight.

So - my questions... (and please move to another place in the forum if this isn't the right area - sorry Mods).

- What should I look for at around £6k - will an '03 Cooper S be achievable? Ideally no more than 60-70k miles.

- Is the facelifted model really worth holding out for - we might be able to save up over a few more months and make up the shortfall...

- Are there any problems we should keep an eye out for when hunting around?

- Are there any good specialist dealers that source stock of this sort of age/price? (Would you recommend trade or private purchase?)

Any advice appreciated - we should be lokoing for a car in about the next 4 weeks...

Hello Airwalker, welcome to MCUK! I hope we can be of assistance in your search for the perfect MINI.

I am in the opposite situation, I own an '06 MINI and have the itch for a Lotus Elise!

With your budget I reckon you may be able to pick up an early MINI. Have you tried looking at the classifieds on Piston Heads?

As for the facelift model a lot of the changes on the MCS were visual. The only notable difference was the upgrade from 163 bhp to 170 bhp and that Limited Slip Differential (LSD) came as standard.

As for problems there are a few to look out for. Steering column is something which can go even early on, the steering will feel notchy. Engine mounts can also be prone to going, look for oil around the drivers side mount.

I hope this is good for starters...

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I heart DERV!
///M Sport has landed...

Hi you should be able to obtain an 03 cooper s for money looking at with about 70k, the 3 spoke steering wheel was an option on early and facelift cars as I had 54 plate JCW and it was listed on options. You may find an 03 with it fitted also the smooth trims round grill are quite easy to change, LSD was still option on facelift apart from MCS JCW from factory. Also check wiper operation as sister had wiper motor go on her 52 and was quite expensive to get repaired. You could look on ebay and autotrader just watch for anything that seems to cheap on ebay as its usually a scam. Good luck with your search

Welcome along to MCUK. I bet Em is very tempted to do a swap with you!

Ha ha! You read my mind!

__________________
I heart DERV!
///M Sport has landed...

Welcome to MCUK

Also look out or chalky residue around the coolant header tank and exhaust manifold heat shield as there were problems with the tanks splitting (although I would have thought most would have been changed by now) also check suspension and bushes as they are likely to be starting to wear by 50k miles - passenger side will be worst.

Other than that it basically whats been said - engine mount (near the supercharger) and steering column...

Enjoy shopping !

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Back in the fold... but being tempted out again...

thanks everyone - it seems kind of weird to be shopping out the Elise and I'll be gutted to see her go. Still, needs must, and I can think of no better alternative (at least I'll have A/C with the Mini, and genuine everyday practicality).

You've me some great pointers, and a good idea of what may need to be be replaced depending on mileage - spot on!

Piston Heads and Autotrader are in for some bandwidth abuse over the next few weeks ;o)

er... if anyone's interested in the Elise - it's a year 2000 (X plate) Sport 160 WVTA model. Full Lotus factory leather retrim completed January 2009. Series 2 suspension (much quieter, more compliant and generally better than the original Series 1 kit). Also has full Armourshield stone chip film. Finished in silver, blue roof. Mileage is about 30k. Always been kept garaged. Looking for £14,500

Sorry - blatant plug - but it's for a good cause - it's my route to Mini ownership ;o)

I am guessing from what you have written is that it is an S1 Elise? It's a little too far out of my budget I am afraid. I am supposed to be saving up for a wedding next year and I am only going to get away with chopping the MINI in for a Lotus if I can do it at around the same price!

Good luck with the sale. Have you thought about listing the Lotus on Piston Heads and specifying that you'd be interested in a PX for a MCS?

__________________
I heart DERV!
///M Sport has landed...

Hi Emily,

PH will be my first port of call when the ad goes up. And yes it is an S1 - I was originally aiming at an S2, but as soon as I started reading up on Elises, the Sport 160 struck a chord, and despite the premium price elevating it above many S2 versions the special attention Lotus gave this version makes a real interesting option. Offbeat idle thanks to some lumpy cams always draws attention ;o). There are some out there for less money and worth a look if you're really serious about finding an Elise. And at the other end in the hyper rare Scandal Green you could pay anything up £2000 extra!! Otherwise, the Sport 135 also make good prospects with a little extra over and above the regular models.

Good luck balancing the wedding with car urges - not sure how I managed it, but my wife let me buy the Elise in the lead up to our wedding...

Why did you have to tell me that! I keep talking myself out of it as I know it is money I ought to be putting towards the wedding and not only that Paul is Mr Sensible so would secretly frown on me doing such a thing!

Sounds like you have a nice Elise! I love my MINI but I'd give my arm to own an Elise!

__________________
I heart DERV!
///M Sport has landed...