Hi all

I'm looking to make my first Mini purchase soon (hopefully ) and i'm in need of some adivice, the vehicle in question is a 2002 Cooper S Chili pack with a JCW kit fitted in 2008. Are there any potential problems that I should look out for with a Mini of this age? Iv'e read a few stories that say Minis before 2004 should be avoided if possible, is there any truth behind that? Also the asking price is £6,445 and thats making me a little wary, the extras alone have a receipt of around £5000, so i'm thinking either the dealer doesn't know what he's got or theres something up lol.


Cheers

Hi welcome to the forum, good luck with your hunt for a Mini. Depending on the mileage of the car that is probably about the asking price for a Mini of that age if slightly on the cheap side.

Is it a Mini Cherished car or from another garage?

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I heart DERV!
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Thanks for the reply

Its from an independant dealer. The mileage is 49k

Hiya and welcome to the forum

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Hello and welcome.

That seems like a good mileage for a 9 year old vehicle. Some earlier MINIs had problems with power steering pumps, but then again some 2008-2010 model Cooper S have had engine rattling issues. I would hope that most major problems with a car 9 years old would of shown up by now.

If you decide to go for it, I'm sure it will make you grin when driving it - let us know what you decide

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You should still get a 3-6 month warranty with it? As Ayde says, any major issues I am sure would have shown up by now.

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I heart DERV!
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Ayde, grim? That's not nice!

High Fire Frost, welcome to the forum!

Sounds like a good deal, just get the warranty for peace of mind. Earlier MINI's did make a loud whine from the steering pump, mine's an '05 plate and it's progressively got louder over the years but my sister's is a '51 plate Cooper - that really whines but the steering is fine.

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Have Got ~ PlayMINI Exhaust, Dave.F Hybrid Air Filter, Custom BBR I/C Intake, Paul Martin & AndyH Detail, JCW AeroKit Front Bumper and Side Skirts, JCW GP Rear Bumper Trims, Aero Grill, 15% KAVS Pulley
To Get ~ Janspeed Manifold & GP Intercooler

Apologies - I meant grin.

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Hi and welcome

The things to look out for are power steering pump, and clutch. Especially the dual mass flywheel. And it's not true about avoiding pre facelift (2004) models, as mines a facelift 54 plate and I had to have the clutch done a month after I brought it (luckily under warranty).

The only difference is the dash on 2004 - 2006 models is a more solid 3 piece, you had a glove box as standard, chrono dials were a new extra, and the bhp went from a standard 163 up to 170. I say, test drive, and enjoy

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Thanks for the advice all decided to put a deposit down, dealer has offered a 3 month warranty and is going to re-gas the air con Will post some pics when I have it, should hopefully be by the end of the week