Looking at a 2003 Cooper S today

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by xxerniexx, Feb 1, 2015.

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  1. xxerniexx

    xxerniexx New Member

    Feb 1, 2015
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    Good morning all,
    My name is Ernie and I'm not a Mini owner yet! I am going to be looking at an '03 Cooper S later today with 130+ miles on it, owner says other than the A/C needing to be charged, the car is perfect.
    My question is what kind of things should I be looking for other than the A/C that might spell disaster for me later on?

    Thanks
    Ernie in South Florida
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

    Look for a few things..

    Strut towers. they should be level the studs all pointing straight up. An easy fix though.

    Coolant tank, make sure is not split. Recommend replace soon with non-OEM if not already done.

    Lower Control Arm bushings, check when last serviced and what brand was used.

    MotoringFile has a really good Buyers Guide for the R53. MotoringFile » MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide So good that I see no reason to write one for the M/A library.
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Welcome to M\A the FUN MINI site. :Thumbsup:

    Things I would check are:

    1# ask if it has been modded...Pully, tuned and listen to any other information they offer.

    The oil , let it run and listen to the motor.
    Test the radio then turn it off and listen to the car.
    Look under the car and check the exhaust for rust. "Mufflers".

    Take if for a test drive and find a parking lot and do some figure 8 and listen to the suspension. This will let you here I'd the lower control arm bushings are shot and you will also hear everything else.
    Above all else get the service history with that mileage and find out if it has been hit.

    Run a car fax report for what it's worth just to be safe.

    Now this is the hardest part, DO NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH IT. That will cause you to buy a poor high milage car with many hidden problems that you hate later.

    Remember you can always find another one with lower milage and in better shape because they are available.
     
  4. xxerniexx

    xxerniexx New Member

    Feb 1, 2015
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    Dave, thanks for the welcome and advice! Went and saw the car looked great this was my fourth to see this weekend. Mechanically, minus the a/c, is great. Shifts really smooth, radio on and off was good, no rust on the mufflers, no noise in the hard turns. Drove home, about a 40 minute drive, was great no overheating temp stayed right in the middle. Again thanks

    Ernie
    2003 MINI Cooper S
    [​IMG]
     
  5. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    Best of great times to you and your new ride!
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Looks good does it have any mods at all or was owned by a little old lady that never did anything to it but drive to church on Sunday?
     
  7. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to M/A!
     
  8. xxerniexx

    xxerniexx New Member

    Feb 1, 2015
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    Thanks for all the welcomes!
    Bone stock! First thing to do it change the oil and then start looking at all these mods I see around here.
    There is a small tear in the drivers seat I need to address and the sill plates are buggered up but that should be easy.
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Welcome to M/A

    My advice is before doing any mods catch up on the maintenance. Changing the oil is a good place to start. Add to that change the brake fluid, flush the coolant & change the trans oil. Enjoy your new MINI.
     
  10. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Welcome to MA! Nice ride!
     
  11. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    Might want to get those lights cleaned up!
     
  12. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I use a light rubbing compound on my lights to keep them clear. If there too bad you may need to get out the sandpaper.
     
  13. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Welcome Aboard!

    Great looking new ride!
     
  14. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Great looking 03 and Welcome to Motoring Alliance the only MINI forum you'll ever need !!
     
  15. Canusrufis

    Canusrufis RMW Powered R53
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