Hello, we are looking at a 2006 Mini Cooper S with 68,000 miles for our 20 year old son. He is paying for it and we were wondering if there is anything we should ask or look for or be aware (scared) of. There is no dealer in the area but do have experience with a local import shop who says they can work on Minis. We just don't want him to get into something that will dollar him to death in repairs. Thanks for any info you can provide.
Welcome to MA! I would ask if the front control arm bushings have been replaced, they go bad around 35,000miles. I would replace them with power flex bushings they will last the life of the car. Also make sure it has had regular oil changes. The radiator and brake fluid should be changed every 2 years like on any car. Ask if they will let you take and have a pre-buy done on it. If they say no that may tell you some thing. What part of the country do you live it? One of our members may be able to point you to a good shop
Thanks for the info. We are in Billings, Mt. Dana Motors here was the Saab dealer and while Saab went Tango Umbrella, they still work on imports. According to the husband, his wife was meticulous about the car and has had regular oil changes and they have never had any mechanical issues (so they say). Replaced brake pads recently (have receipts) and have two sets of wheels with Bridgestone winter tires and Eagles for summer. Both with less than 6000 miles (receipts also).
Any other receipts...especially for oil changes and/or coolant problems? Might not be a bad idea to check for stored codes. A PPI is definitely need for ANY MINI...without a warranty.
Welcome to M/A! With your selected tires, it would appear you will survive the weather in Montana just fine!
Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community. Might also want to grab the last 7 characters of the VIN and run it through Free Online BMW VIN Decoder, lookup, check - BMWVin.com to see what options were added.
Thanks for the VIN check, I think they had most of it listed but good to see the information verified.
That looks like a well taken care of MCS. Interior says a lot IMO. Still its around the mileage maintenance will need to be considered - broken or not. MCS02 mentioned the main suspension consideration but all the ball joints need to be looked over. The steering shouldn't have slop in it. Also has the power steering pump been replaced? Are the hoses connected to the PS reservoir leaking (or show signs of leaking)? Other than that, and outside a "pre-buy" inspection, just getting under the car and looking for fluid leaks and rust (mostly on the exhaust/mufflers. And get him a bentley manual! http://www.amazon.com/MINI-Cooper-Service-Manual-Convertible/dp/0837616395
It's an 06 so in theory the power steering pump is fine being it is not covered in MINIs recall. BTW, 06 is the bestest year for an R53
I've MCS 05, not covered under warranty (or deemed "resolved" by MINI) and it still failed. The question was whether or not it had been replaced. Those things are not cheap.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUhzyfb3cxg"]Buying a used 2002-2006 MINI Cooper - what to look for mechanically - YouTube[/ame]