Howdy and welcome to Motoring Alliance. I hope you don't mind, I edited the thread title to something that will garner more attention as people "stroll" by. This should help get some better replies.
You didn't post a location so it hard to tell if you are in a rust prone area or not, but there have been reports of rust in some of the early 03's in the door sill area.
Also, the coolant tanks have been know to split. Early signs this is going south are crusty deposits along the tank seam.
Check the strut tower tops. They should be flat and not show any signs of being bowed up or "mushrooming".
A car that age probably has some bushing wear issues as well.
Stay away from the CVT Auto, it is a time bomb just waiting to rip a hole in your wallet.
As much as I hate to refer people away from this site our friends at Motoring File have put together an excellent MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide.
Once you do fine a potential MINI to purchase make note of the last 7 characters of the VIN, with that you can call MINI - 866-ASK-MINI and tell them you are looking to purchase the vehicle and want to know what packages it was delivered with. If you get a very friendly rep they may even give you the in service date and what dealer sold it.
