I'd say keep looking, if the present owner fixed problems by turning up the radio, who knows what else he has "fixed" that way. 5 owners is s lot of unknown history. Just my two cents.
5 owners already. one has to ask why. Were the others looking to dump a problem car?
The exhaust might just be hitting due to a worn out exhaust hanger. For the most part those are inexpensive and an easy fix. Rusted bolts are par for the course for vehicles that have lived in regions that see salt on the roads. A decent tech would soak them before trying to remove but it's not something I'd be overly worried about.
I'd call MINI 800-ASK-MINI with the last 7 characters of the VIN and ask more about this car.
Funny thing about the MINI dipsticks, if you're not careful when pulling them out, they can snap pretty easily. That's probably the reason for the new one. Aftermarket CAIs are really common but the rattling exhaust sounds suspect. Also brakes run around $250, here at least. A new radiator looks around $400, not including installation. If you could get it for $8,000 and save the rest for much needed repairs, maybe.
Sounds like your going to have to put some money into it pretty soon. So I'd say plan on $2k more, which could be added to what you already are planning on spending and get a much nicer car. Wish you were closer I've got a decent 02 MCS for $7500 right now.
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