2003 BMW mini now bought

[Ghosty]

IIRC there's something about early model Binis in this months Car Mechanics if it's use to anyone.

[gm]

I suspect the daily commute might become a tad tiring in this one :

 

http://www.trackscotland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7921

 

but for that money, I'm sorely tempted

 

[babydriver]

Sister in laws 53 plate has just failed its mot on something to do with the rear suspension mounts, the whole rear subframe has to come out to fix it apparently and its a common fail so I'm told. 

 

So far this year alone. £220 Battery, £700 clutch, £700 quoted for MOT repairs £160 Exhaust replacement parts. £2995 for car.

 

She's lost the love for the damn thing now and is thinking getting rid, especially as I mentioned the cam belt as its just turned 73k so must need doing.

 

Me £350 18 months ago Megane and cam belt roulette, life could not be finer.

[Danblez]

Hahah I love the way people lose the love and sell AFTER they have spent all their money.

[Pete-M]

I've been skulking around the Cooper S in the classifieds for a while.

 

Great cars. Far better than the old mini.

[Station]

Considering the newest car I've had is a 1999 Perodua Nippa and a t reg Saab that stank of sweat, this is worlds away from anything I have. The suspension is rock hard but it feels solid and is comfy which is all I wanted.

 

[mat_the_cat]

She's lost the love for the damn thing now and is thinking getting rid, especially as I mentioned the cam belt as its just turned 73k so must need doing.

 

The petrol engine has a cam chain; not sure about the diesel. Probably won't swing the balance though!

[Ghosty]

Take those Cooper S indicator surrounds off and get correct ones, we'll have none of that silliness here.

That's a nice one though, it's got a tasteful array of exterior bits - and leather inside suggests there's going to be a nice few toys too.

They are comfy (well, ours is newer but I doubt much changed) - it's the only modern with seats adjustable enough that Mother Ghosty and her back problems will sit in it and not whinge about it.

Surprisingly ample rear seat space too.

[Parky]

They are surprisingly good for long journeys, I never struggled with my back or noise levels or anything like that. Once did London to Newcastle and back on the same day and whilst tiring my back didn't hurt after 12 hours of driving.

 

The more I read this thread, the more I want my old one back!

[Vince70]

 

Considering the newest car I've had is a 1999 Perodua Nippa and a t reg Saab that stank of sweat, this is worlds away from anything I have. The suspension is rock hard but it feels solid and is comfy which is all I wanted.

It's not so much the suspension it's more to do with the run flats if you bin them and put some decent rubber on the wheels it transforms the ride..

On your year car it's the changeover from the midlands to the better getrag box if it's the earlier box and it's still working ok get the gearbox oil changed as it prolongs the life of it and you would be surprised how much swarf comes out..

But the mini can be cheap to repair as I found out the other week when the electric window packed up on the passenger side and was told to punch the door panel above the speaker to get it working again and it's been working fine since so it's still got some lovely Retro BL build quality about it just like the original but without the rust

[Station]

Yep! Did the door punch and now my window works too haha!

 

Mine is just after they introduced the Getrag gearbox, so hope it doesn't have the Midlands one in some old stock change over thing.

I think the steering pump is whining but it looks like an easy fix if it does go.

[purplebargeken]

Maybe one to own someday. Someday.

[J-Rod]

Stick smaller wheels and proper tyres on. It won't feel like a Penny Farthing then. 

[Vince70]

Yep! Did the door punch and now my window works too haha!

 

Mine is just after they introduced the Getrag gearbox, so hope it doesn't have the Midlands one in some old stock change over thing.

I think the steering pump is whining but it looks like an easy fix if it does go.

I think the one my friend has was built in Jan 04 And if I can remember the sticker is somewhere on the passenger side under the bonnet and that's got the midland box but 04 was the changeover year and if you do have the Getrag one then you've got about the best combination of reliability with both engine and gearbox as I hear the later Peugeot engined cars can be trouble..

[cort16]

Cooper S(ausage)

 

[Ghosty]