2003 questions
 

looking at join the mini movement.
I have found a fair priced 2003 mini.
it has a couple of issues, it overheats and looses coolant.
the seller says it is normal for the minis is this true?
second issue it is an automatic car, the seller says the tranny doesn't work proper until it is warmed up. he has the car for 8 yrs 134xxx kms, had this issue since he has owned it. is this normal or is this a sign the tranny is slowly
going? I have seen the car yet or driven it, just going by what he has said.

thanks

Is it losing coolant from the coolant tank? If so, the coolant tank is a common failure point at the seams and will need to be replaced. Ask the seller specifically if it's a coolant leak and where it's leaking from. Honestly, with these types of issues and if you're not in a rush, I'd look for another MINI. Good luck.

The auto trans' on the early cars are bad, and that one is on its way out. Stay away from that car. Recommend finding a clean one with a manual trans, and less than 100k miles.