Hi all, this is my first post and i do apoligize in advance for not searching past threads for answers but i am extremely short on time as i am planning on buying the mini today.

here's the low down:
2003 Mini Cooper S with 89,000 miles. owner has owned for about 16 months and is selling with plans on buying a newer model. The overall shape looks to be in good condition but it isn't without it's flaws. The headliner is coming down in the back, and there is some general wear on the interior.

I test drove it yesterday and overall I was pleased but did have a few questions i wanted to get an outside opinion about.

1. when i test drove, the car made a whining noise when i turned the steering wheel. The owner said it was just the mini's electric steering. Is this true or should i be wary of this?

2. when i first went to turn out of drive way (wheel turned somewhat sharp) and accelerated the car made three quick knock sounds. no idea what this was as it didn't do it as speed around curves and stopped after the third turn from dead stop.

3 . is there anything I should be aware of with buying a mini of this year and with 89k miles on it?

4. I'm getting it for 7,200.00 is that a good deal?

I'm getting this as a second vehicle for my wife as we just moved to hawaii and need a second car (military only ships one)

Thanks!!!

 

I'd be concerned about the whining , you cannot hear the normal steering, the whining could be the cooling fan or steering failing