What do I watch out for?
 

Hi Gentlemen and Laids,

First post. My trust every-day transport has finally bitten the bullet and I'm in the market for a fun used car. Got the wife to agree on a used Mini, have to stay at or under $8K. Looking at Mini S' in a manual.

What are some of the things I should be looking for in first gen supercharged cars? Any good used-mini dealerships in the NYC area I should be giving a call to?

--Billy

I just purchased an 03 S with 74K miles. During my market research phase I searched the National Highway Transportation Safety Website and found that the electrically driven power steering pump has an issue with water intrusion and eventually shorting out and catching fire. There was also some complaints regarding the transmission and shifting quality that resulted in need for rebuild. Other than that I could not find anything else of significance.