Good evening, I am in the market for a used mini within the next month. I have driven one once and loved it! I am a pre law student and always running around between being a Freemason, Eastern Star, Demolay, and Rainbow with my wife and kids. I am looking at getting a 2001-2006 mini. I look forward to learning all about the car and lifestyle.

 

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search! Make sure to post up some pictures for us when you get your new Mini home! I'm sure you will find a lot of useful information here. Feel free to ask away if you are looking for any advice.

 

Welcome to MINI Cooper Forums. Since you're looking for a first gen supercharged MINI, I'd highly recommend an '05 or '06. Also, check out this really good buyers guide for common issues and repairs that may need to be done - MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide - MotoringFile. I'd highly suggest a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) before you buy and to call a dealership with the vin to check and make sure what open recalls are on it and if any have been done. Good luck!

 

thanks for the advice, I read the Buyers guide and i am pretty nervous about buying one. I have been a Army mechanic for 15 years and i am ASE certified but i really don't want to have to rip apart the whole front end apart. Are there any tell tale signs to look for when searching for the oil leaks? thanks for the help.

 

I'd suggest finding a local MINI independent shop in your area and having them check the MINI out before you purchase it. They will know what problem areas to inspect. As far as signs of oil leaks, definitely check out the P/S pump as that is a common problem area and can incase the bottom of the MINI in oil. If there are signs of oil leaks under the vehicle, it may be difficult to pinpoint just by how much oil is present and typically when one thing leaks it can make another look as if it's leaking.

 

Welcome to this forum. I am newbie too, so nice too meet you.