Buying a used 2002-2006 MINI Cooper - things to look for - Gen 1 R50 R53 

Going to go look at a car soon. I typed up the list of your inspection points to print and take with me. I thought I'd post it in case anyone would find it useful. Thanks for making this video! 1) Check body for damage. 2) Check suspension by pushing down on body. 1 rebound. 3) Drive car, listen for noises. 4) Control arm bushings. Kick tire from front looking for play. 5) Check for matching tires and even wear. 6) Check wheels for damage or curb rash. 7) Check brakes for wear. 8) Check for moisture in trunk battery compartment. 9) Check age of battery. 10) Check that all of the lights work. Windshield wiper also. 11) Inside the car, check all of the switches. Windows go up and down. 12) Check feel of brakes and clutch. 13) Look under the bonnet.14) Check coolant reservoir tank, especially on 2002-2003. Carefully check coolant level. 15) Start car. Smooth idle. No rattle or noise16) Smell for coolant. 2002-2003 radiator can leak at top right inlet. 17) Look for missing bolts or hoses in poor shape. 18) Pay attention to signs that the car has been modified. May imply hard use. 19) Look at the top of strut towers for doming or bulging. 20) Look at rubber on strut tower bearing. Old ones can crack and be a safety issue. 21) Check tensioner assembly on right side of motor. Steady, not bouncing around. 22) Look between motor and firewall for valve cover leakage. 23) Look between head and air box for leaking thermostat o-ring. Let car get hot then check. 24) Never buy a car without looking underneath. 25) Get the car up on jackstands or a lift. 26) Wiggle front wheels. Look for play 27) Front top & bottom = bad wheel bearing. 28) Front front and rear = bad ball joint and/or tie rod. 29) Do the same for the back wheels. 30) Go under the car and check ball joints for looseness. 31) Check control arm bushings for rubber fatigue or tearing. Typically after 60k. 32) Check for signs of underbody damage. 33) Check exhaust condition. 34) Check engine for oil leaks. 35) Most common leak is crank position sensor hidden by front bumper. 36) Also check rear main seal and front crankshaft dampener seal. 37) Oil filter housing above front left axle may leak. 38) Check power steering fan. Free-spinning with no grittiness.r 39) Check power steering pump. Leaking hose common problem. Extended pump warranty for most model years is 13 years and 150k. Noisy pump may be symptomatic of worn out pump. 40) Check lower engine mount for cracked rubber. 41) Check axles for intact CV boots. 42) Check clutch slave cylinder boot. Should be dry. Cracked boots will leak hydraulic fluid. 43) Check fluids. Oil should be clean and clear. Dark brake fluid is old.

its january 2018 and still your video is helping people buy a used mini. Thank You.

I live in manhattan, I typically love not having a car. I bicycle and use ubers everywhere. Last time I had a car was 9 years, an e46 BMW M3. Miss that car so much, sold it 1 year into living in manhattan. Now that we are in Covid lockdown, I was like damn I should buy a car to get out of the city and go on road trips and stuff. I bought a mini cooper !!! manual ofcourse. I drive it like I stole it. I literally beat the crap out of it. I was planning to sell it when summers over, but i think i'll drive it till the wheels fall off.

Also a great video for those of us who already own our older MINIs to check this stuff periodically for preventive maintenance purposes and to know how the car is holding up. Thanks for creating it!

My 2004 Mini Cooper is by far the most fun thing I have EVER owned. By far. It makes driving a whole other experience. Mine is super reliable. But I keep up on the maintenance. The best tips I can give you are DON'T buy an automatic as they go bad quickly. And the Minis of this year always start to rust under the back tail lights, so look for bubbling under the paint. Good luck and enjoy the Mini life!

Holy crap, what an amazing video, I am literally going to watch this video once a year and use it to do a check-up for my beloved mini!

These are good tips for the inspection of any used car. Also check: the fit of the doors, hood and hatch.

Extremely helpful for when I was hunting down my R53 over the last two months. Now a proud owner of an Astro Black Silver top. Keep up the videos, love seeing track time!

Thanks SO MUCH my guy! You’ve no idea how helpful it is to someone like me who knows nothing about cars. I was so afraid! But your video has helped me and I am now going to take it to firestone so they can do all of the underneath inspection that I can’t! Thank you so much for taking the time to help others with your expertise!!!!! 😊

Thanks Yes even through this is an older post, its very valuable for those seeking to purchase a used Gen 1 mini Cooper I would like to add that Mini changed Manual gearboxes in 2005-2006 to a more robust Getrag unit, Which should become a focal point for those desiring to acquire a used Gen 1 Also its very important to look at the chassis of the mini, since its road height is so low, as its common for them to snag on various items normal vehicles do not impact Finally, make a list from these videos of items that commonly wear and need replacement and focus on replacing those items, in order to extend the life of your used mini (aka timing chains, motor mounts, valve cover gasket and plug seals, oil filter housing seal, T-Stat housing, coolant hoses, rear coolant pipe seals, motor mounts, suspension parts, fuel filter (in tank) etc.) If your not a mechanic or technician, who does your own work, or know someone who does, then this can become rather expensive.

Thank you so much for this video. I have had a 2003 Mini Cooper S for 10 years, and I still learned a few things. Much appreciated,

Thank you!! I’m currently looking at a 2005 MINI Cooper S :)

Thank you man. Please do more pre purchase advice like this.

Forgot one more, check the A/C if it works. I had 2 Minis with A/C piping being rubbed through because they are routed in a very tight area. One place is right near the compressor where the radiator fan vibrations could rub a hole in the hose and the other is around the transmission. Those hoses costs $150+ each.

I don't know why, but, originally, I was extremely into the 240sx and e36 scene, and still am; Something clicked inside of me though, after watching a 1966 mini cooper video, it's like I started aching for it. I was about 3 days from buying an e36, and now I feel like I need to own this car. They never even crossed my mind to own one either. I don't even know anymore.

Its 2021 and still your video is helping people buy a used mini. Thank you.

This is actually my dream car, lol.

I’m getting ready to buy an ‘06 S, and this video has been the best I’ve watched on what to look for. Thank you!

Very useful. Also look out for rust at common points around/below rear lights, bottom or the doors, and underneath the door sill seal

I don't know the German Mini. I own the Classic Mini which drive here in the ol' smoke. I still wanted to drop a note to thank you for what is clearly a very thorough, detailed video. Classic Mini owners can only dream of a video this detailed. Cheers!

Great video man! It was priceless help - Last Sunday I bought R53. Thanks to you, I knew exactly what to check and where to look, when buying my street rocket ;)

I purchased a used 2005 Mini Cooper S a few weeks ago. Your channel has helped me alot since. Thank you.

Post 2004 minis are best, they have a better Supercharger and BMW fixed a few gremlins from the first ones. Also break pipes rust and the Duel mass fly wheel often fail.

Great video, very useful, there's so many dodgy dishonest sellers around, trying to sell you a car where the local mechanic has told them the vehicle needs work etc or it's got huge expense issues, or needs a new headgasket, the clutch is about to die, So they try to sell it on to some unsuspecting buyer. I hate buying privately second hand, you have to often wander, why are they selling it in the first place? The best ones are the, full service stamp book, low mileage, 1 lady owner, clean engine, no leaks, clean clear coolant liquid, no underneath rust or oil patches, nice easy push on the clutch, rubber seals are good, basically bring a qualified very honest mechanic with you,even if it's a small time private dealer. Remember why are they selling it, especially if it seems cheap ? In my experience buy a used car from a well known commercial dealership with warranty, full mot, usually most buyers are looking to get the next latest model or upgrade and the dealership won't risk they're reputation and buy a piece of junk to sell on.

Thanks for this video. It really helped when I purchased my 2003 R53 :)

I would also check the brake calipers and rotors to make sure there are no cracks in the brake boots .You want to see even pad wear as well .

Aww I wish I could put my MINI on your yard and let it check by you. You seem to be a really good MINI doctor... not like my MINI/BMW dealer. PS: That's a really beautiful MINI here in the video. :3

Hi! Thank you very much for this extensive video guide, all the remarks were very helpful while I was buying my first Mini Cooper S (2005). Cheers!

Great video! I would add to check for leaks in the hydrolic motor mount. Mine is being replaced today!

Got my first Mini thanks to you! All your videos gave me the confidence I needed. Thanks for the amazing videos :)

just started my search for an 05-06' R53!

Thank you for the video you just saved me buying a 2005 with a clutch that is almost gone. It would have added $1500.00 to the cost of the car.

Great vid! Thanks for taking the time to do this, it is appreciated!

Thank you for the walk through on these . I own 2 of them mine is a 2012 r56 , my wife wanted a supercharged model as she doesn't like the turbo feel , I got her an 03 r53. All the info provided made it easy for me.

This is going to be a popular video!

thank you for posting this. I'm looking at buying my first mini

always take a ramp with you when you buy a mini .

Great post and knowing what to look for in a mini is great, but in my 45 years experience of buying cars I never had one person agreeing too me taking a car home to check it, even when you take out a trolley jack they don't like it and want to know will you damage their car 🙄 in Ireland a test drive for almost everybody was a quick 5 minute spin around the block, usually with the owner sitting beside you 🧐 really private sellers don't like you messing with their cars, you don't trust them and they don't trust you.... Strange situation!

Wow, super informative. Great video!

I been on the market for 2 months trying to buy the right used mini cooper s Thanks for the tips it will be very useful.

Such an informative video. Really, thanks.

I got a 02 automatic mini for my birthday and this vid is gonna help when I look it over

Thanks. I plan to buy a used Mini Cooper S pretty soon.

Thank you for this video. I was considering getting a Mini but I've read soo many negative things about their reliability and cost of repairs that I've changed my mind. Your video confirms this. I didn't count them, but you said over and over to "look out for this, the 1st gen Mini's are notorious for that". In the Mini blogs, I've read to absolutely stay away from the 2007- 2010 Mini's. I'm very disappointed to hear these things because I was truly ready to buy one. I think I'll stick with my ugly but very reliable Scion XB. The looks and fun of the Mini apparently come at a very high price!

Great video! I got a 2003 mini last week, and just didn't know what to do... Anyways, passenger window stopped working today. I'm gonna have to fix it, sounds loose.

Helpful video.. Perhaps a list in description would be great for anyone who doesn't watch the entire video

"look for smells"

thanks for the response. luckily there was a recall in my power steering pump and fan. so the fluid got replaced

Where are you located and can I hire you to inspect a used Mini I'm interested in? I'm serious.

Thanks for showing specific problems to look for in this particular model.

I have two concerns on the minis, the first is the rear wheels being canted outward when you stare at it from the back and the second one is when engine does not start right away (it takes maybe a good 3-4 seconds before it actually starts). I didn't know much about minis until I started watching your great informative videos. Now I'm just concerned about those things if this is something I should be worry on my mini.

Some of things that afflicted early MINIs, but which you probably won't see on any that are still on the road: Tail lights that fill with water. Roof that warps when parked in the sun. False warning lights. Engine management glitch referred to as "stumble" (mostly fixed by a software upgrade, two or three years later). I had my '02 Cooper S at the dealer frequently for warranty repairs, but it was then almost trouble-free until I got near 100k, and since then I've had to replace the clutch, suspension bushings, struts, and power steering pump, the last covered by an extended warranty. Another radiator overflow tank - the new ones still have the same, leaky two-part construction - was the last fix. It's driving great at 112k.

Really usefull video, thank you! I have one question: one ball mode only changing sound or it gives additional benefits like power or smthg?

Thanks, looking at 2004, have never bought a mini...very useful information, and ideas of how to get under and look...

nice little car .but dam seems like it has a lot of problems or possible problem

I've owned a mini before and really enjoyed driving it until things started going wrong. I'm buying another but the faults I'll be looking out for to add to this video is the controls for the seat manual version), my driver side seat when not set, I had to drive it home with the back of the seat all the way back once because it would not stay upright, the AA couldn't even fix it (breakdown service), this started happening with the passenger side too. The other thing that went funny were the wipers: They went mental, whatever setting i put them on the wipers would go full blast and would not turn off I had to pull over and turn the ignition off to stop them; even then it took a while to get them to behave. So check Seat controls (manual) and Wipers

my advice after owned one 2002 Cooper... don't buy one! just don't. it is one of the most fun car i have had but it is a repair nightmare... very easy to sell it. because people buying them with their heart and not with their head!

Thanks for the tips. Finally bought mine.

He's actually kicking the tires 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

I would also add checking the heated seats if they work and also the passenger occupancy sensor (for the airbag control module). Both are expensive fixes.

I'm looking into first gen Cooper S and was wondering do they have a timing chain or belt? At what point would that get changed? Also any concerns with the supercharger past 100k miles? Thanks

I just barely found your channel today. Brother and I really appreciate how thorough you are in every video. I bought my wife a 2002 mini Cooper S her car but my project I picked it up for $2500 it needs some TLC but I'm excited to do things to it so she can have some fun, looking forward to future I just subscribe to you

I always kick the tyres

Thanks for bringing my Italian Job fantasy to life!

1:22 lol you literally are a tire kicker

Good vids man. Been checking out your channel as I myself service many of these vehicles. Always entertaining to watch someone else who dabbles in them. I would add: door lock actuators which commonly fail. Engine cooling fan/module asset which is notorious for failing causing severe overheating, and battery drainage. Same goes for the power steering pump. Many bad pumps create a very faint ringing, or high pitched hum, you can hear when you shut off your MINI and step out of it. This will drain your battery. Power steering fan update. Make sure the updated wiring was completed, and the differences between the old style, and the updated version which does not disable your engine fan if the fuse blows. CVT failures, and symptoms. Especially on the early cars. The CVT is prone to failure, even if properly maintained. All in all an excellent video.

That person really needs to clean their car

These minis are now cheap, I picked up one last august for £500 , other than 2 tyres and a service I’ve had no issues and love it 👍

I want to buy a used mini but know NOTHING about them

Amazing instructional video! I wish there were more like this for other vehicles

This video is a contradiction in logic. I will tell you what to look for in a used Mini--very easy; IF IT WAS MADE BEFORE 2010--FORGET IT!!!!!!!!

Test driving a r53 and r57 today. Almost already decided on getting a r53 but I've never driven a super or turbo charged car. Today is the day!

LOOK FOR SMELLS

Great as always! I would like to mention that when looking at a gen 1 or 2 mini that you take the time to really drive it. Not just around the block but take thru the city where you have alot of starting and stopping and out on the highway where you can get it up to higher speeds. As i found out on a vehicle that i purchased after only a short drive and two days later had to have the left front axle bearing replaced. Also make sure its clean enough to see any body damage as kurt mention, again i purchased a 2008 clubman s from a dealer and the car was dusty and later after i washed it i found hail damage that could not be seen otherwise. Keep up the great work kurt.

Some thing to check when buying 2nd hand: I you open the door take away the lower door rubber near the side skirt, look for rust on the spot welded seam. Almost every Mini from 2002 to 2007 has a problem with this.

Whoa!!! Thanks so much man..!!! It made my choice a lot easier...!

Thanks for that video. Very informative. Looking for a Mini now.

Very helpful looking at a cooper at present !! Now I come prepared to see what issues can be evident

rust tip. if it drains to the ground, drill holes in your battery box. same with the floors by your feet. and old piece of junk i once had kept filling up a few inches. didnt want it to mold up or rust and the drilled holes kept it dry and rust free too. small holes only. i used a 1/4 inch drill. two holes per passenger foot area. usually more in the back than front seating area

I picked up a 2004 S in electric blue awesome car 205k miles everything works and checks out perfect thing is one of the finest cars I have driven this and a 914 2.0 it's forsale if anyone is interested portland Oregon

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It's great for those of us, like me, who have some mechanical upkeep / repair knowledge but are not gearheads. A very thorough inspection. This will help me with inspecting my 2006 JCW.

Ace review, well done it’s been a big help

Thanks for the great video. I recently bought a 2004 mini, the video was really helpful.

I'm going to look at a 2003 Mini Cooper S 123K miles. Thanks for this video.

Wow, what a trip down memory lane. I’ve replaced almost every item you pointed to on my 2002 R53, but I still love it. I think that one needs a power steering reservoir o-ring too.

Very good video. I can see you're a man that knows his Minis. The power steering pump in the UK....google it. Some people get help with it from BMW, but for the most part on a car that old you'd be looking up to £700 in a garage.

Great video! Just purchased our first new mini. Thanks a lot!

Maybe rocker cover & plug ring gasket leak? Good video like your whole library, thanks.

As an avid Mod Mini watcher I really appreciate your knowledge with the gen 1 Mini Coopers and love to see the maintenance aspect of your videos however I would like to start seeing more interior mods on your channel if at all possible. i.e. Steering wheels, armrests, parcel shelves, rear seat deletes, shift knobs and shifters, door sills, dash kits, track pedals, etc. Also where did you find and how can I pick up those Euro JCW Recaro heated seats? Keep up the good work!

I bought a 2006 mini cooper S in 2015 that had only 39,500 miles in excellent condition form CarMax. I absolutely love my 2006 Mini Cooper S. The former owner took great care of the car. I had a few things that had to be done, but covered under my warranty and I'm good. I highly recommend this car if you are looking, but be careful to make sure you really have a complete bumper to bumper car inspection done within the time frame you have the car just in case you need to return the automobile. My mechanic(s) gave my car two thumbs up and two years later my car is doing well. Go to CarMax in Sterling,va. :)

I'm looking for a 2002 mini and this check will be very useful! Many thanks

well said Sir @ 2.59 you mentioned under the "bonnet" and not the hood! when ever I hang out with friends I have in Florida or they come over here to England we always beat each other up (in a fun verbal way) about hoods, bonnets, windscreens, windshields, boots, trunks etc etc and it never gets old lol

Thank you so much for posting this !! hoping to buy a second hand mini for my first car, I would never have even thought to check half of what you showed :)

I've got a 2006 Mini that I LOVE. The car is more fun to drive than a Porsche! And, knock on wood, absolutely no issues to date. I will be buying another Mini Cooper for my next car as after years of having many Nissans, yawn (my former brand loyalty), I am now a solid Mini Cooper man. Cheers!

I've misdiagnosed the oil pan gasket and found out about the oil pump seals where leaking; my car has 192320 miles so basically I replaced crankshaft sensor oil ring , camshaft sensor oil ring , oil pan seal , oil pump seals (inlet seal, oiler seal, timing chain housing cover sealing gasket), crankshaft seal from timing cover. And I minus well put on the valve cover gasket kit. The only thing I've haven't replaced was the rear crankshaft seal. As for all that no oil leaks..... Changing topic about oil leaks*** there is issues of transmission bearings 1st - 2nd sometimes 3rd shift. You can hear the rattle of the bearing when you shift. I've replaced the gear oil with Red line synthetic oil SAE 70W80 API GL-4 Gear Oil. Now I only hear it when the gear oil is cold but when it worms up it ok. Guessing I'm going to open up my transmission and replace the bearings. Mini Cooper has cheap bearings?

Going to check out a car today (Aug 1st 2020). Thanks for the video - Very helpful 👍

I'd recommend checking the crank pulley condition too.

Thank you for such inspiring videos. I just purchased an 05 MCS R52 and will be using your videos as a guide to future upgrades. I especially appreciate the links to parts used in your videos. - JimB

great PPI report! thanks!