MINI (2001-06)

There are a couple of Noughties Minis in our ads this week – here’s what to watch out for

IS THE STEERING NOISY?

Expect the power steering to whine at low speed, but if the sound is really pronounced it means that the system is low on fluid. Power steering pumps are known to leak and the wiring is also prone to corrosion. It’s not hard to repair things on a DIY basis, though, or you can get a specialist to fix things for you for around £350.

WATCH OUT FOR WARNING LIGHTS

Check that everything works as it should. Focus on the windscreen wipers because poor access to the motor makes replacing it much more involved than it should be. Also check the instruments, because fuel gauges can play up – and so can the central locking, so check that this also works. Warning lights can come on for no reason and speedometers can stop working; once this happens it’s likely that there’ are even bigger problems ahead.

CHECK THE WINDSCREEN

Windscreens break all too easily, so ensure that there are no chips or cracks. The vendor should really replace a damaged screen before sale, by claiming on their insurance. Many insurers won’t allow a genuine BMW windscreen to be fitted but the pattern alternative doesn’t seem to be any less durable than the originals.

ASSESS THE TRANSMISSION

The ‘Midland’ five-speed gearbox fitted to early Ones and Coopers is weak. 2004-on ‘boxes were stronger, but upgrading to it (or the Cooper S six-speeder) is expensive. A Midland ‘box is on borrowed time once its synchro goes; if the crownwheel works loose, the car loses drive. Check for whining and notchiness.a rebuild with an uprated bearing is £350.

SEE HOW IT RUNS

All petrol MINIS used a Chrysler-sourced Tritec 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, with a supercharger bolted on in the Cooper S. This chain-driven engine tends to just keep going, but the timing chain will probably need to be replaced after 100,000 miles; the engine may be ready for a rebuild by this point anyway. This is expensive relative to the car’s value, so it makes more sense to fit a used engine.