anyone know anything about bmw mini cooper S's ?

[genf_stfc]

..apart from they are for hairdressers, obviously.

my sister in law has her heart set on one, and now i have to drive out to meet some 'private dealer' with her to have a look over one. apart from checking it all lines up and the numbers match, anyone know anything specific to look out for ?

[Batch]

Guy at work has a 6 year old cooper S. Doesn't know of any problems outside of normal car issues and a couple of factory recalls.

Check inside tyre tread for ware. Characteristic of the car apparently. OK not the biggest issue if getting from a dealer as they'll have to be legal in order to sell.

[Leggett]

google for the BMW "mini" owners club, they'll most probably have buying guides on there.

[4D]

Supercharged one or Turbo'd one?

[jonny72]

Didn't that consumer programme on the BBC run a few pieces on them spontaneously catching fire?

[Nomoreheroes]

Gearbox:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/Long-term-tests/Mini-Cooper-S/

Windows and doors (read the manual):
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article1394750.ece

American problems:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/mini.html

[genf_stfc]

so... it seemed the idea was to do a part exchange of her car for the mini.  all was going fine, seemed quite a tidy motor, decent price.  Then we started talking about the exchange and the guy asked my sister-in-law for the V5 document - "whats that ?" she said.  I should have checked with her before she drove 3 hours to get here !

[axs]

Didn't that consumer programme on the BBC run a few pieces on them spontaneously catching fire?

And the brakes that explode in high speed cornering?

[Iffy's Onion Bhaji]

so... it seemed the idea was to do a part exchange of her car for the mini.  all was going fine, seemed quite a tidy motor, decent price.  Then we started talking about the exchange and the guy asked my sister-in-law for the V5 document - "whats that ?" she said.  I should have checked with her before she drove 3 hours to get here !

Ha ha.