I've been wanting a Mini for awhile, looked at several used S models over the last several months and now I think I'm ready to buy. I've searched on here a lot for information and other things.

The car I have narrowed it down to is a 2005 S hardtop with 30k, red, I've attached photos of it at the dealer after my test drive.

What wheels are these, I usually see the big spoked wheels vs. these.

It drives fine, rather rattly and you feel every bump, I'm assuming this is the way they are. At 30k, suspension should be fine. Should the brakes/rotors be good for awhile?

Clutch, tranny?

Are there any things to look for when buying a used Mini S? It's a 1-owner car.

I just want to see if there are any issues from that year/era that I should look for before I decide what I want to do.

I'm trading in my 2009 Scion xD on it and seem to be getting a good deal. A difference of $850 plus tax for the Mini.

Thanks.

 

Those are OEM wheels.

http://www2.partstrain.com/store/det...Y59529U10.html

Replacements can be found there.

 

Those are OEM wheels and are a 2 piece wheel and make sure you insure them because they cost more then most to fix or replace.

Check the build date on the drivers door jam since some 05's were built in 04 and there are some minor differences.

With 30K the brakes could have 15K +/- left on them.

There's not too many things that should be wrong as long as it was taken care of by the 1st owner.

 

Thanks, I believe I just found out that it may still be under factory warranty. It was bought on 7/30/2005, so the 4 year 50k warranty would still be in effect for almost a month ending this month.

Could I just take it to the local Mini dealer if it needed anything warranty related until it's up?

 

What's wrong with your Scion that you're dumping it?

 

I want something a little quicker, sporter and better looking.


Also, is there anyway to see what options came with this car by the VIN#? Certainly I know if it has Nav, but what about LSD, or HK stereo?

 

wheels are flame spoke probably has run flats. ditch um, rides harsh,ware out fast, expensive to replace tire dealers hate em !

 

Tires looked fairly new, but they were Dunlop, I'd have to see what model, but didn't look like run-flats??

 

Don't forget to check for rust under the weatherstripping along the door sills. There's a long sticky thread on the issue. If you find it, the dealer should make the repairs before you buy the car.

 

If you have the VIN, you can have a dealer run it and tell you everything you ever wanted to know (and a few things you didn't). If you have photos of the interior, most of us NAMers could break down the options packages for you. Because we're like that.

Good luck on the MINI!

 

Well, I saw heated seat switches, here's the only pic I have of the inside.

 

Looks like you've got the chrome package inside....nice! All that red should keep you awake!

 

Sorry but those are not flame spokes,, those are R98 web spokes.
If you look closely at the tire and see a circle with RSC inside the circle, then they are run-flats.

 

you can register the VIN in Mini's owners lounge, I think you go into the delivery section and it will show delivered and the options it was built with BTW those are my favorite wheels

 

I don't see that option on MiniUSA website under owners lounge.

 

Nicely optioned car. 2k leather upgrade, alarm, chrono pack, chrome line interior,

 

At 30k there should be no rattles. My 05 w/ 25k had no rattles. Are the tires the correct size? runflats? Make sue you get a carfax, but if the dealers' gf, kid or wife banged it up you'll never know.

 

"Track your Mini" then "Review Order Detail" sorry been a while since I used the function........

 

I see:
- Chrono Pack (stated earlier) = no Navi unit
- Full Toggles = DSC, front and rear foglights
- Multifunction Steering Wheel
- Standard (non-HK) stereo
- Xenon headlights (i think)

Oh yeah, and that arm rest is a factory extra as well

@zsqure: where do you see the alarm option in that pic? (I didn't see it).

 

Yeah, you are right. I still haven't bought it yet, the dealer let me take it over night so I'm taking it back this morning.

It does have Xenon's. Also, how can I tell if it has Limited Slip?

I found out it was in a light front end collision in the front driver's side. I'm a little nervous about it. It drives ok, we put about 100 miles on it last night, but just unsure. The accident happened over a year ago.

 

@zsqure: where do you see the alarm option in that pic? (I didn't see it).

Isn't what that orange/yellow tip of the wiper stalk is? I didn't pick it out but my 14 yo son did. He's all about MINIs.

 

bought an 07 S here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2814011