Hi- I have been fervently searching all classifieds for over a year for an inexpensive later model cooper, preferably an S.

I found what I think is a great one from an online ad. I live in Phoenix and the car is outside LA in Sherman Oaks. I called the owner and he seemed taken aback by the idea I was a female and suggested maybe a guy should come over and take a look at it first and then report back to me. He confirmed that no one had looked at it and I was the first call. He said that he would not sell it to me unless I had someone go to his place to check it out first. He said not to fly in as he wasn't interested in having to pick me up or do anything out of the ordinary to sell to someone out of state.
Allright, we hung up and I t went online and contacted a coupla places that could do a pre-buy inspection which were about 5-10 miles from his general area. I called him back and suggested that I would definitely buy his car if he would consider taking it to one of these places. He now indicated that someone was coming on Sunday to look at it and that if he wished to go through "all of that" he would let me know on Monday.

I really want the car and am looking for someone that lives in his area, Sherman Oaks, CA, who could go to his house to look at the car, then call or email me to let me know their observations. I'd be happy to pay and I would like to do it tomorrow the 10th or Sunday the 11th. The mileage is only 24K so I doubt there are any major probs outside of the owner being not motivated to sell even though the ad notes it has to be sold by this week.

It is a 2010 S automatic, 24K. He says the title is clean and that it was hit on the door, but he got it fixed. Other than that he says it runs great and the reason he wants it gone is due to the car being hit. That did not really raise a red flag for me, especially b/c it is a clear title.

Anyone? Suggestions? THoughts?
Thanks, Leslie

 

Don't know your price range or tastes, but a club member has a sweet 2008 with nice mods for 18k. 51k miles. His car is in excellent condition.

 

Sounds like it is still under warranty, should request dealer info ie service records and stuff.

 

Thanks and I would have done that but the seller basically doesn't want to deal with me until someone comes out in person to look at it.
Can't say I blame him. I guess I would also prefer to sell it to someone locally as opposed to a voice on the phone from another state.
I hope I can find someone to go out and look at it for me.