I'm sure there are many threads like this, but I want more personal responses.

I am looking at buying a 2005 MCS with 108,000 miles on it. I test drove it already and it was AMAZING! I haven't checked under the hood yet, but the tires are brand new, rotors look (feel) good and braking is nice and solid. Acceleration and shifting is smooth. There do not seem to be any issues with the car.

It is being sold by a large dealership, and the sale guy said the shop is very good at finding issues and fixing them and they will not sell a car that has or had had any major issues. There is also a warranty, which I still need to figure out what it cover (probably just powertrain).

So, my worry is that I will buy this car, and in a few days it will start to fall apart. I had an 06 Jetta 2.5 that was a great car to drive, but it was a nightmare to maintain. I don't want to end up in the same situation.

So, after this very long first post, does anyone care to stop me from buy this amazing little car ?

Thanks all! If I'm able to get a hold of an MCS, I'll look forward to posting more on this forum!

This is the car
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tad_zilla/7936631840/http://www.flickr.com/photos/tad_zilla/7936631840/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/tad_zilla/, on Flickr

-Tad

 

welcome to NAM, lol, just posted my intro thread but i saw yours, and IMO i would say it looks like a beautiful car, looks clean, I bought my 2004 a few months ago, and was pretty upset to find the damages the dealer never let me know,

my car had a"clean" carfax, so they said, but that was just the dealer, so far it seems like the car is modderately difficult to work on compared to others, mostly due to space, but with the right tools and time makes it alot easier.
but dont get me wrong at all, I love my MINI with everything ive got, its a great car, good on gas and personally i think the most fun your can have on four wheels,

Good Luck with your choice,
Ed

 

The car looks nice but before attempting to buy, I would check the carfax of the car. I also prefer carfax over other brands because carfax gives detailed history if available.

and welcome

 

Since you obviously love the car and know you want "A" MINI you just have to figure out if this is "THE" MINI. It will be next to impossible for us to help you from where we sit. And there are no decent answers to your questions regarding how the car will hold up. Having said that, it is always the best idea to buy the best car you can with the money you have. How much time have you spent searching? Is this the first MINI you have driven or looked at? There are plenty of examples out there and only by looking and driving will you be able to find out if this or another MINI is the "ONE". Having typed all of that, if you think this is the "ONE" then take it to a reputable MINI mechanic and pay them to inspect the car. It is no surprise that the selling dealership will tell you that the car is in great condition, regardless if it is or is not. They may not even pick up a potential problem just because they are not familiar with MINI's.

I would at least ask for a history of repairs and/or maintenance on the vehicle. Getting the VIN number to a MINI dealership should provide you with additional information if the current selling dealership is a bit light on facts.

And lastly, the more information you provide here the better we will be able to assist you. Pictures are great, details of the price, condition, repair history, etc., will help also.

But definitely get a MINI. Best of luck. Post if you need further assistance. And welcome.

 

8 yr old car with 108,000 miles!

The list of things that could potentially give you fits and cost your money is endless. So, if you are not mechanically inclined or know a good reasonable one, be careful. It's not just the obvious engine/transmission you have to be concerned about. It's also the a/c, front end Rear end, breaks, struts, cv boots and joints, electrical system, ....

Now, the ad states that the car was recently serviced maybe that dealer has a history of what has been done.

Finally, price. Try this experiment -- do a KBB search for this car with all the info you have. See what the car is worth retail, trade in, private party. The difference between trade in and retail is what the car will cost you just to drive it off the lot.

Best of luck in your quest for a MINI, just don't let your emotions get in the way of sound decision making.

 

Thanks all for the sound advice!

I took it for a second test drive yesterday, and looked at the car more objectively.

The car runs great, feels great (suspension, acceleration, braking, etc.), and sounds amazing!

There is some wear on the inside panels, and it is in need of some detailing.
The rubber lining around the windows has some sun damage.
There are a few minor scratches.
No mushrooming or cracking from the front strut towers.
No oil leaks under the car.
Top engine mount looks like it will need replaced soon.
Dashboard has a lot of creaking and such.
No rust. Clean on the inside (mostly) and outside.
New tires, pads and rotors are in good shape.

The dealer looked up some records and found that the car had routine maintenance at a MINI dealer down the street (Flow Mini of Raleigh). There was one $500 dollar service in the records recently, but they didn't know what that was.

I am fairly technically inclined, so I think I can handle most issue that come up.

I found a 2004 also, but I heard 2005 is a better year. I'm going to test drive the 2004 next week.

Thanks all!

-Tad

 

Sounds like you are doing the right things as far as checking the car out.

Take it from an old guy who has been buying and selling cars since before you were born, love will make you do some really crazy things when it comes to cars.

I am living testimony to that having owned a Suzuki X-90, an MGB, Dodge Dart, Cadilac Coupe de Ville, Fiat 124, Diesel Rabbit, (oh, the list is painfully long. )

 

Yeah, I know how love for a hobby goes (computers are my weakness... then Lego, and now cars...)

I found a couple other MCS that I'm going to look at. Hopefully I'll be getting one this week!

-Tad

 

Hmm, now I'm up in the air... 2005 supercharged or 2008 turbocharged? Anyone with strong opinions on either side? I know the turbo has more power and better fuel efficiency, but it seems easier to work on the supercharged motor. Any other differences, proc/cons I should consider?

Thanks!

-Tad