I've been looking for a commuter vehicle to replace my VW Touareg.

I was looking at a Mazda3. Then I drove a MCS. So long mazda!

I have a line on a very clean 2005 MCS with 12k miles. Dark Silver Metallic/Black/No stripes. Single owner. I is a 6-speed, with Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Leather. It may have other stuff, but I can't tell. I'm going to take it overnight, tomorrow. I will probably get it for good on Friday or Saturday.

Is there any way to tell exactly what's on the car? I'm being offered $21,500. Is that a decent deal. There are not a lot of used vehicles in my area (Minneapolis, MN).

I've already been looking to buy 16" wheels with Nokian RSI's for winter. I've run Nokians on my other vehicles. Fantastic tires!!

Anything I should look out for? Any advice in general?

I've already been lining up accessories. I guess I've been bitten.

Thanks for your help

 

Welcome!

My only concern for a Mini as a daily driver in your area would be that of ground clearance in a snow storm. We used to live in Colorado, and my old Mazda 626 was a good snow car until the snow got a little deeper and before the snow plows could get to work. I think it would be good to check some of the local chapters and check into that.

As far as equpiment, that sounds like a pretty good list to start with. I'm not sure how you could tell about LSD or other items like that. The obvious ones are fog lights, steering wheel controls, etc.

Good luck! Minis are a lot of fun to drive - I traded in my SUV a couple of months ago and have no regrets! But I also don't have to worry about driving in snow any more....

 

Sounds like a very nice car. You might try calling 866-ask-MINI with the VIN number. They may be able to tell you what exactly is on your car. I'd recommend 15" snow tires. The car will ride a bit better & you could go with a narrower tire. From what I've heard the RSI's are a great tire.

 

+1 or Email MINI USA with the VIN and they can tell you all the original options the car came with.

 

Welcome to NAM! Sorry I can't help with the potential purchase as I am in UK and the options and prices are different here.

 

Sounds like a nice MINI... but what ? You couldn't find a Chili Red or Pepper White one ?

That's very few miles on an '05 ! Must've belonged to a weekend-only motorer or something. Or someone who had a very short commute, perhaps. Good find... still has lots of warranty remaining.

Seems like a fair price, too.

 

So I'm still undecided between 15" or 16" wheels for my winter tires. Thoughts?

Also, steel versus alloy?


thanks

 

OK my thoughts were, that a narrower tire size was available to me in the 15" size. I went with 185/65/15 Hakka 2's. With the 16" size the narrowest would have been a 195/55/16. The other reason was to my thinking the rim was better protected against impacts by the taller sidewalls of the 15" tire. My last reason being with that taller sidewall the tires would ride better that the 16" ones would.

The most important thing is that you get snow tires if you plan to drive on snow & ice. The size is up to you.

 

Welcome to NAM! You choose well grasshopper! The Mini is THE CAR! I would be a bit concerned over the daily commute in MN. with your low clearance though. I live in Missouri and there has been some days that I couldn't even back my baby out of the garage and had to go in my 4-wheel drive instead. Good Luck though and post some pics.