I really like Mini Coopers. Got to have one. I havnt owned one before so i just want to know what to look for when buying one. And if this car right here is worth it at all...

Thanks!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

 

It has all the right options IMO. Seems like an ok deal. Check it out and make a low offer and see what happens. Yhey are great cars IMO.

 

A lot of miles and no warranty? Buyer beware!

 

anything i should look for in the 2004 minis? usual problems?

And rev, what do you mean by too many miles and no warranty? Its a 2004.

 

70k is not a lot of miles. Rev- I guess you sit at home with your car. Regardless of miles get an extended warranty for things like, ps pump, supercharger etc.. it will pay for itself. My warranty even payed to have better(urethane) lower control arms bushings installed.

 

This should help
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Not too many for the year, but 71,000+ is getting up there and repairs could be very costly. A CarFax report doesn't tell you how the car was driven and maintained. I'd want to take a look at what a MINI dealer was selling a 2004 for and also what kind of warranty they might offer.

Now I must admit that I have less than zero mechanical aptitude so when I buy a car, I am at the dealer (or mechanic's) mercy.

Sorry if it sounds like I am throwing a wet blanket on your enthusiasm. I'll defer to those with personal experience with older MINIs. Due diligence calls for a very exhaustive Internet search for repair experience with this specific model. I wish you only the very best of luck.

 

How much would it be to extend a warranty? And thanks a lot for that link!!!

but rev, i have seen plenty of mini coopers way up there in miles. & plus i think it would help alot if i could get an extended warranty to help repairs since it is almost getting close to 100k.

 

So Rev you only buy new? Buying anything used is always a risk. Thats where the buyer beware came from. Thats why at least on cars you can get a warranty extended. I WOULD not buy a used car WITHOUT a warranty.

 

Find a good mechanic who has worked on MINIs and ask what he would recommend in the way of an extended warranty. Shop around as prices will vary greatly. Also, avoid buying one for a used car dealer as they will jack up the price. Belong to a credit union? Ask them for their recommendation. When I bought a used VW years ago, the credit union beat the dealer price by $250 on the extended warranty and another $250 on the gap insurance.

 

Before I retired, I had a very generous car allowance so I always bought new. That plus being on call 24/7 made it essential to always have a reliable means of transportation. I also have 3 kids, now all grown, but when they started driving I was always in the market for a car for one of them. I had good luck with lease returns and rental cars coming out of service.

 

Do your homework before you buy.

Call around for ext. warranty cost and any limitations because of the year and mileage.
Compare pricing with KBB,NADA and other ads.
See if any and all recalls have been completed.

 

It's not a bad price considering the mileage and equipped options. You could find a better price if you are willing to scour a few sites, but the mini you posted is about the middle of the price range for minis in that condition. They typically go for a bit higher on the average used car lot in some areas.

I would definitely recommend getting an extended warranty if you have any doubts about maintenance. Many major components reach the end of their lives around 100K and are covered by many extended warranties. It may seem pricey at first, but if your supercharger goes under warranty, it already pays for itself. Just make sure you stay within the mileage requirements of the warranty.

 

Now would i go to a mini dealership and talk to them about a warranty? or do i have to use a private party?

 

it's unlikely you would get a warranty from Mini considering the age of the car but you should be able to get an third party warranty due to the low mileage for the age of the car. Shop around and check your local credit union for recommended warranties. You may be able to find a reputable service that fits your budget and can be accepted by many dealerships and independent mechanics.

 

If you are anywhere near So California buy this:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-charlize.html

 

One of the 1st things I noticed, probably because its one of the first things I look at is the Mileage. your looking at a car which is 8 years old with less the 9000 miles a year driven on it. the national average is somewhere around 12000 a year. So based on mileage and age, you would be getting a low mileage car.
As for as pricing goes I would check KBB.com and go from there. Plus it is still within the age to finance it if you already don't have financing. But looks like a good car deal to me without actually looking at the car and driving it.


EDIT: looking it on KBB for my zip it is overpriced BUT, dont let that deter you. Pricing will be different from area to area.

 

I really do appreciate all of your help! Thanks a lot for quick replies!

 

No, I take that back. Do this: Buy a one-way ticket to LAX, take this guy out to dinner, write him a check for $17,900, and drive home in one of the most amazing pieces of equipment mankind has ever produced.
Tell your insurance agent what you are up to.

 

Going to Cali is out of the picture for me.. haha. Im way over on the east coast. But driving a mini across country would be pretty cool.

 

Price seems OK....not great, not horrible. If you want to see what cars are selling for, stay away from KBB. It's a horrible book. Written by dealers for dealers. Use Autotrader, Cars.com, Ebay, Craigslist. That'll give you a good feeling for what the market is really supporting.

If it were me, yes, I'd definitely want a warranty with that car. I'd guess a good warranty will be somewhere around $2000 +/-$500.

 

That is a reasonable deal for year/mileage. If you can turn a wrench and have some kind of automitive know how I would pass on the warranty. Yes it is getting to the f/i 100k mile where you got to worry about the s/c and a small amount of other things there is really nothing that will cost you a major fortune in repair bills. Most of the stuff is easily repaired or replced.

 

Agreed. A warranty is a wager that something major will fail. Instead of guesswork, look at the maintenance records, and get the car up on a rack for a good inspection.

 

@Pwitz I'm Selling my 2007 Mini Cooper S for $13,400 and you might find it to be a much better deal as it's the newer body and engine style than the one you are looking it. If you compare it with a new car, you can barely tell this is a 5 year old car - and it's half the price. Check it out: https://sites.google.com/site/2007cooperforsale/