Just bought a 2010 R56 sight unseen. I've never driven a Mini or even been in one.

My wife said I'm crazy. I said no I'm bold.

 

Driving one isn't necessary. Knowing what you are getting is highly advisable.

 

Your wife is correct. Buying any used car sight unseen is borderline crazy.

 

Depending on financial wherewithal, you are playing (have lots of $$) or crazy (not so much $$).

 

My brother does it all the time and has it shipped to him. Been lucky I guess but never a guarantee as most of us would think.

 

With this forum, our awesome tech articles here, it may be helpful to you and your purchase. Is it already in your possession?

 

I should get it next week. Will post and let everyone know how it turns out.

This is a 2010 s Camden with 34k miles.

 

A Camden edition with low miles should be ok. Most of those were bought and kept as a weekend car with those miles, but its good to drive it and check things out.

Take the VIN and have your local MINI dealership run it, they will e able to tell you the service history or any outstanding campaigns for service or TSB.

 

I did the same with a high mileage R53 and it worked out really well. The car was stock in beautiful condition, relatively loaded, and at the right price and gave me little trouble on the last 3 years. Hopefully you are just as lucky.

 

As promised, here is my initial feedback after getting the car last week.

Overall love the car, love how it rides. In the category of "fun to drive", very close to 997 911 I owned for about 5 years. Puts a smile on my face for quarter-ish of the price of a 911.

One issue I've seen is this... The seller was very truthful of his description of the car. Everything works, no issues, etc. He answered every question I asked. The issue was what I didn't ask. It didn't occur to me to ask if he was a smoker. This day and age people still smoke which is fine but it's something I didn't think of asking. So long story short, after an all day ozone machine running, a good interior cleanup, one air freshener, smell is 99% gone.. Talking to couple of detailers they said having leather seats and minimal headliner (have pano roof) after a deep detailing, smell will all go away.

On the upside the guy also didn't mention that the timing chain assembly has been replaced and few other things were done under warranty according to paper work I found in the glove compartment.

Happy to own a mini and looking forward to years of ownership.

Ali

 

Glad to hear all worked out at the end and congrats!

 

Glad it worked out for you, its scary doing sight unseen. We need pics now. Good thing the timing chain was done.

 

T-chain needed at 30k miles?? Yikes.

As for long distance purchase/having it shipped, I've done it a few times, usually with vehicles out of the south (NO SALT), and had very good luck.

 

That's kinda how I got my MINI too. So far so good (knock on wood)

 

Glad it worked out, Ali. Also happy you're able to get the smell out. Definitely post up some pictures for us when you get the chance.

 

We need pics

 

Here is when I got it:


And here after the stripes:

 

Yep its Camden and it should talk ! Should Have Mission Control feature.

 

Yes it does. Kinda cute I guess. Now I just turn it on when I am driving the kids. They like it.

 

When I bought mine, I saw it and drove it, and looked it over for a bit. But really, I took a leap of faith on it. I can honestly say that while I know a bit about cars, my brain fogged over and I was reduced to making sure the blinkers worked and the engine sounded good. Once I bought it I emerged from my fog and thought, "What just happened? Did I just do something dumb?"

Ok, that's probably an exaggeration, but you know what I mean. I got excited, and nothing was majorly wrong. So far, so good!

 

This is now only on the Camden MINI or MINI's with the Mission control retrofit, they dropped it from the MINI connected as an option earlier this year. :(

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ofit-help.html