So I'm going to pick up a GP this saturday. Only one owner with 47k miles for $16k, is that too much? Before I hand over the check, I'll be going over it. Anything I should look out for? I have an 04 r53, so I'm not to sure what problems the 05 & 06 models might have.

 

If the car is in good shape that is a good number. IMO should consider that the car is at 11 years old. The crank pulley could have some dry rot started. Oil leaks on the front of the engine would most likely be the crank o-ring sensor. The belt tensioner piston has probably seen better days as the coil pack. Original front brakes?

I see you are in NJ, for me the biggest concern in "salt rot land" is whether the car was driven during the winter. Side roads get lots of rock salt and sand, the main highways get dosed with salt brine.

 

The car is located in Maryland, but yea I'll be checking for those issues. I was going to swap my ATI crank pulley and belt tensioner into the GP when I get it. I wasn't sure what common issues the 05 and 06 models had. Would the leak from the engine mount be obvious or is there a way to clean it up? The car is being sold at a car dealership, would they allow me to put the car up on ramps for me to inspect the bottom of the car?

 

Is this from Magothy? If so, they are a good group of people. I don't see why they wouldn't put it on a lift (or other) to be looked at. They'll let you do a PPI (Annapolis Mini is the closest).

 

Yea it's the one from Magothy. I wonder how much dealerships charge for a PPI.

 

If I recall, Mini Of Montgomery (Gaithersburg, MD) was around $100 or so.

Call Annapolis Mini (410-349-9312) and ask.

 

Just called Annopolis MINI, they wanted $290, but they didn't have any available times on Saturday.

 

Other shops in the area:

Mini Of Baltimore County (Towson): 410-296-6464
Mini Of Montgomery (Gaithersburg) - (little ways away): 240-238-1200

 

Thanks for the info! I just scheduled an appt with MINI of baltimore. They only charge $135

 

Welcome - I think you'll be a lot more comfortable with your purchase.

That said, Magothy is a really nice group of people.

 

Appears you have a dealer that is not into what most Mini people think of a GP. Good find.

You will know right off if the car was driven in the salt as the bolts that hold the muffler midsection and the suspension will be rusted. The aluminum of the tranny and oil pan will also be white looking like water scale.

 

Considering the amount of miles on the car. I have a good feeling this car was just used on nice days, and probably never seen snow. If all things go well, it looks like I'll be swapping some parts from my car to the GP.

 

You've looked at the Carfax right? Looks like the car was located in Florida until some time last year

 

Yea I saw that. is that weird?

 

No, it just means you don't need to be worried so much about NJ / MD salted roads

 

haha yea it'll be rust free!! until I drive it in NJ

 

I lived in Florida for 25 years. For the most part the cars are rust free but if you get one that is parked close to the Gulf/Atlantic you can have allot of issues with electrical/ground issues. The salt air moisture is what causes the problem.

There is a ground strap below the engine compartment fuse box. Have to remove the air box/ecu in order to rotate the fuse box up-side down to see the strap. I am thinking that would show some corrosion if the car was next to the water.

 

I'm not sure if the dealership is going to let me take apart the car lol

 

The only thing that I'm concerned is that wire in front of the radiator. I know that does not belong there, so I'll definitely be questioning about that.

 

You could ask them to look there during the PPI.

 

It looks like maybe the radiator support housing was replaced.

 

Again, these are things I would ask during the PPI.

 

Haha yea I'll let the dealership know.

 

You need to do some more looking at the front end as it looks like the core support has been replaced since the stickers and foam are missing, and the fan wire is hanging out. So may have had something happen in the front.

 

Yep I noticed that too. This car may have been in an accident, and they didn't put a claim on it.