I found a used 2006 MCS, supposed JCW, about 1300 miles from home. I say supposed because that's how it's listed and photos of the engine seem to show all the right JCW parts in the right place. Miles are a little high at 35,000 and the price is a little low which makes me suspicious. I've been "talking" via e-mail to the dealer- salesman isn't going to be winning any intelligence or spelling contests- which has not been a help. I've read in NAM there are members that can go check out cars? How do I go about doing that?

By Carfax I found the dealer that has serviced the car but they have not responded to my e-mail questions. Are there any other sources that can help me?

Carfax indicates "body electrical wiring repaired" at 16,000 miles -- anybody know what that might be? Also, service records indicate "ABS fluid flushed/changed", "front brakes replaced", and "thermostat replaced" at 31,000 miles-- does that seem within the realm of normalcy?

Thanks for any help.

 

Where's the car located? Maybe someone knows it or can take a quick peek at it for you.
I did that when I bought my BMW in California. A guy took a look at it for me and confirmed what the dealer was selling was real.

 

I took my 05 MCS into service with 29k miles and they flushed all my fluids including brakes and I needed brakes so I would say thats normal.

As far as the wiring replaced I had the same thing happen on my Audi. I kept blowing a fuse and they fixed some wiring and almost said th same exact thing on my carfax. I don't think they can put what they want I think its just uniform and you select what was done.

If the car is near me let me know I'll go check it out, I am in SoCal

 

them there miles are more than a "little" high for an 06.... But U should still have the balance of factory warranty, and the JCW is covered, to see if there are any more electrical issues. That'd be a deal-breaker for me--and the S I currently have.

If U give us a better breakdown of what it has option-wise and the price that'd help out a lot.

Because of the electrical issues, I'd approach this car with caution, grasshopper. And welcome to NAm

 

My 2006 MINI has 37,000 miles. I really don't see that as high mileage. Nothing sends a red flag up to me. The thermostat replacement isn't exactly a normal thing, but not really a big deal either. This car still has until 50,000 for warranty coverage. Assuming the price is right this could be a good buy.

Good luck.

 

well if you do purchase this car you will still have the warranty on the car from a mini dealer unless there was after market mods on the car at the time that will void the warranty. But 37k is decent but a for a 06. I have and 06 with 23k 2more for my next service, but i didn't purchase the car until July. so i might be up at that range when my 2nd year of warranty rolls around. Good luck with your purchase. But try to do more research on the car as possible. (Recommended for buying used cars.) Don't Go on the word of the seller. There is no law on full disclosure for cars like there are for houses..

 

this may be a bit off topic, but i just want to make sure; the warranty for all minis 02-06 is 4 years/50,000 miles right?

 

Yes, whichever occurs first.

 

I have an 05 MCS/JCW with 91K miles, and it's as good today as it was on day one. I've taken it into MINI for all scheduled services, and I've changed the oil every 2500 miles and the spark plugs every 20K. My car is immaculate in every way except for the odometer reading. If you're getting a good price on it, extend the warranty to 100K miles, keep it maintained, and enjoy it.

As in any case involving a used car, go over it with a fine tooth comb. If ANYTHING makes you nervous, look elsewhere. I have had some minor things fixed on my car over the years and miles, but it has been a fantastic car. 35K is nothing on a modern car if it has been maintained, but use it to get a better price if you can!

Rawhyde