Hi all,

Need some opinions..

I am looking at a beautiful '05 MCS and pristine condition. Recently serviced (haven't verified), brand new run flat performance tires, new brakes, etc... Looking at the car, you'd think it was brand new. I took it for a test drive which was great. I went down the check lists and things to look out for listed on this site. Everything checked out.

My only concern was the fact that on the carfax/autocheck report she was listed as the 3rd owner. The first owner had the car for 4 years, then the car was sold last November and then again in February (to the current owner).

The local MINI dealers service departments aren't open today (Sunday) so I can't call them to check the service history. Will do so first thing tomorrow morning.

Should I be concerned over the multiple owner thing? Even if the service reports check out, is the multiple owner thing a bad deal?

Thanks!

 

It could be relevant...maybe not. A lot of people have been listing their MINI's for sale because of issues related to the economy....loss of jobs, etc. Maybe they bought it and realized it didn't work for their lifestyle. Check it out. Hope it works out for you.

 

Ask her why the last person sold it to her after a few months and then ask her why she's selling it after a few months. The first owner loved it for 4 years obviously, but he sold it once warranty was up. Did he realize something was up with it, sold it to the next guy, then he realized quickly, then sold it, etc. etc.?

Maybe check the common issues like the flywheel, is that making noises from 1st gear (if manual)? Or power steering, does that fail in a tight lock and go dead?

Good luck!

 

Why would a MINI dealer release sevice info over the phone, on a car you do not own? I hope they arn't releasing my info to any Joe Blow that asks for it....

 

Now maybe if you are paying for the MINI dealer to give it a 60 point inspection, with the current owner's permission. Then the stored key fob data could be retrieved on a newer MINI. I think the push button start and key fob did not start until 2nd gen 2007 and newer.

 

MCS Fever, you can go to the dealer and ask for service information on any car. They have two versions, one with the customer information and one without.

So, in this case, because he's not the owner, they would print records for the issues fixed on the car and service history without any personal information!

 

This is likely a good car but to be sure, take it to a MINI shop and pay to have them go over it. This will likely cost $100, but it is well worth it. I did this with a Mercury Sable that looked absolutey tops, and to my surprise the independent mechanic I took it to told me to drive the car back to the dealer and run from it as fast I can, which is what I did.

 

Remember that any history you get from a MINI dealer will only reflect the service that a MINI dealer has performed. It will not alert you to anything that the owner did himself or had an independent shop do. Just something to think about (good or bad).

 

A good idea for any used car. I have walked away from 2-3 cars by doing that.

 

Thanks everyone!

I contacted the dealer and got some general information. Not much more than when it was serviced and what, if anything, was recommended. I will be getting it checked out just to be sure.

As long as everything checks out, I will be joining your ranks soon!

 

Before I bought my used MINI my local MINI Dealer (Otto's in West Chester PA) ran the VIN and told me what service was done on the vehicle. Luckily THEY did the service for the previous owner (who's identity they kept secret). I was purchasing from another wholesale dealer so obviously the car was traded in. My MINI dealer offered a complete inspection for a reasonable price ($60) and it went in a few days after I took delivery. They did any service that was due, made some minor repairs under warranty, and even gave me a loaner for the day. Top notch service all the way!!! I'd have hopefully gotten the same info in a carfax report .... but in my case Otto's service advisor Nichol was way more helpful.

 

My MINI dealer never gave me any previous owner info but when i called for the sirius radio activation the woman on the phone there gave me the old owners name and city she lived in! I didn't even ask for it she just started "ok You are calling in regards to a BMW for Mrs blah blah blah..." I have had the worst experience with sirius radio so far....

//sorry for of topic but it pertained to giving peoples info out so if you have sirius xm know your ID is NOT safe...

 

Well, things checked out and I am an extremely happy MINI owner!

 

did you find out about the quick turn over?

congrats btw! post pics

 

From what I understand, her husband died and she had no use for multiple vehicles. I felt bad, and if the car was in bad condition I would have suspected the reason was a diversion from the real reason. I guess it still could be bogus but she seemed legit and the car was in excellent shape so I didn't dig too deep after hearing that.

As for the pics, I will try to get some up soon!

 

To be really safe on this purchase, buy the extended warranty that covers everything.

If you don't plan to drive alot of miles, put the money that the extended warranty would have cost in the bank for those future repairs that will come up someday . . . . . . . . . .

 

I looked into a couple places for an extended warranty but the amount they wanted to charge seemed high, like over $4k. Didn't seem right or maybe it was? And I would imagine a manufacturer's extended warranty wouldn't be possible since I bought it privately, or is it?

 

I wouldn't do extended warranty. But I had bad experiences with my last car and extended warranties.