Hi--I am in the market for a used Mini, about 2009/2010 based on budget and typical pricing.

Today I saw a strong candidate at a well-reputed large Mini dealer. There are a couple of things about the car I wanted to bounce off the Mini experts out there:

1 - The vehicle (2009 hardtop, non-S, 30K miles, classic red & white) has been a "service car" for the dealership. Does this mean loaner or dropoff/pickup/or...? Forgot to ask. I know from the Carfax they provided it was registered as commercial. Anyone have experience with this type of thing?

2 - Although generally in very good physical condition, the front nose paint has a fair amount of small rock chips. Dealer said they could repair/repaint. I'm wondering if there is a certain "method" that should be insisted upon (touchup vs full repaint) etc., or how to know if they will do this right vs quick?

thanks!

 

Not sure about the first question but I would imagine they would only offer the "quick" paint job option. I would inquire what they mean. Rock chips always show up more on red cars imo....

good luck! You will love it!

 

I would imagine a service car could mean a number of things. Like you said, it could have been a loaner or a shuttle, even. Maybe it was a rental car in its past life? lol

I would definitely ask the dealer about that. I personally would want to know.

As for the rock chips, if they say they can fix it, they better fix it well. In my opinion, dealers need to do a better job at doing things rather than saying things (I had a bad experience when I bought my first car; it was used as well; they didn't detail the car while I was purchasing it, when they said they would.). After the paint is done, I would suggest investing in a clear bra. My MINI is chock full of rock chips all over the hood, granted she's 9 years and came from a dusty part of town lol. I've heard you can find those relatively cheap these days. Or maybe haggle the dealer to throw one in

Good luck with your MINI buying experience! Hope you get it

 

Wife had a 07 convertible "service" car....it's an old loaner car they pulled off their line.....my dealer was straight up with me; told me the clutch was replaced at 20000 because people abuse them...stay away from it.....drive a new one then drive the "service" car. Feel the difference

 

A friend of mine goes to the factory in SC to pick up his 650 BMW.
I do not know if they make them there that is not the point. They do have
a racetrack there. He is invited to some event (don't know minute details).
Anyway, next day they go to pick up their cars (about 8 cars), and beside their
cars is an identical one. The main guy goes on to explain how they get to
try the car they bought on a professional course without limitations.

He goes on to explain further he wants them to remember three words
and keep saying it over and over, "NYC". "Oh no, that does not mean
New York City, it means NOT YOUR CAR"

 

I prefer to stay away from getting old cars to avoid some issues. That's why I got a brand new MINI cooper countryman before two days. I always prefer to get a new car.