I found this mini that looks interesting, but according to carfax it has had 3 owners. The last owner was a lease for 2 months which seems weird. Looks like it was sold multiple times in a short period of time. It had it's thermostat replaced at 16k miles, clutch at 22k (how does a clutch go bad in 22k miles unless they couldn't really drive stick?). Starter replaced at 28k and 40K (is this typical?). It looks as if the work was done by certified mini mechs. What do you think, should I stay away?


Listing:
http://www.omegaautosale.com/invento...and+Prairie+TX


CarFax Report:
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...MF73597TT82275

 

Just my opinion, but if it feels off, don't do it. It might be a fine car, but you're going to rest easier if you get a car that hasn't been passed around and that eats up starters for some reason.

 

This is the trend that I've seen historically with MINIs: If they're trouble free, they tend to remain that way(maybe a small fix here and there). If they continuously had issues in their history, they seem to continue having issues(and not necessarily same ones either). I'd stay away unless they're giving it away.

 

Sometimes carfax will report a namechange (a marriage or divorce) as a ownership change....so it no very useful....

 

The work listed DOES sound odd...perhaps an owner who was trying to start a running car...learning how to drive a stick....most likly the type who NEVER check their oil level...mini's can burn oil at high rates...boom!! Or a scare results...big $$. Run away imo...find one that feels right.

 

ummm in my opinion don't do it find something else you gonna have to pay a little more, but that's just my opinion, god knows what each and one of them do to the car.

 

With that amount of mileage, i would just be prepared for timing issues. It may or may not happen but do not be surprised when you start getting the rattle.. But if the car is quiet when it starts and it drives straight, no goofy vibrations going highway speeds, easy shifting and etc... it may not be bad at all... There are people who buy MINis for the first time , They then can get second thoughts,, too small, not as fun, and etc....

What matters the most is its never been wrecked, its quiet and drives straight, I would rather buy a car that has a lemon on the title and meets the above criteria than a car the has engine rattle, leaks, vibrates, electrical problems, doesn't shift smooth or etc....

 

well my car has a small little rattle when i am at a stop but that's not a big issue to me riding it. when am riding it that car feel awesome and the car has 96k

 

Um....no walk away!

 

Dude look at that car in person. If it is truely from Germany and has the European emissions you want this car for the amount of stuff you can do to it. Plus $11k is a good price for that year and mileage. I have an 07 with about 30k more on it and can still get around $14k for mine. At least go look at it.

Wow really I read all the thread responses, in 6 years it has had 2 starters and a clutch. The starters are kind of iffy but, the clutch is not. Not driving a car for many years is like driving it too much in the first couple of years. Things tend to break. Plus look at the year that those parts were replaced. Completely with in the warranty period. This is starting to sound like a better and better car to me. But hey I am not scared to buy a car out side of warranty like some people.

 

I would look at it as a used car first, then a MINI. A car 5 years old, 70k miles on it (14k per year, not bad). Most of the service work reported was at a dealer, which is a good thing. I don't think it is a big deal that the car went to auction, or had a short lease (who leases a used car?). Check for odd tire wear or signs that an accident happened.

I see an attractive MINI S, lots of options (sunroof, heated seats, auto A/C, cruise control), and average miles. Take the car for a drive, see if you notice anything odd. Again, treat it like you were buying a Honda with 5 years and 70k miles on it.

If you get serious, then make sure you get an opportunity to change your mind (2 weeks, 1000 miles, for example), and a warranty (90 days?). Read up about carbon cleaning, timing chain, fuel pump, water pump recall, and other issues on this forum.

If it passes your non-passionate inspection, then begin to love it like a MINI can be enjoyed. Don't be afraid, just get knowledgable.

The price is attractive, the car looks OK. Treat it like a business decision.

Good luck,
Mike

 

The Carfax says it was a lease. That alone would prevent me from buying it. Most people I've known who lease a car almost treat it like a rental. It might look in good condition but it may have been driven very, very hard and regular service in its early life was probably ignored.

 

YUP......what he said...
I 2nd this.

 

Just by the fact you're asking the question indicates to me that something in your gut is telling you to be cautious. I'd listen to the part of the brain urging caution. There are plenty of used MINI's to pick from out there. I'd keep looking. I agree with others who have posted that some MINI's seem to be great vehicles requiring little to no repairs other than routine service and maintenance work and others seem to be in the shop frequently. Another way to look at it - if it was a Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Toyota (anything other than a MINI) would you still be interested with that carfax service history???? I am guessing not. Best of luck with your decision.

 

Looks clean. High mileage, low price.

I might rather take a chance on this one in San Antonio (low mileage JCW, $18,500): https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...per-white.html

 

Scariest thing on the CarFax is that the owner who wore the clutch out also appears to have had the car repossessed.

 

I bought my MINI for cheap, it had 3 owners, high mileage, 2 minor accidents, and one report for vandalism.
Car hasn't had any engine, electrical, or clutch problems, but I've been rear ended 3 times in the year and a half I've owned it. I'm a little over 100,000 miles on it by now.
And EVERY single carwash I've been through something has broken or damaged my car.

 

Repo cars are imo a crapshoot....if they are not paying payments, what other irresponsible things are they doing with the car?

 

I make it a general rule to not buy from independant car dealers. They usually buy the ****ed cars at auctions that bigger dealers wont touch. The price is pretty good, but you dont know what unknown problems it has. Like the last owner knows the clutch is going and trades it in or its burning a lot of oil and trades it in. I assume almost everything at those dealers is tainted. I stick to big dealers and private party.

also, the amount of owners carfax reports is off sometimes. I bought a 2012 mustang 5.0 last april and traded it in on my mini. I was the original owner, bbut it bounced around between dealers till i bought it. It listen every dealer it was at as an owner.

I just picked up a 07 with 55k on it for 12.5k with sunroof, auto climate, heated seats and some other options. I bought it from a mini dealershipa and it was sold previously as a mini next vehical so it had some warranty left and free maintenance till october.

 

Bingo, looks like the 3rd owner is just a dealer