Hi,


Looking into a 2006 Mini Convertible. It has 100,000 miles on it. Appears to be in excellent shape. The person has owned it for 4 years and has had no problems. This would be our first mini and have read some definite horror stories. Just wanted to know what to look for and what to stay away from. Any help is appreciated!! Thanks

 

This list of questions is a basic guide that may help: http://www.soopercooperinfo.com/Used...questions.html. Do take the Mini to a qualified repair shop for a prepurchase inspection before putting down an funding. Good luck.

 

If its an automatic -- CVT, run away -- LARGE COSTS.


If its a stick, make sure that the power steering pump has been replaced.


Check the condition of the front suspension bushings. Not a deal breaker because you will want to upgraded them eventually anyway, but worn ones can make for some really interesting tire wear (like worn to the cord in less than 5k Miles).

 

This x 100 ^^^

Have this car or any car inspected by a trusted mechanic.

 

It is a standard so that's good right?

 

The standard transmission on the 06 non S MINI is the 5 speed Getrag which is good.

 

A standard transmission 06 Cabrio with 100K miles may just be getting broken in. Three will be some minor expenses with suspension, brakes, shocks, etc., and you may want to give the clutch a good look, but those things are items that you would attend to in any situation and are not ungodly expensive -- the CVT is.

 

The ps pump is not as much of an issues on the cabrio....
Remember...
The recall is only UP TO 2005 (part year)....production changes were made...and most cabrios got a ps pump cooling duct.....I retrofitted this to my early 2005 s hardtop..$80. No ps pump issues.

 

+2
Much more relilabe than the midlands made unit that was used UP TO 2004....
2005+ Cars are pretty solid...check the top of course....
The rubber around where it seals to the body tends to rott off....replaceable for a couple hundred dollars.
Some odds and ends might be bad...a few things like suspension bushings, etc...but any 100,000 mile car has wear....

 

Thank you everyone!! Went and took it to the mini dealership to have a prebuy done on it and there were quite a few concerns. I knew as soon as I got into it and drove it the clutch needed replacing. They also came back with control arm bushings, struts, valve cover gasket, oil filter gasket, oil pan gasket, motor mount right side, and the famous power steering pump. They said fan and intake and return lines but we will just go with pump lol. The car is super clean. I have walked away from it today till I got more options on this. It does have 100,000 miles yes there is going to be maintenance but did they nit pick per say? The nice service guy told me if it had been services the whole time at the dealership the car wouldn't be like this.

Anyone's opinion is greatly appreciated. I really loves the car just didn't want to get I to a money pit. If we fix these things and it's good to go for awhile then great!!!

 

I'd say call it a day and walk away.. That's why you get a pre-sale inspection. Just think of the stuff they probably missed..

 

Most of this stuff is judgment calls. Almost any 100K Mini is going to have seeps at the valve cover and oil pan - whether they are enough to warrant replacement is preference. (For example, I've had two shops say I need to replace my oil pan gasket, yet I have no drips on the garage floor and no discernable loss of oil between 5K+ oil changes. (By itself, this is a $1K+ repair at the dealership.) Is the strut leaking or are they just saying it is time for replacement? Yes, this stuff would probably be flagged if you're servicing at the dealer, but dealers are generally always going to flag anything that they think is even slightly marginal - if you let the dealer be the decider on what needs fixing on a 100K Mini, you're likely to be out thousands every year.

Just my opinion, but dealer servicing costs at most Mini dealerships are completely out of control - you could easily spend 35% of the value of the car every year if you do everything they want to do when they want to do it. If you don't want to get into a "money pit", don't buy a 100K Mini and have it serviced at the dealer - period.

If this is all that is flagged and you have some mechanical judgment to work with a good independent mechanic or do some work yourself, I'd give the car continued consideration. This assumes, of course, the clutch repair is factored into the price. If you're a neophyte who doesn't know a camshaft from a oxygen sensor, then buy a Mini only under warranty.

- Mark

 

You use the pre-sale inspection to show the private seller what needs to be addressed or get the MINI for a lower price.

Almost all of the items mentioned are normal parts to replace at 100,000 miles anyway, if not now then soon. If oil is dripping onto the floor then those gaskets are a priority but if it is a little oil leak that shows only on the engine then you have time. Same for the struts, if only worn then you have time, leaking then replace set.

A word about the Power steering pump, I did the inlet and outlet PS hoses only as they were leaking, then shortly after I had to replace the PS pump. I should have done both at the same time but didn't.

Also check the power windows as they tend to be weak and go bad.

 

Thanks for all of the great responses. I am still giving it consideration as of now. I really do like the car but like I said before I am terrified of a money pit. They even addressed the creaky doors lol. The power windows seemed fine. The other big thing that bothers me is the windshield is cracked. Has anyone ever dealt with aftermarket because 900.00 for the one from BMW was and is absurd.

 

Sure, this is the kind of things you would expect on a 100k mi mini. But, you'd think the seller would have been taking care of this expected maintenance. You are correct, the seller should lower the cost appropriately so the buyer can take care of the problems.

 

Nothing wrong with aftermarket glass. I had mine replaced a few years ago with Pilkington glass due to the original being badly pitted. As I recall it was about $200.

I don't think you'll buy a money pit, but let a mechanic check it out for you. Make sure the top operation works as it should.

Good luck.

 

Seems a little steep for a windshield. I'm paying $375 for a full tint job and new windshield at a local shop as soon as it warms up a little. Shop said it's OEM glass.

 

After all of the consideration I think we may make an offer!! You all have been excellent help!! I'm glad I found this forum!!! I will keep you updated on the outcome on whether or not we become new Mini owners!!!!