[Mods: I sure meant the subject to say "Sub $10k MINI". Anyway you can change that for me?]

My friend is looking for a second car to offset his $400/mo fuel bill! (Schadenfreude!)

He loves the MINI but his budget is in the $10-12,000 range. Does such a MINI exist? (I mean, that doesn't look like this:


(photocredit: vivahate. no offense)

He knows if it does, it will likely be an out of warranty, '02 or '03 with over 50k miles and hopefully not a salvage, but he's open to that since (he says) he simply wants a "putt-putt commuter car".

If anyone knows of such an item, feel free to PM me with the deets. (Did I just say "deets"!?)

 

If he simply wants a "putt putt" commuter car and is concerned about gas mileage, he might want to look into getting an older VW Golf with the turbo diesel engine. It will be very easy to find a very nice one of these in his price range.

 

Does she know you are posting pics of her car? Might want to talk to her about it before you go posting pics.

 

I'm not sure it's worth it... although you can get addicted to 46 mpg. Switching to an MCS that averages 30 mpg would cost me about $1300 per year in fuel alone... Tough call...

So I've been waiting for used MCS prices to drop into the $10K range... but it hasn't happened yet. Then I might pick one up as a w/e toy.

Used TDI's can be risky buys. Much more so than any used MINI. I bought my TDI new. I'm not sure I'd buy a used one without a lot of service records.

 

I don't know why it would be an issue since it's already on NAM, a.k.a. a public place (I did a search for "wrecked MINI"). Not like I'm not moving it off of NAM or altering the photo in anyway. But since you brought it up I just sent her a PM. If you see the photo disappear then you can say "Schadenfreude" to me!

(update: vivahate says, "Not a problem at all! Cheers")
:i:

 

Check out my post its an '02 Mini. Its Salvaged, but only cause a fender bender. No Frame Damage or Engine Damage. Only 41k right now. ITs just sitting in my drive way collecting dust. ITs also fully loaded. Has exhaust and upgraded air filters to improve mpg. I averaged over 32mpg highway. Let me know if your friend needs pics or anything.
Thanks