Hey all,

I'm not an owner yet, but am shopping to be one. ;-)

I've participated in forums specific to my motorcycles, trucks, and cars, and have almost always found them invaluable resources. Looking forward to learning and sharing.

Current plan is to find an affordable Cooper and get a pre-inspection done at MINI of Nashville. Waiting to hear back if they can do a Carfax for me.

If anyone knows of a great value for sale in the area, please let me know.

Thx,
Jon

 

Welcome to NAM illzoni. Do you have a year or model you are considering, and certain mileage? In April I decided to pick up a used MINI and it took awhile to find what I was looking for. In my case, I wanted a 2004-2006 Cooper S under 90,000 and under $10,000. I finally found one for about $7,000 with just under 80,000 miles. Here's a partial shopping list I used:

Basics to Check when Buying a Used MINI

Chassis site lines for alignment
Air conditioning/heat/fans
Windows/door locks
Pull on wheels vertically and horizontally, check for movement from the control arm bushing or wheel bearing
Tire wear, wheel damage, brake pad wear
Moisture by battery box in trunk
Lights, wipers, buttons and switches, pedal feel, clutch, gearbox feel
Smooth idle, no noise or rattle, reservoir tank line, hose check
Strut tower bulge
No bouncing or chirping from tensioner assembly
No fraying or cracks on serpentine belt
Valve cover gasket and any oil at back of engine
Water thermostat – let engine get hot
Check jack points under car for bending
Check for oil leak behind front bumper at crank position sensor O ring
Oil filter housing
Power steering fan & pump inlet hose
Engine mounts
Listen for clicking sound from drive axles when test driving and turning
Clutch slave cylinder dry, oil filler cap any carbon or sludge?
Brake fluid color
Dipstick breakage

Hope this helps! Please feel free to ask any and all questions. We have over 40 years experience with this brand on the street and track, and were the first recipient of the new BMW MINI before they started selling in the USA.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

they should be able to do a carfax for you.

 

A CarFax can definitely be helpful. Several of the dealers I researched offered them for free, and several were online with the MINI listing. I appreciate they may not always be accurate, but it was helpful to see the number of owners, the states where the car has been located, scheduled repairs, and any accidents.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.