I have looked at a couple so far and drove one aswell. There's one in PA I plan on looking at on Friday. Looks the best of the bunch so far but just wondering if there is anything I should look for such as repaired panels or something out of the ordinary.

The cars I'm looking at are 02-04 MC with an Auto.(not my choice but a car everyone in the family could drive) The car has 29K on it and is an 03 with a couple months on the warrantee. (so its going in for a check up if I buy it). Carfax shows clean but its had atleast 2 owners in the 29K miles. I plan on trying to talk to the last one as to why the sale but who knows if they will give out that info. Anything else would help. Thanks.

Here is a good general checklist of things to take a look at (borrowed from tigwantstoplay):

Wheels
Tires
Paint
Trim
Windshield
Wiper Blades
Interior
Lights (In/Out)
Actual Miles
Service Timer
Stereo
Speakers
Locks/Doors
Windows/Seals
Dash
Toggles
Floor Mats
Glove Compartment/latch
Keys - x2 + valet

Strut Towers
Motor Mounts
CAI
Pulley
Belts
Oil
Plugs
Brakes
Coolant
Wiring - harnesses
Jack Pads
Battery

Sunroof

Boot - Tow Hook/Jack

Service Record
Number of previous owners
Trade-In, Or?
How long on lot?
Visible Mods/De-mod having been done

Then, just drive it and see how it feels!

I know you said a MC, but did you look at MCS's. I have seen so many people say the same thing, then they wish they had looked at MCS, just a thought.

Check the strut towers, usually they have mushrooms... May cause bad alignment.

I would like to have the MCS but I am looking for the Auto trans. So that limits me to the MC plus it keeps me in the better price range of about 15K. My daughter will be driving it some so I think the MCS has to much go for a teenager plus less on insurance not by much.

MCS comes with auto trans as well

But the other reasons are accurate. Lil cheaper, and so is the insurance.

I wouldn't worry about a car having two owners. The Mini is more of a third car or fun car for a lot of folks. Also, there are those that fall in love with the shape, but then can't handle the size.

An auto won't be too bad for your situation. Around here there's a pretty hefty discount on auto cars since they are'nt all the desirable. Look around... there are loads of cars around so don't be afraid to wait and get a good one!

look at the stock problem issue's section. there is a thread about CVT failure. I don't want to steer you away fromt the MINI, but you should be informed.

would add front control arm bushings to the checklist.

Just keep the MCS stock and you will be alright, just don't let "you" get bitten by the "mod bug" like most of us have .

Also get the vin number and email your local mini dealership the vin. They can tell what packages the car has on it. Gives you an idea on if the car is worth it or not. They can also tell you exactly how much time you have left on your warranty.

If the PA car is at Executive Auto Gallery you should know that car has a Salvage title. It was flooded.