In a day, after doing most of my research and 'looking into it' many months ago, I finally decided to dive into the 'Realm of MINI' - and bought one (used) today

`03 (just-a-Cooper) - 72,000 miles, 5 spd manual w/the "Leather-ETTE'" - $9250.00 ..... not sure what else I got that may have been an "option" at factory? Also; Green - (British Racing?) - with the white top, racing stripes on the hood...er, uh - the BONNET - white side-view mirrors and white wheels - will post some pics as soon as I'm able to.

I "think" I did well on the purchase (in fact I think I did INCREDIBLY well!?!) - hoping only that something doesn't surface that I may have found-out about had I been a bit more patient/cautious.

QUESTION 1: Does MC have anything such as I am used to at Ford, which Ford refers to as; an "Oasis" Report?

For those unfamiliar, this is where one could walk into any Ford dealer with a Ford VIN and get a print-out of ALL history/maintenance/recall & repair records handled/performed within the Ford Dealer-service database.

I'm gonna be `round here quite a bit now gang....

Thanks in advance,
g......................

 

Congratulations, sounds like a nice buy on your MC.

Yes, pictures would be great. Check the usual on a 72K car, but the MCs will run forever with good maintenance.

I think if you get to know the Service adviser at you local MINI dealer, they may be able to pull and print a history on the MINI.

Good luck and have fun driving.

 

Congradulations!!! When I bought mine I called the service department in Washington and they emailed me the service logs.

 

Great Mini - Have fun!

 

Thanks to all...now, not sure of protocol here, whether to start a new thread or not, but I have some questions (so many at the moment I can't think of them all).

1. I only have one key - I suppose a dealer is my only option on getting dups, eh? Anyone have any idea how much extra keys could/should, may/might, would - cost?

2. I believe I only have one dealer within 50 miles of here (central Virginia), is anyone aware of any other MINI mechanics between, say, Wash., DC and Richmond, VA? I also head-out toward West VA quite a bit - how about out that way? I want to get it looked-over thoroughly once here in the beginning by someone who knows more about them than I do (which is not much).

Thanks again to all, and in advance,
g...........................................

 

Congrats!

If you head on over to http://ol.miniusa.com ("ol" is for Owner's Lounge) you can get an account with your VIN and you'll see a report that shows all dealer records. Obviously, it only records visits to the dealer.

And you will need to see the dealer for a new key. I forget the amount, but it's in the $100 range. Our keys are fancy for 2003 - they are sent the car's mileage, last service date, and a few other things over a wireless connection every time you start the car.

 

congrats and welcome

 

WOOOO! British Racing Green is of course the best color. Make sure to post on the British Racing Green thread on the General forum. Make sure to have fun, join a Mini Club and Motor on! Welcome to the NAMily

 

Welcome to the obsession from MAD-town, WI. Always great to hear that another BRG JustACooper has found a new home!

 

When responding to your other post I didn't know you had bought the MINI.
You'll soon find out that it's an experience unlike owning any other car.
First, you have NAM which is a treasure trove of information. You can search almost anything and get an answer.
Also, a MINI is one of the most fun cars that you can own.
I, too, bought a used MINI... you're gonna love it!

 

Yep, I bought `er already...

Regarding the other post, I'm simply trying to add-to the 'warm-fuzzies' - that I already have after the 1st 24 hours of ownership - with some good, solid, long-term owner-expense reports/data.

I ALREADY KNOW this li'l rig is a quality-built machine - have known that since I first learned of them 6-7 years ago. Taking an actual "first drive" just yesterday (on an `03 with 72000 on the clock - that spent its time up NORTH [salt exposed] at that!) only further-fortified my appreciation and Respect for these wonderful machines.

Thanks (and still searching for the warm-fuzzy TCO-type data too by the way...),
g..............

 

I, too, spent a long time lurking before buying my '04 used. It's truly a great little car.
Wait till you drive it in the snow... you won't believe it... it goes like crazy!
(Of course snow tires help)