Hello. I am looking to buy my first MINI. It seems as though the pool of available cars is limited in the Northeastern Massachusetts area. I have been browsing craigslist similar sites and have seen a few decent cars, but I feel like my options could be better if I wait it ou, and maybe that's true.

I'm just wondering if there are any sites (besides NAM ) I might be missing or recommended dealers in this area that I should know about. Maybe some anecdotes about how you found yours? Anything would help.

Thank you!

Highline Motorsports in Lowell has had 2 R53s on the lot for several months now (at least since June, by my recollection): an '06 w. ~37k on the odo for $19k (VIN: WMWRE33596TL24229), and an '05 w. 60k for $17k (VIN: WMWRE33535TL11698).

Both were out of my price range when I was shopping -- I ended up with a beautiful '05 MCSa, @ 50k for $16k from another dealer) -- so I haven't driven the cars nor do I know how flexible the dealer is likely to be on price. They haven't marked down the asking price over the last few months, but it strikes me as being decidedly on the high side -- confirmed by the fact that they haven't been sold yet.

I also don't know anything much about the dealership. There were some rumors/rants online about needing to be careful about Highline selling flood-damaged cars, but I have no idea how credible these claims are. CARFAX should be helpful here.

Another one in Lowell: It's an '02 R53 with about 70K, but the "E Price" is $12k.

Don't know anything about the dealer, Karman Auto Sales.

Actually drove this one. Nice car, but we went with the S instead.

Dealer also has an '07 MCS on the lot that was out of our price range.

TimL: Thanks so much for the prompt response. I guess I should have included my price range in my post. I'm trying to find a Cooper S under $13k. I have found a few that don't look well-cared for and a few maybes as well.

Thanks again.

I found my used '04 MC at Haskins in Wellesley, Ma by searching the 'net while I was sitting in the Charlotte airport. The price was right and in the color I wanted with decent options. I was looking for almost 9 months before I found "the one".

That does narrow things a bit! From my own experience you'll mostly find '02s and '03s in that price range, but if you're in no rush, it doesn't hurt to be patient.

If you have the time, you might check out the '02 MCS at Karman in Lowell -- if nothing else, it will give a you a point of reference.

Good luck with your search!

www.cohassetimports.com
Terrific people to deal with.

Have you tried Herb Chambers in Boston, or Inskip in RI ?

Mini Of Peabody were not receptive to dealing well....even after I drove some 89 miles to their show room.

I was recently at Inksip, and they had a huge selection of new and used one's on site....

I'm from boston and bought my first mini about 3 weeks ago. I searched for about 10 days until I came across a BRG '03 Cooper S with 68k miles for $11,000 out the door (plus tax). I bought it from Girard Toyota/BMW in New London, CT. I found it on autotrader.com They had it listed for $14,900 but I talked them down to $11,000. Just be persistent and most dealerships will come way down on price. If you are patient, you can find something within your price range.

I was down to 3....after searching for months. I was hoping for 13k as well but found out that there really isn't much in that range it's either 11k with 80k + or 15k for 25-50k I figured the 2k was worth it.

Honestly this one is sweet but they won't go under 15k...they were about to ship it to auction until I called and had them hold it, but then I actually bought a diff one yesterday.

Check this one quick

If you are interested in this - email adam marshall and tell him I sent ya =)

Inskip is great, if you have $$ It's 15 mins from my house and is worth it just to see the Porsche's behind the mini dealer. They don't carry many used and very rarely have anything before an 06. I can keep my eye out for you.

Keep us posted

Look at this place:

http://www.concordmotorsport.com/vie...e=&_makef=MINI

They have nice cars, but tend to be a bit pricy.

NEVER EVER EVER go to HErb chambers. I bought my 02 MC first car bad sunroof seal ruined the liner. 2nd one click the the steering wheel like theres play somewhere in the column.