Hi Guys, I'm new here but hope to pick up a MINI soon.

So I am possibly going to buy a rebuilt MCS, it seems to be in decent shape, it got smacked in the front and broke a rim bumper hood and shock but the frame wasn't bent. Its a 2003 with 83k on it and I was planning to use it as a comuter. is 7k reasonable and how many miles can I expect without major servicing if I drive nice?

 

The guy repaired the damage cause he works at a colision shop and has been driving the car for the last year. He needs money so hes seelling the car.

 

Is the car a salvage title then? That might make registering or insuring it difficult.

There is no way to tell how far you can go without major issues. Some have gone 200,000 miles with no issues, others have cars with less than 30,000 miles on second transmissions or engines.

 

I have the same year MCS and over 124k miles. I'm the secound owner too. so far, I have the windows motor issue. other then that, I have not issue at all. did you ask the seller about the maintains record? you may have more idea how they take care the car.

 

With a rebuilt (salvage) title I think I'd want to pay a bit less. Just looking in the Marketplace here, there are vehicles a few thousand more, that I'd prefer to buy. That rebuilt title is going to depreciate alot quicker than a clean title vehicle. In the end of course it's your decision as to what you wish to do.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ct/7090/cat/12

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ct/7066/cat/12

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ct/7050/cat/12

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ct/6842/cat/12

Good luck with your search!

 

I really plan to drive it till it dies and I'm trying to get an idea on an average lifespan. I'm a 20 year old engineering student and am in intern so 7k is about my limit. This car is fully loaded and was registered and insured for the last year. What major issues should I look for when I look at it tonight?

 

Drive it and feel if it tracks and turns properly at various speeds including freeway if possible. Ask to follow it in daylight so you can watch it go down the street to see that it runs straight and true. Check the tires closely to see what sort of wear they exhibit. uneven wear could indicate alignment issues. If the tires appear new, of course, there isn't much you can tell from that. Otherwise, look at the body panels that were supposed to have been repaired or replaced to see if they still show damage. Sometimes the fit or finish of new or repaired panels might bother you, so you want to look at that. And, of course, when major repairs are done, electricals may get messed up due to errors in wiring or connectors being put back incorrectly. So, just make sure everything works the way it's supposed to. That's all I can think of. Try to get a look at it in the daylight!!!