Hi All! First post. Never owned a Mini before, but always loved them. I have also never actually bought any cars from a dealer before, only a motorcycle. Long story short, came across this ad here http://www.fitzgeraldvolkswagen.com/...-MD/1501982223

See anything that sets of alarm bells to you guys? Yes, it's an 03, and it does have pretty high mileage, but 7,500 is about the top end of my budget right now.

I was planning on having Mini of Annapolis do a pre purchase inspection as they are right up the street.

Any advice welcome!

 

$7500 is the asking price...Ask for less! Very good idea to have it inspected. I would ask what daytime running lights installed by MINI dealer means. And check for a compact tire. I do not think they have a spare tire, but maybe this one does. My 2002, 2003 and 2006 do not and did not have a spare.

 

That seems like a fair price for the miles.

Is the car local?
I would have a Tech take a look.
Do you have funds set aside for maint?
Will you perform your own service?

You don't want to but a $7,000 car that will need $5,000 in repairs.

Usual rundown

Check for coolant leaks/waterpump
How is the AC
Window switches work
Oil Leaks?
Check CV Boots/axles
Brakes?
Check the clutch
Power Steering motor
Control arm bushings
Defrormed Strut Mounts
Coolant in oil
Supercharger on the way out? I read here they can crap out as the miles pile on.

After reading the forum -The cheapest Mini may end up being the most expensive Mini

There is an 04 MCS with 90,000 for $10K in decent shape and has been for sale since October.

 

04 S in Baltimore for asking $7,900

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/2773733353.html

High mileage but the owner will probably have the service history.


Another 04S that looks better asking a little more

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ctd/2793624645.html

Nice 02S with only 72,000 miles for $7,500

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...791427552.html

 

Thanks for the advice guys. Decided to pass on it, virtually no options at all on it, interior in pretty bad shape. Also, some body panel crumpling right behind the front right wheel. Looked like it was re-painted with matte paint and no clearcoat, like a color matched spray can or something. Yikes! Amazing how the dealer knows just how to frame the shot to hide imperfections.