1st Gen MINI Q's for first time buyer...
 

Hello all. I apologize if this is in the wrong section, but I have soem pre-purchase questions for potentially buying a 1st gen MINI, namely a 2004 MCS.
What are some things to look for on a vehicle with ~30k miles on it? what are common problem spots to be concerned with that can effect if it will last 200k or 60k?

I drove a grey with white cooper S and loved it, however it seemed to hunt the ruts (we run studs here and snow and poor substructure to the roadbeds so windup with ruts) is this typical, or is there something I shoudl be concerned with with THIS particualr MINI.

What is the average going rate to expect on a used cooper S, would 22k be fair, or too high? This model appears to have the premium package. not sure what else though.

I will continue searching as time allows but would like any insight into things to "watch out for" when persueing a new to me MINI Cooper S.

I think 22K is too high. This is just based on the info provided.

Why don't you call 1-866-275-6464 and ASK MINI what is installed on the car plus how many trips it made to a dealership.


Art

For whats it worth, I purchased my 04MCS in APril of 05. Has premium, sport, and comfort packages with 22k miles....I only payed $20k.

WOW, nice... ya the info I need to know, FWIW we live in a sheltered bubble up here so prices reflect that. however looking on autotrader I noticed for the MCS most if not all are right aroun 19-24k for used.

just another data point...

I bought my MCS 2 weeks ago (or so).

'06 MCS
Dark silver w/ black roof (and imported silver union jack roof graphic)
17" Crown Spoke (wannabe Minilites)
LSD
Multi fxn steeringwheel / Trip Computer
(cloth seats)
8200mi
The car was CPO'd at Morristown Mini, NJ (~30mi from NYC)

I paid $20K

Similar money bought CPO'd MCS's with all the goodies, but 30K-50K mi...
By buying a 1.5yr old car, I saved about $6000 and got the car NOW.
(I also didn't like the '07 as much as the '06)
The '06 is more 'nervous' and feels more like a true sports car that the '07 which was smoother, heavier, slightly more sedate...

When uncorking the motor (full throttle) the LSD does have the car hunting back and forth for traction some (and if the roads are really cr@ppy, then traction control will kill the fun if its not turned off)... I haven't noticed the car wandering in truck ruts, but then again, I haven't driven the car in truck rutted roads (yet)...
My other car (944Turbo-cup) WILL hunt in the truck ruts (due to the non-stock, agressive suspension settings, but these settings make turn-in much more crisp.)

HTH!

$22K seems high for that much mileage.

Tomorrow I am picking up an '06 MCS with 50 miles on it. Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Sports Package and h/k sound upgrade. $24.5K

I am willing to bet you can find a zero mileage '06 for close to 22K if you don't need it loaded with options.

dean.

Ya, I have been searching AutoTrader, cars.com and even the classifieds here, getting a gauge for vehicles on mileage and years and options. To me the important options woudl be the sunroof and heated seats. Both for our short sunny summers and long cold winters.

I know for a fact Alaska Dealers are in a bubble of sorts when coming to pricing. I believe it is that "where else you going to go?" syndrome, thinking no one is even considering importing a car. Thanks for the pricing info, that with the web searching has re-affirmed they were asking too much. Without many MINI's for sale here, I wasnt sure of the price point.

I will admit one thing though, with the lack of dealer support. (or actual MINI Dealer) :( With roughly 20 mini's up here, there appears to be no known service center to allow for warranty work (i.e. would have to have it shipped to Tacoma on Mini's dime, and then shipped back up on mine) Hence my question in another thread about reliability.

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents about the car riding the ruts on our horrible Alaskan roads:

My first 'mod' to my '04 MCS was a set of studded winter tires (Pirelli Winter Carving 185/65r15 mounted on some cheapie aluminum wheels from tirerack.com)

First thing I noticed was how SMOOTH the car rode compared to the stock 17" (and my 16" track tires). Second, I've found that the narrower tires nearly eliminate all feeling of being pulled in/out of the ruts on our roads. Third - it's amazing what a good set of winter tires will do to the car's winter handling! Grips like glue on icy roads, and makes the car a blast to drive in the winter (I normally hate winter driving). :thumbsup:

Wish you luck finding the right car...I found mine on craigslist and brought it up to AK from California...