Hey guys, ladies, I have been searching for another car besides my R56 s Hardtop. I found a 2008? stro black cabriolet w/ 5,500 miles on it decently equipped, the car sold for 30 g's new. Can you help me out, what are these cars weaknesses, any problems to look for?

 

As with any first gen cars, I would check for strut tower mushrooming (you can do a search and read a lot about this in the 1st gen stock problems forum).
I point this one out because warranty will not cover it -- but it will cover other problems . . . so if the price is the right, I think you'll find that top-down motoring adds a whole level of enjoyment to MINI ownership

 

The only rag top issues I am aware of are the top alignment and wear issues. In a car that new, I would imagine the top looks pretty close to perfect, and Mini is pretty good about replacing them when they start to fray. The only other issues are smaller boot and lots more headroom....

 

The car booked at 30 grand. The car is a 2008. nov build, has sport pack, premium, and cold weather. The car definetly needs a detail, has one small door ding, very small will pop right out, and 5,500 miles. I explained earlier about the cost because it helps explain the next thing......Hes asking 24,500 thats seems good to me, RIGHT?????????????????????

 

Do it!! Yes good price and beautiful too!!!

 

24500!! if you don't I will (not really, I am just anxious to get mine) but jump on that, my experience looking at used before I decided to do new is that it won't be there tomorrow.

 

Did anyone notice the OP is from Europe. If that price is US dollars it's a real good deal. If it's Euros, that converts to about 35,500 US $s. Just thought I would point that out

Lois

 

But the pics are U. S. streets and U. S. cars? Or is that a military base?

 

My 06 Cabrio has been mostly trouble free. The 08s are pretty much unchanged from mine. I,ve had no top issues. Buy It!!

 

Go for it!

 

That's certainly not a US plate But if it is US dollars, I wish the picture were St Louis. I'd be all over that MINI.

Lois

 

I am military, I live in germany, the car is American spec, and he is asking 24,500 DOLLARS.
I just got back from a test drive. I like the car alot, I have to go to the bank.
I was surprised how quiet the Super Charger is, All the videos I see they scream, not this one. I definetly love my R56 S more, the OMG torque is uncomparable, this car will be for the Frau, wife!

 

So it was on a military base.

Be careful, if you intend to ship the car to the U. S. make sure that the car is definitely American spec, specifically certified for import to the U. S. in terms of emissions. You have two standards to meet, the Fed, and perhaps your home state.

I don't know anything about European MINIs, but are their emission standards different [perhaps less strict] than the U. S.?

But if that car checks out for import to the U. S., yeah, I'd sell mine and buy that in a hurry. But don't take the seller's word for it that it is a "U. S." car. Check that yourself.

 

One benefit of working for the military is special sales benefits. The owner bought his car through http://www.pentagoncarsales.com/
All cars bought NEW through them are American Spec. They also come with free shipping home and a 2,100 dollar discount.
The spec sheet cost for this car was 30 grand. He paid 27,900 and some doc fees.

 

Wow, that is a BIG benefit, discount, plus free shipping back home.

 

Dude, I'm going to have to find some US military friends to gray market my next car from. Wow. I think I see the OBC switch on your interior picture, btw. Dude, don't let this car get away from you.

You will notice that the Cabrio has less torsional rigidity than the coupe. Trust me, for a convertible, it is extremely solid. Drive an A4 or New Beetle if it starts to bother you and you will be shocked how floppy even decent convertibles can be. Just mentioning it because you will have one of each MINI to compare.

 

She's all mine!!!! The deal closed today for 24,200 dollars at 5,600 miles.
I am thankful we got the car for my wife ao such a great deal. I am surprised at the EXTREME difference between the two cars; the R56 S and the R52 S.
The car will be driven by my wife who really does not care about extreme HP and TQ. The Cabrio will be a nice BLVD. cruiser, but not a very fast car (compared to the R56). This was my first experience with the supercharger, I just thought it would be faster.
PS......THAT stock HK in the cabrio is 300% better than the scheise stock R56 set up. Im a bit angry with how crappy the R56 sound system is....thank god for exhaust in 3inch stainless.

 

just so you know...the HK system was an option so it wasn't the stock radio. Also, you have to remember that the convertible (R52) is a few hundred pounds heavier than the hardtops (R53s) so I would expect that the difference between your vert and R56 are even more pronounced.