I test drove a 2008 MCS yesterday and I really liked the car. It's well optioned and is a good color (laser blue), but I have some questions about what I found on the Carfax (the dealer gave it to me). Besides the normal stuff:

9889mi: Radio speakers replaced, ECU checked, intake manifold gasket replaced

23356mi: Intake manifold gasket replaced, ECU checked, water pump replaced

25306mi: ECU Checked, cylinder head replaced

This was all done at a local BMW dealership (the car is for sale at a Cadillac dealer). Does this indicate a known issue? Is this common? The car has dark tint all around, and 35% tint on the windshield, which tells me it was owned by someone who may have beat the crap out of the car. Do these repairs indicate any mods that may have been removed?

I'm thinking there was a cooling problem, and the dealer tried to fix it by replacing the intake gasket (twice) and the water pump, then finally replaced the cylinder head.

The car drove fine, there was no indication of any problems during my 30 minute test drive.

the car has 25,500 miles on it and the dealer is asking $19,900.

Thanks in advance.

 

You can buy a new 2010 mcs for 22000 after discount.

 

A low option one maybe. A 2010 mini optioned out like this one stickers for over $29,000. There's no way I'm getting $7K off a new Mini.

Besides, the $19,900 is the asking price, and they just got the car on their lot this week. I can probably get the car for $18K + TTL, which is reasonable, IMHO, considering the options and the fact that it has new OEM tires on it.

 

if U pull the trigger, have a MINI dealer inspect it, since U are buying from a 3rd-party dealer that may not know squat about MINI mechanicals or trouble spots--it'd be like buying a Caddy from a MINI dealer. Best $$$ y'll ever spend.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll probably take it down the street to the BMW dealership for a PPI.

 

sent U a PM

 

Definitely take it down to the dealer to have it checked out. Those 'issues' aren't that big of a deal in my opinion - seems that the R56 water pumps aren't all that great (as its not the first time I've seen them replaced at low miles).

What options does the car have?

 

As far as I can tell, sport, comfort, premium, BT, no stripes, body color roof and mirrors, dual sunroof, premium audio system.

It has the AUX and USB input at the bottom of the center stack, I'm not sure what capabilities this gives me.

No Nav, no on-board computer.

I'm not sure about LSD or sport suspension. Is there anyway to tell if it has these options?

 

Ask the dealer to decode the VIN. That'll tell you everything

 

You should inquire at the dealership where all this work was done as to what the car was brought in for that required the work. That might tell you more about the history. I'd be concerned buying this car if there wasn't at least a year's worth of warranty left on it now. It's a 2 year old car selling for 2/3 of the new car price. That's more in line with a 3 year old car IMO. No bargain. Shop on Wayne!

 

do U mean high pressure fuel pumps? Dont know about many water pump issues and the R56, but the hpfp is a known and well-documented problem

OP look at 2nd gen probs and fixes. what U will see the majority of are HPFPs and "Morning Sickness" (cold start) issue that rise to the forefront.

 

I've seen several R56/R55's roll through the dealer I work at with Water Pump issues. But you're correct, I'd say the HPFP is more of a common problem than the WP. I was just trying to make the OP feel a little better about the car he was looking at

 

I've had the HPFP replaced twice, one of my friends has had his water pump replaced. Both cars are 09 MCS, with around 10k. I would look for a MINI with a clean Carfax. CarMax only discounts cars after they have set on the lot for awhile.

 

with both the water pump & cylinder heads being replaced, I'd guess there was a serious overheating issue, blown headgasket, and warped head...
That's just way too much money for an iffy used Mini, get a new one, or a used one (for a better price) with a clean history.

 

Do you have the link where we can take a look at the car ?
You should try to hassle them to $18k. I think $19,900 is too much for a 2008. I paid 19k for my 09 MSC w/ 9k mile on it and I still think I paid too much