So, I'm checking out a MCS 07, chilli red. Very nice car and great condition for an 07 with only 29k miles. When I was about to test drive the car the seller to ignite the car first had to hit the regular start/stop button and then went on to state that this one has a "security button" underneath the driver's dashboard. I'd say it's at a midlevel between the bottom of the steering wheel and the pedals. I've never seen this before and was wondering if anyone has? Unfortunately, I didn't get any pics but here I attach one around where the button is located.

 

it's probably a kill switch, usually connected to the starter. most people keep it on a toggle so it can easily be flipped getting in and out of the car.

 

That interior looks soooo

 

Thanks for the reply, that's what I was thinking it is, kinda weird you have to actually press it and not flip it though. Are these factory equipped? It seems like it actually belongs there.

 

I hope that's a good surprise face, lol. The car actually has this same exact interior. I didn't really like it when I saw it in the pictures, however, it looks amazing in person!

 

All that needs to be done tomorrow is a pre-purchase inspection, and if everything turns out well, I'll be the proud owner!

 

Our old El Camino had a kill button, just under the steering wheel. You pressed it while turning the key. We installed it after the car was stolen for a 'joy ride' and then returned. It worked very well. Only trouble was explaining it to every mechanic or anyone who might need to start the car (and forget leaving it for the valet!)

Nice interior. Trade ya.

 

Thanks! Hopefully everything is ok, I'm just amazed by the 29k mileage on a 7 year old car.

 

Kinda confusing to have that type of a switch on a mini...
With modern keys with chips in them, old style stealing cars is pretty rare...and the oem mini antitheft protection is quite good...

 

no it's not factory. it's not hard to make them look factory though. radio shack has nice looking $3 buttons and toggles that can be drilled into the dash. some kill switches must be pushed while attempting to start the car in order to complete the circuit and allow the starter to work.

this is probably just a paranoid person. on older cars these are great, i had a few in the past. but on modern cars it's really not necessary unless you loose your keys or something. basically it's just so that if someone does get into the car somehow they probably won't be able to start the car and actually steal it. you can probably easily remove it if you want, just pop open the steering wheel column and reattach the wire that the switch runs through. these are very simple devices.

 

Deleted

 

a garage door opener isn't required to push to start the car, so highly doubtful.

 

So, I pulled the trigger on this one. Proud owner!

 

^ can the black trim around your lower grille and brake ducts come off?

 

I wouldn't really know, haven't messed with it yet, but why?

 

Congrats on the MCS. I just bought my 07 with 46K miles on it. 29 K is amazingly low. Good find.