hello all! i am looking at a 2007 mini, NA manual. here is the picture:


absolutely beautiful. drives strong, service history is nearly spotless (clutch at 35k), carfax is perfect. it has 103k miles on it, going price is just under 9k. i am very hesitant to buy such a high mileage car, does anyone have any tips or suggestions? i know i could spend a few more thousand, get a newer one and have warranty and all that but its just not there right now, but at the same time i cant get this and have to replace the motor in 10k miles. any ideas anyone? thanks in advance, i hope to stick around once i find a mini i like!

 

It seems that the non-turbo coopers (aka 'Justa' cooper) are more reliable than the turbo version. If there are good service records and steady oil changes, then there is likely not a huge risk. There are some threads here if you want to search.

I would check for oil leaks, these can be expensive to fix. The suspension should be reliable, just look for normal wear on the interior and such...

Have fun,
Mike

 

thanks for the fast reply! i definitely want a "justa" as its a fun daily driver, dont need to mod it or anything. of the 6 or so coopers i saw this one was in the best shape even though it had 103k miles, but im just hesitant to buy one with so many miles because i cant have it die at 130k, id be better off spending 2-3k more and getting a 2010 with 60k miles if thats gonna be the case!

 

Nice picture! It looks clean from the outside.

 

When it comes to used MINIs doing your own repairs will save you a lot of money. If you're going to rely on a dealer's service department you will go broke quickly. If you're not able to do the maintenance, another option is like what we have where I live...there is a small garage (a one man operation) and he specializes in MINI and BMW repairs at a fraction of the cost as compared to the dealer.

Good luck in your search. And remember MINIs make the weekend better!

PS - avoid the 2007 to 2010 "S" model.

 

I am hoping to avoid all repairs together! this is honestly one of the best looking minis ive ever seen, so im hoping to buy it but 103k for 9k makes me nervous when for 12k i can get a 2010 with 50k, but a budget is a budget. would want this car to last forever but who knows about compression or whatever else you know?

and this is definitely not an S, i dont want a turbo, if i did id get another talon!

 

IMHO, moving up three model years alone is a better value. Half the mileage just sweetens the deal...

 

I would beat them up on the price, you should be able to get it closer to 8. I'm of the school if it runs and drives good now, just do regular maintenance and it will last.

 

slightly odd that the clutch was replaced that early, person who had it must have been learning - good that it hasn't been replaced since though. should be fine, TBH i'd be wary of a first year model in general though. you should be able to find an 08 or even 09 with the same mileage and price

 

Based on my experience, it's hard to avoid repairs on a MINI. If the price is right, it may be worth buying this car...however, I think $9,000 is too much. Who is the seller - a dealer or private party?

 

dealer. took a quick video of the car running.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I-Bj-2Htns

 

Hey it says: This video is private

 

sorry, fixed it

 

The video works now... It sounds good and the engine is clean. It's a nice looking car!

 

Have you checked Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book? I'm seeing $6,000 for a private sale and $7200 for a dealer at Edmunds.

 

NADA and KBB have it right around the 8500 mark, going to talk to them tomorrow. more than anything else im worried about reliability, cant have this thing dying every other month! its just a fun commuter car for me.

 

down to 2 cars:
http://www.cogginhondaftpierce.com/u...6843d9888b.htm

and
http://www.imperialcapitalcars.com/w...rida/12601778/

paradox of choice: being unhappy with your decision ebcause you may have been more happy if you made the alternative decision. usually accompanied by lots of options!
mini people, please tell me which to get!

 

^^^^^do this^^^^^

 

Here is what I see different between the two cars

Red - fog lights, sport seats, chromeline interior, black interior trim, sunroof, 17" wheels (potentially sport suspension, but not necessarily)

Silver - standard seats, silver interior trim, 15" wheels

Go drive both cars. See if the sport seats are comfortable for you (they have bigger side bolsters than the standard seats, and some people don't like that), see if you notice a harsher ride with the 17" wheels (or more 'sporty' if you prefer.....).

Look at them as normal used cars: colors, options, maintenance records. Both cars are old enough that the thermostat and water pump will likely need replacement due to leaks (any record of having this done????).

Unless the dealer is giving you a significant warranty, look on the private sites (including the marketplace here and craigslist).

Personally, the silver car is bland, the red car has a nice look to it. I don't know if you love or hate sunroofs (being in florida). Out of the two choices I would save the $1000 and get the red one (and put the savings into a maintenance fund). I don't see anything to scare me away from either car, check for collision history as well.

If you are comfortable working around cars, the maintenance should not be too bad. If you have to pay people to do maintenance, then make sure you have some money set aside. Check oil weekly, watch for oil or water leaks. And don't forget to enjoy the car.

Have fun,
Mike

 

103k miles is not that much. If I could have found a deal like that I would have taken it. Drive a newer mini 2010-2013 if you can, so you know how the engine behaves, what it sounds like ect, what the steering and brakes are like.

Then compare to the one you are considering. But to me, 103k miles is nothing if you take care of it.

My DD is a 24 year old Mitsubishi Montero with 233k miles and that thing runs so good. It's all about preventative maintenance, and regular maintenance.

 

If you're going to pull the trigger on this...get the red one! You will enjoy driving it, plus it's a looker!

And like mbwicz said check the fluids weekly. Your MINI will need TLC...

PS - And like I said before...do not go to the dealer for maintenance. They charge BMW prices.

 

One more thing...in case you don't have one already I would suggest that you get a code reader for the check engine lights. It will come in handy.

 

part of the mini club! thanks alot guys, so glad i didnt go with the red one, they kept my $1000 deposit and refused to refund it so now the legal battle begins. but the sellers of this car were amazing, car drives fantastic and i got i think 45mpg on the way home!

2009, 46k miles, black interior, 6 speed!