I'm looking at a 2008 Cooper S with 95,000 miles. Would like some input on it. Oil pan gasket was just replaced and it has new tires. They are asking 6900.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/ctd/5540488438.html

Thanks
Ryan

 

I didn't check prices for your area, but it looks like a car for a DIY type. If it were an auto, I'd say stay away - but with the stick, the price seems decent for a guy who can turn his own screwdriver.

Remember, you can get some good value if you invest sweat in the car - but the price needs to be low. Based on what they say they're doing, I would check the price in the NADA guide and pay the wholesale cost. They shouldn't try to make more than $100-$200 on the vehicle.

 

Generally people only trade cars in when they are expecting a kid, or problems from the car.

There are the select instances where someone just got bored with a well maintained car, but we have seen too many cars come in that people bought off the dealer trade in lot and the car was offloaded before it left the previous owner in a mess of repairs.

 

I had a 2008 MINI Cooper S...by the time I offloaded the car it was burning a lot of oil, and I mean a lot of oil.

I would ask the current owner about the car's oil consumption.

 

I would walk. Look for a 11+ MCS with the n18 engine. Far fewer problems reported..

 

I would run the Carfax on it first. Next I would run the VIN at a Mini or BMW dealership to see what they have done to the vehicle. Make sure the timing chain issue has been addressed, also check into the clutch as well. If have a 2007 that I bought a year ago right off of 75 in the Tampa area from a lot. It had a lot of hidden issues and I have been working all year to get them fixed. Also check to see when the blow off valve was changed out along with plugs and coils. There is a lot more but those would be my first.

 

+1 on this!

 

Great Info. Thank You!

 

2008 is in a problematic date range for that car. +1 for the 2011 suggestion if you can swing it. Otherwise, I'd consider getting a really nice 2006 instead. You'll have repairs that cost hundreds, not thousands.

 

If you're not in a hurry to buy now, take your time searching so you can be a bit more picky with what you want. There are some good hidden gems to be found. I've seen more than a few new members post up older MINI's with some seriously low miles. Besides craigs list, look on truecar.com, cars.com (where I found my first car for a great deal), there are typically lots of car FB groups where individuals sell cars (I'm in more than a few for other vehicle brands where cars get posted up constantly), autotrader.com, etc. Good luck!

 

Thank You