Hello everyone, I am Dan from south florida.

Sorry for the long email. I promise the next ones are going to have just one sentence. :-).

I am not a Mini cooper owner yet. But I am looking to buy one in the next 2 weeks.

I was reading a lot of this forum for the last months. This is the specifications that I am looking for, i am having some issues find it the perfect one, but I would like to buy exactly what I want, let's see if I am able to do it.

1- Countryman: because we are a family of two 4 (kids and my wife. )
2- S: because I read in the forum is the best option for CM and because the next point.
3- AWD: i would like the All4, as I read could be lost speed and power because the CM all4 has more weight that the fwd, but I prefer stability and security driving than speed (i like the speed a lot but,.... family guy). At the same time and I don't know if I am ok with this but I drive to Tallahassee every 3 weeks and in the route always rain a lot and I thinking that with the all4 i will be more secure (i am right?). Other reason is that I do a little of mountain bike and sometimes the places that I go it is not for 4x4 suv but with a mini all4 could be easily or I am wrong?
4- Panoramic sunroof: even when there are some issues for the weather and the heat, more here in south Florida, but I am planning to use ZipeeShaded when need it. I like the light and clarity of panoramic sunroof. Today I find a perfect one but just missing the panoramic sunroof . :-(
5- 2013: because Ivwas reading here that 2011-2012 has some problems because is the first generation and mini fix some of this issue with the 2013? Is hard to find a 2013 that keep in my budget and is easier find it with 2011 or 2012, but I have to try it.
6- Silver or Black or White: I like these colors and I think could be easier in the future to sell it when I want to change the CM.
7-Automatic: i think is better for me now and is smooth and better for rush hours driving
8- No navigation or mini connect: I always use my iphone for everything. I just would like the Harman Kardon with iPod connector and I'm planning to use Tune2Air.
9- Budget: 21k or less (i know is hard)

And well the same afraid of everyone, ai hope find one without not to many problems. Fingers crossed

All these appreciations are very personal and don't know anything about minis is my first time with one.

Last 2 questions:

What do you recommend me to check in the CM before buy it? Any tips?

40k miles are ok for a 2013?

Any dealer you recommend me in south florida? (Orlando - Florida keys)


Again sorry.


Dan

 

well, I'm nowhere near south florida, so I have no clue on what is around there, but I wanted to say good luck on your search!

 

Theres a dealer in Miami - http://www.bramanminiofmiami.com/

They should be able to find the perfect countryman for you if they don't already have one on the lot!
With your budget you probably will have to get one with higher miles like 40K on the car or so. But that doesn't mean it will be a bad car at all.

 

Sounds to me like you're on the right track. Go get a '13 CM with a few miles on it: you'll be very happy.

 

Actually i think your choices are fairly sound in picking a vehicle. I would add though that you need to be a bit 'fanatical' with regular maintenance if you are going with an "S" model. On that basis i would really want to see the prior service history for a turbo model which the dealer could likely provide if they originally sold (& serviced) the car.

 

Welcome to NAM! Looks like you've done some good research and yes, this forum is very informative! When it comes time to purchasing, just make sure to get a PPI done by a MINI specialist. This will help you with finding out what may or may not be wrong with it before you purchase. Look on cars.com, carsdirect.com, auto trader, craigs list, etc. If you can, don't jump on purchasing one you're ok with, hold out and purchase the one you want. Good luck!

 

Hello Everyone for your answers and thanks in advance for the responses coming.

Osinybog: thanks for your wishes.
M7speed: thanks i just was there last Saturday but they only have 10 minis used for sale (no to much right?) and just one Countyman and it was a Base model :-(. I will call them today and give them my information if they find something
Helix13: i hope i can find it soon i'm very anxious :-)
Mikey: well mini it is one of the three automotive/bike brands that I like. Before my first son born i usually ride a Harley davidson, now i am looking for MINI and then in 5 years or 7 i will go for the next brand Land Rover, i think around my 50's (now 42 years old)
Mikey, one question the dealers usually give you this information about history services even if you are not the current owner and/or the dealer is no the one that is selling the mini now?
Pelican: thanks my friend, i check these webs every hour during the day :-) just add Car Gurus to these list. Today I found one that I am really like it but it was Red with stripes in black (i can live with it) but it was FWD :-(. For the rain it is important have AWD right?

Again a long message, sorry 😳

Danny

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You're very welcome, Danny! Not necessarily, but I'd say wait until you find the All4 you want. I grew up driving AWD vehicles and ever since then, even with living in Cali now, prefer it. It's a personal preference. Tires do make a different though, for any type of element driving.

 

You're on the right track with an S model. It sounds like there isn't a surplus to choose from in your area. I waited for about six months in Dallas for the right car, there were a lot to choose from, I passed on several that had various "imperfections", and eventually I got exactly what I wanted.

You might have to make some compromises, like a car with Connected, or a maybe a non-AWD. Most of the cars that I saw had the panaramic roof, I'd say 60% were autos, and 40% were manuals. Most had HK audio.

The only think I'd change is the transmission. I know it's a personal preference, but I just think the manual transmission is the icing on the cake. Whenever I get a slushbox loaner, I don't feel as immersed in the driving experience (granted, the Mini shiftable auto transmission in sport mode is pretty damn good).

 

Hello Fellas

Still looking. But ....

Reading this article, do you think that I have to remove the AWD option for my ideal CM in order to expand my possibilities to find it? Or the difference is big (never drive in snow).

http://www.motoringfile.com/2010/10/...cooper-s-all4/

Thanks

Danny

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Stick with the options you have already indicated you want. AWD helps in the wet too.

 

Will do Mikey. Thanks.

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It's worth traveling for the right combinations of options, mileage & price - plus a fun road trip to bring it all back home

If you're in the low 20's ballpark, I'm entertaining the notion of selling mine - with 3 kids looking to swap for an X5 w/ 3rd row.

It's a 2012 S All4 (no problems) with 35k miles and well equipped - manual transmission, mini connected navi, auto climate control, leather, heated seats, xenons, comfort access (keyless ignition - a must have), 2 rear buckets w/ half rail, flat load floor in trunk (storage compartment) - everything except Auto & sport package. True blue w/ white roof and hood stripes

pM me if you're interested

 

I would stick with the all4 also good to have to you don't bury yourself in the sand. Then if you do come p north you have it for the snow.

Drive the 2 wheel and the 4 wheel at one of the local dealership in Miami , you have a few down there. And Since there are a bunch of snow bird coming down from up north here soon they might be bringing a car down or two to sell.

 

Thanks bandwagn for the offer. But It is manual and this is very important for me. Automatic. But the color combinations looks great. Congrats.

Maybe if I go to 2012 maybe I can have more options. Let me read to see if 2012 could be a option too. No idea.

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ECSTuning, well it is a good tips about the birds from the north. Maybe you are right. And yes. After 2 days reading All4 it is not negotiable maybe without panoramic sunroof or 2012. I found a white one, all4, automatic, 2013, 30k miles, 21k $ but without sunroof. I will go tomorrow to take a look.

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Just know what you want and don't settle. I was about to settle on the mini I was looking for an my wife found the exact model I was looking for sans pano roof. VERY happy with the car - glad I didn't get the auto though. However - somethign to keep in mind if you're coming FROM an auto: a stick SUCKS in stop and go traffic. I live in the foothills of CO and this has been a huge adaptation for me. However, it only took me a few weeks to find what I was looking for. I think I'd have the opposite problem of you - I don't think I looked at a single CM that didn't have all4 - I think I maybe saw one on autotrader. The loaner I got from the dealer also wasn't. I feel like the acceleration definitely didn't feel as balanced, I felt "pulled" in the non all4. But YMMV and I only had the loaner for like 3 hours, so who knows.

 

Thanks pkillur. I am trying to don't settle. The only issue it is I currently have a auto Audi A4 2004 with 197000 miles in the motor and with a huge problem in the transmission and turbo. The repair cost is almost 3k, the mechanic told me that the transmission could be stop working in any moment between 1 day to years. I don't have to find the Mini urgently but I can't wait months either, it is risk, and as you know the public transportation in south Florida is a disaster and I can't afford pay uber daily. I am going to keep looking for my perfect CM for no more than a month. I need to buy it before the end of October.

I am just thinking the option of buy it in another state (there much more possibilities ). But, this is too risky? Buy a 20k CM just seeing a picture? Anyone has ever buy it like his?


Thanks

Danny.

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Actually, it's pretty straightforward to purchase from out of state - do a little more diligence up front, as for specific photos and service history - if they don't make you fell good up front, then move on. If you're friendly with a BMW/Mini dealer, they can pull service records.

I actually purchased my Countryman in Dallas sight unseen - bought a round trip ticket on southwest from Omaha, flew down, signed the paperwork and started the drive back home - easier than the other vehicles for my wife that we've purchased locally.

Also, have done the same with a 330Cic ZHP from CT, my old E53 X5 from Houston, 325xi AT from Long Island, and then swapped that one out for a 325xi MT in Jersey (yes, drove out and back)

 

Welcome. They should be on there way down, the weather is getting cooler up here.

 

I would say I "settled" on a non pano model only because it had every other thing on my hit list of "must haves". Part of me wanted to wait a few more weeks, so I get the angsty part about it. Overwall, I think I made a good decision and I'm happy with the price I paid.

 

I bought a Mercedes E320 wagon out of state through AutoTrader and it was very easy. I did a lot of up front research though and was looking for that specific car. Put 100,000 miles on it before trading for the MINI.

 

I am thinking on settled in the year. Actually a found one that is in Tallahassee I am in Miami.

Everything is perfect, color gray, all4, automatic, panoramic, navigation, 27k miles,

The only 2 buts are the price 24k (4k more of my budget) and that is 2012 and not 2013.

Pkillur You have a a 2012, that do you think? If I can negotiate the price, 2012 is ok?


And sorry to everyone for keep asking but I think this could be help a future searches.


Thanks


Danny

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Hello Everyone

I just find one that it is almost perfect. But it is in Tennessee.

Someone know a company or person that I can pay for to actually go the dealer and do a professional inspection of the vehicle? I don't know if this service exist.

Thanks

Danny

PD: I don't know if I have to open a new discussion when I have this kind of questions or leave it the current one?

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An independent BMW mechanic might be willing to do this, but the house call might make it pricey.

I have bought two out of state cars, and I just trusted the sales guy. I spent 30+ minutes on the phone with him when he was at the car, asking very detailed questions about everything, inside and out, top to bottom, like..

How do the door sills look, any scratches?
Same about the interior door latch handle.. scratches?
Radio and steering wheel controls.. damage or scratches?
Is the carpet matted under the pedals?
Is the headliner clean and free of marks?
Are there scratches on the speedo glass?
If you smell the carpet up close, what does it smell like?
When you brake hard, does it pull or vibrate?
Is there any evidence of paint or body work (mismatched, overspray, etc.)?

and so on, and so on, and so on.

I also have them check for repainted panels with a paint thickness meter.

The car is used, so I expect them to notice and disclose a lot of minor wear and tear issues like scratches If they don't, be suspicious. If they're looking at stuff really close, often times they find and tell you about other things that they notice.