Buying used Mini

[blueST]

Having just posted in the gearbox thread thought I might need a quick PH Mini 101. I'm going to view a few Mini Ones over the coming days with the view to buying one for the Wife. Looking at models around 2006 vintage. Leaning towards a Cab at minute, but not ruled out a hatchback.

Can anyone give me a very quick run down on the most important Mini specific things I need to look out for?

[blueST]

Thanks for that, most useful. Especially the gearbox stuff.

Going totally against what I said in my 1st post, ive seen a 2004 '04 plate convertible that looks cherished at decent price. Is that likely to have choco gearbox then? One to avoid?

Also, are they on variable service intervals? How do I check when the next service is due?

[blueST]

Chr1sch said:

Gearboxes arent half as bad as you read, why not take a look at our car? (its a 2005 55 Cooper S, but its my wife's car and makes a great girls car! Half leather, Sat Nav, Spot lamps etc) I'd take offers as our baby is about to turn up!!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3357904.htm

It looks very nice, but unfortunately it needs to be a One for the cheap insurance.

[blueST]

Thanks, spent all day looking and driven a convertible today. Lots of tatty ones about.

I've seen one today that say -4800 miles when you turn the ign on. Does that mean it is 4800 over due a service or 4800 to go. The dealer didn't seem to know?

[blueST]

AOK said:

blueST said:

I've seen one today that say -4800 miles when you turn the ign on. Does that mean it is 4800 over due a service or 4800 to go. The dealer didn't seem to know?

4800 overdue. Could sometimes be that the car has been serviced (by non-approved dealerships) and so they couldn't reset the meter.
By the sounds of it, you were at a non=approved dealer?

It was a little used car place, not a specialist. It's possible the car has been serviced but would be a pure guess. It's an 06 with just 23,000 miles. The last stamp was 15,000 ago, in June 07 at a main dealer. That's a big gap, but the rest of the car was really nice, I'm still tempted, which goes against all my principles! I think the reason I'm still tempted is the fact the mileage is so low, how much harm can have been done?...

[blueST]

AOK said:

If the price is really good... i'd be concerned!
PM me the number plate and I'll have a look at work tomorrow to see if anything comes up on the bmw system / the hpi..

Thanks for the offer. Price seemed about right but I won't be buying now anyway. A quick Google brings up a recent news story of the dealership in question being raided for clocking and money laundering. The search continues. So...

Looking for a nice 2006 or later Mini One Convertible for less than 7k, if anyone spots anything. Nice spec, must be well looked after and within a reasonable distance of Manchester. Probably needs to be a dealer as want to p/x.

[blueST]

AOK said:

Two things:

- Please give me the number plate of the car in question so I can check up on it anyway Finding 'reverse' mileage on the BMW system always brings up excitement among the boys in the dealership!

- Please PM me what you want exactly + full details of your p/x... I'll take a gander at the stock list and keep an eye for something that works

PM'd

[blueST]

fesuvious said:

If you'd like one with an immaculate history..
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3314558.htm

I'm selling a convertible

Lovely, but way out of our budget I'm afraid. If I come across some cash down the back of the sofa I'll be in touch