General Buying Advice
Discussion
Hi All,
I currently own an R53 Cooper S and have had it for some months now - generally speaking, its superb and I'm very pleased with it.
I've just been asked if I will help a friend find a Cooper. She had a decent budget (c£7-7.5k) so I think there's a lot of choice. I obviously know a little about the cars, but not loads! Enough to buy my own, but not really enough to be buying someone else one.
So, what are the tips?
So far I have:
- if within budget, buy a post July 2004 model as early ones have weaknesses (gearbox)
- prices are VERY specification dependant
- service historys are common due to TLC pack (transferable?)
- all cars should have two remote keys
- check the car has A/C* (I'm told non-AC is hard to sell on!)
- check tyre wear as a full set of run-flats are c£500
- check panel gaps - BMW's influnence means near perfect panel fit.
- check all dash lights light up and then go off, as appropiate
- check engine oil level
- check electrics work, particularly panoramic roof and folding mirrors (if fitted)
- check the headlights are self-levelling (are all MINI's fitted with xenons?)
- usual car checks - smoke on start up, odd engine noises, pulling when driving/braking, unsual wobbles/bangs etc.
Finally, am I right in thinking any BMW/MINI dealer will verify history/spec if you ask nicely?
If you can add anything else, it would be really appreciated.
Cheers
Pork
* am I also right in thinking that Chilli pack essentially = just a/c?
I currently own an R53 Cooper S and have had it for some months now - generally speaking, its superb and I'm very pleased with it.
I've just been asked if I will help a friend find a Cooper. She had a decent budget (c£7-7.5k) so I think there's a lot of choice. I obviously know a little about the cars, but not loads! Enough to buy my own, but not really enough to be buying someone else one.
So, what are the tips?
So far I have:
- if within budget, buy a post July 2004 model as early ones have weaknesses (gearbox)
- prices are VERY specification dependant
- service historys are common due to TLC pack (transferable?)
- all cars should have two remote keys
- check the car has A/C* (I'm told non-AC is hard to sell on!)
- check tyre wear as a full set of run-flats are c£500
- check panel gaps - BMW's influnence means near perfect panel fit.
- check all dash lights light up and then go off, as appropiate
- check engine oil level
- check electrics work, particularly panoramic roof and folding mirrors (if fitted)
- check the headlights are self-levelling (are all MINI's fitted with xenons?)
- usual car checks - smoke on start up, odd engine noises, pulling when driving/braking, unsual wobbles/bangs etc.
Finally, am I right in thinking any BMW/MINI dealer will verify history/spec if you ask nicely?
If you can add anything else, it would be really appreciated.
Cheers
Pork
* am I also right in thinking that Chilli pack essentially = just a/c?
Check the coolant level too as the thermostat housing can fail, and the power steering was an issue on some earlier models I believe.
There was a Mini buying guide in one of the magazines recently, will see if I can dig it out although it might be back at my parents house.
And is your friend determined to get a cooper? Only reason I ask is that I'm planning to sell my 56reg Mini One so could send the details if she is interested
There was a Mini buying guide in one of the magazines recently, will see if I can dig it out although it might be back at my parents house.
And is your friend determined to get a cooper? Only reason I ask is that I'm planning to sell my 56reg Mini One so could send the details if she is interested
When you know the reg of the car you are interested in phone bmw on 0906 209 0001 and they will tell you the spec it left the factory and the orignal cost and the service history if its been serviced by bmw, once you have the car take the key to bmw and they put it in a thing and can also tell you the bmw service history.
oldmanspeed said:
When you know the reg of the car you are interested in phone bmw on 0906 209 0001 and they will tell you the spec it left the factory and the orignal cost and the service history if its been serviced by bmw, once you have the car take the key to bmw and they put it in a thing and can also tell you the bmw service history.
Great, thanks. I'm assuming thats a premium rate line?One the key areas to look at with a used Mini is accident damage, they attract younger drivers and are often used as town cars, so poorly repaired/painted cars are very common, also as there so many available never buy a car you are not completely happy with, another better one will always come along.
I would avoid 17" wheels, the tyres are expensive and the ride is much better on 16's. A Chili pack is a must and the panormaic roof IMO is the most desirable option, never pay extra for Sat Nav as a Tomtom does a better job.
Happy hunting
I would avoid 17" wheels, the tyres are expensive and the ride is much better on 16's. A Chili pack is a must and the panormaic roof IMO is the most desirable option, never pay extra for Sat Nav as a Tomtom does a better job.
Happy hunting
Gunk said:
One the key areas to look at with a used Mini is accident damage, they attract younger drivers and are often used as town cars, so poorly repaired/painted cars are very common, also as there so many available never buy a car you are not completely happy with, another better one will always come along.
I would avoid 17" wheels, the tyres are expensive and the ride is much better on 16's. A Chili pack is a must and the panormaic roof IMO is the most desirable option, never pay extra for Sat Nav as a Tomtom does a better job.
Happy hunting
Thats all good advice, thanks! I would avoid 17" wheels, the tyres are expensive and the ride is much better on 16's. A Chili pack is a must and the panormaic roof IMO is the most desirable option, never pay extra for Sat Nav as a Tomtom does a better job.
Happy hunting
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