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Author Topic: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?  (Read 1119 times)

Offline DockMan

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Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« on: September 12, 2011, 08:55:12 am »
A buddy of mine is looking to pick up a used car for his wife. She wants a Mini. I've heard scuttlebutt around about some issues. What years and or issues would you pay special attention or preference to when looking for a used Mini? Any input would be appreciated.
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Offline Gardiner Westbound

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2011, 10:14:27 am »
Research the Consumer Reports' reliability indexes with special attention to the Used Car Verdicts. Avoid redesign years, identified in red. Consult the Transport Canada Road Safety Recalls Database. Go to owner review sites that have qualitative feedback such as Carsurvey and Edmunds. What are the folks who bought them saying?

Look at Chris Chase's Used Vehicle Review: Mini Cooper, 2002-2006 elsewhere on this site.
http://www.autos.ca/used-car-reviews/used-vehicle-review-mini-cooper-2002-2006

See attachment.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2011, 11:23:22 am by Gardiner Westbound »
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Offline Railton

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2011, 10:41:31 am »
Quote from: DockMan on September 12, 2011, 08:55:12 am
A buddy of mine is looking to pick up a used car for his wife. She wants a Mini. I've heard scuttlebutt around about some issues. What years and or issues would you pay special attention or preference to when looking for a used Mini? Any input would be appreciated.
PM Topgun.
Railton
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Offline airbalancer

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2011, 10:56:06 am »
I think sailor has a used mini for sale  :run:
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Offline overtakeyouintheleftlane

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2011, 12:31:14 pm »
I've read that they have automatic transmission problems. Have it looked over by a trusted mechanic and make sure it has all service records...
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Offline The Mighty Duck

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2011, 07:46:18 pm »
Cooper or Cooper S, and how old? People seem to have enjoyed the old, supercharged S than the new, turbocharged version. So that might factor into the decision...
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Offline articsteve

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2011, 10:35:32 pm »
The Mini CVT were junk.  The early manuals had problems and due to the small size the clutch wears quickly in contrast to other vehicles.  Make sure the Mini in question has a sunroof because when the AC dies at least they will have some sort of ventilation.  ;D

USA Minis are priced so much lower than here. 

Used Mini is a foolish purchase. So if this is your pal's first foolish car purchase .... then by all means let him experience the out of warranty mini experience.  In other words, stay clear of this one.
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Offline airbalancer

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2011, 07:43:45 am »
Quote from: articsteve on September 17, 2011, 10:35:32 pm
The Mini CVT were junk.  The early manuals had problems and due to the small size the clutch wears quickly in contrast to other vehicles.  Make sure the Mini in question has a sunroof because when the AC dies at least they will have some sort of ventilation.  ;D

USA Minis are priced so much lower than here. 

Used Mini is a foolish purchase. So if this is your pal's first foolish car purchase .... then by all means let him experience the out of warranty mini experience.  In other words, stay clear of this one.

Everyone needs one or two in their life time ;D
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Offline TopGun

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2011, 10:05:14 pm »
Quote from: articsteve on September 17, 2011, 10:35:32 pm
....
Used Mini is a foolish purchase. So if this is your pal's first foolish car purchase .... then by all means let him experience the out of warranty mini experience.  In other words, stay clear of this one.

Well they are not Toyota Corollas...perhaps thank-fully.   ;D  For sure read the used car review, I thought that review, and the discussion that surrounded it was good.

In a way, I agree with Artic...at least in Canada, the price of a used Mini doesn't make much sense to me...they retain too much of their value relative to other cars.  Perhaps the fact is they are not like many other cars!

I much prefer the pre-turbo Minis for their engine sound and feel in addition to the exhaust sound.  The Minis have the silly BMW oil change schedule, so I'd look for one that's been changed more than the "required" 20,000 km or something silly like that.

The normally aspirated Minis are dogs...but man, is that steering great...even though it's electric assist.
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Offline Vanstar

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #9 on: November 02, 2011, 06:12:58 pm »
One of my employees has a 2007 Mini and judging by her experience, it might be a much better idea to lease a new one. I just adore her Hello Kitty accessories she has the car packed with, though!
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Offline Bullet Blue

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #10 on: November 02, 2011, 06:41:36 pm »
If it's an 2006 or older Cooper S don't expect good gas mileage. A friend of mine had an '06 S and the supercharger, while tremendously fun and made a great sound, really sucked away any sort of fuel economy. I imagine the newer turbocharged Minis addressed this issue.
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Offline richink

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Re: Looking to Buy Used Mini - What to look out for?
« Reply #11 on: December 13, 2011, 12:23:03 pm »
Avoid automatic transmissions, all other standard rules to European car ownership apply.

Know a good mechanic that knows a few tricks about them.

Do the oil changes and basic stuff (filters, brakes, etc) yourself.

Otherwise a great car. A friend of mine is on her 2nd one now.
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