Hi everybody - this is my first post here. I currently own a BMW e90 335 and spend most of my time on the e90post.com boards, but I am very impressed with your Mini board. I've been peeking for a few weeks!
I need some help. I'm going to buy my wife a used mini. I decided not to build and order a new one, since she's not the best driver in the world, and tends to put a few "nicks" in her cars
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After doing a ton of research on local minis (WA State) I found one about 2 hours away that seems to be pretty clean. It is a 2002 S, 35k miles, no mods (that I can see), silver body with a black top, ~$16000. There were many pictures on line and the car looks looks good.
I'm driving up within the next few days and give it the "what for". What should I look for to ensure I'm not getting ripped off? It's located in a fairly small town, with the closest mini dealership about 140 miles away. I'm trying to find a shop that knows at least a little something about the car....so I can get a pre-purchase inspection.
Is there anything in particular that I should be really carefull about? I already have a carfax...which came out clean. We all know carfax can be spotty sometimes, and "wrecked" cars can slip through. I don't really need any help with the body or interior....just the engine. I need to know if a 2002 S with 35 k miles (which is very low miles compared to others) has had any issues....fuel pump, brakes, clutch...stuff like that. And during the inspection (if I can even find a guy) what should he be looking for?
Thanks in advance for any help!