My search for a Mini story

[Sharx]

Hi all,

Well I think the more I hear bout people's stories on getting their Mini's, such as mini_kitten's and DIOJCW, the more I've decided to step it up. I worked out what options I want and was taken a back to the see the final price at $46K This made me think that perhaps, as much I want a new Mini, maybe it was just a bit out of reach. So I've hit the used market, and found that thanks to the Mini being such an individual car, it's so hard to find one with what I want. They say that in 1,000,000 Mini's only 10 are the same

But it's starting to make me think bout things like km's, year, leather; am I going to have to give up a few things to get one at the right price? For instance I'm yet to see a Used Mini with the Chrono Pack. I'm also not sure on how many km's I should settle for. I would love Electric Blue with White roof and put Black and Grey stripes. All those wants are making it hard

So I'm looking at no more then $40K. I've looked through the on line sites and haven't found much I like. Please tell me I'm not the only one with this problem.

[Smurfn]

Good luck with your search

[MickyD]

chrono pack is a relatively recent option, so there won't be too many of them around 2nd hand yet.

[Sharx]

Is that like a "It's hopeless, but good luck anyway" kinda good luck?

[-blacky-]

Unfortunately you will know the MINI you want when you see it. Things like the chrono pack are an individual taste - you get all the same gauges with the normal pack , but each to their own.

I had a huge list that I wanted when I was looking for Mini No2, but I traded some of them and I think got a better deal in the end - and I don't regret it. As some of the peeps on here will say that the wait is worth it, and you get to pick your own car, but again I waited 5 days, and that was enough.

Not sure where you are located but if in Sydney, try Classic Mini Garage at Parramatta, they are nice and helped out in every way possible with 'blacky'

Good luck

[IML337]

If you have no luck, let me know. The lease on my 2002 S has expired, but my new car doesn't arrive until next year. I wouldn't be wanting much more than $30k for it, and while it has 75000km, it has *every* option and is still in quite good condition.

Can you give us an idea of the spec you're after, and what you think is acceptable in terms of km travelled and age?

Cheers

[Sharx]

Offcourse the spec. Looking for a Cooper S, I didn't know what the Chilli had extra till I spoke to some of the guys at Oran Park for the East Coast Targa. So if it's a Chilli S or just an S, thats what I want, manual for sure.

Unfortunately I've already had a not so good experience with Mini Parra. I live near Oran Park and work near Parra. I went in and started talking Mini's with them and said they'd have a Cooper S auto to test drive in a couple of days, took my details said they'd call. Two weeks later, no call.

I'm not too sure on the KM's. Ideal less then 50K, resonable less then 75K

[DIOJCW]

where abouts are you sharx
maybe some of us mini2ers can help if we see one around

[Sharx]

I'm in Narellan, which is next door to Oran Park. I still haven't even had a test drive yet and am thinking of ringing round the garages on the weekend.

[21Blue]

There's this one in Brisbane...a 2002 EB/W MCS with lots of options....Not a bad price for the specs. Good luck with your hunt

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsa...ch_distance=25

[mcscooper]

Try Altos I am sure i saw an EB second hand on the lot last week, there is also a HB one and a BRG on the lot.

You can also try Sylvania, a mate of mine works at Canterbury BMW (same owners) and they are good people to deal with.

[Sharx]

Quote: Originally Posted by 21Blue

There's this one in Brisbane...a 2002 EB/W MCS with lots of options....Not a bad price for the specs. Good luck with your hunt

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsa...ch_distance=25

Thats got me confused. The listing is for a Cooper, but the photo's show a Cooper S

[21Blue]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sharx

Thats got me confused. The listing is for a Cooper, but the photo's show a Cooper S

Yer...sometimes the ads are stuffed up. It is definitely a Cooper S though, Ive seen it a couple of times while driving past that car yard. The price on the windscreen was $37,990 just a couple of weeks ago...then $32,990 and now sub $30k. Not bad...

[mini_kitten]

Hi sharx! well good luck with your hunt, my mini was a bit more than what i expected but to me it is well worth every penny spent, they are such a gorgeous car to drive, so cute looking and very speedy

i was initially going for a 2nd hand but i got too fussy with the options, why i settled for a new one, plus i love a new car and the smell mmmm i do hope you find the one mini your looking for, im sure shes out there!

try tradingpost.com.au, carsales.com.au and carsguide.com.au also

[XTREEM]

When I was looking I had a pretty solid list of options that I wouldnt go without, I was just looking around "not really ready to buy" when my dream car turned up on carsales.com
Electric Blue
Blue Leather
S Lites
DSC
Sat Nav
Sunroof
Perfect condition,
The right price
The only thing missing was climate,

I jumped on a plane to Brissie the next day and drove it home

John.