Market for private second hand Mini's?

[Josh27]

Is there much of a market for private second hand Mini's? I've got mine advertised on here, Autotrader and Pistonheads (plus various forums), and I've not had one single call or email!

Just thinking that people maybe don't fancy parting with a fair bit of money for a 3+ year old car, without the fall back of a warranty?

Worried...

[Paul]

This is the rub of the MINI cherished scheme. People know they'll pay more from a dealer, but they feel assured by the warranty and "dealer service" that scheme offers.

It's hard. But make sure you have your price right, your adverts well phrased, and have good photos of your car to show too!

Good luck.

[Josh27]

Yes, that's exactly my thought. Seems as though dealers cars tend to be £1000 more than private, but when spending a substantial amount on a car, that is a small amount for a warranty etc.

I feel my advert is decent, it has all the information a potential buyer could need, as well as good photos of the car, both inside and out.

I was expecting a quick sale, I thought a Mini with extras would shift like a hot cake. Maybe not. Will keep trying...

[minicabrio]

Its a tough market at the moment!!

We've been trying to sell Mums Mercedes SL for a few months now.... eventually had a phone call, and the chap has bought it.

[miniboyblue]

The issue of a warranty should not be the real issue as a dealer will only offer a warranty for one year on a Mini over 3 years old, and I personally think that paying the dealer profit margin is well over the odds for 1 year of cover. If any potential buyer is that worried about the margin they can take on out personaly with a private compnay.

Colour is a very important area Josh and the BRG is unfortuantely not the most popular colour.

[AMT]

The rarity can be an advantage too - those wanting one will have fewer to choose from = more callers! Mine went within a week of being advertised after two calls, both parties had been looking for a BRG/W cooper for a while but complained there were so few around!

[MINI-Morgan]

Whole market is on a low at the moment.... still got mine for sale too.

[MartinSSZ]

Hang in there is all I can say, I too was a bit surprised at the slow response when I put my Cooper up for sale, took about 6 weeks to sell it in the end.

[FunFindus]

I bought mine privately and the lady had been trying for a month. Hang in there and keep it polished!

[MartinSSZ]

The S Works I bought had also been up for sale for quite a while, and apparently I was the only person to go and see it

[Josh27]

Still no calls Autotrader magazine comes out today with my car in, so hopefully will get some over the weekend. At this rate, I'll be tempted to chop it in and get a ridiculously low price from a dealer!

[FunFindus]

Can you post a link of it for Autotrader?

[GR33NIE]

There's alot more MINI's in the used car market these days, totally agree with Paul though, check the price is about right, be as detailed as you can with the description and get some cracking pics up

I had no immediate interest last year when mine was up for sale, I part ex'd it in the end

[TonyFoy]

I read an article about BCA having dedicated auctions for mini's each month with 80 cars and pretty good typical prices.

Moderator I can't post links but search google 'mini auction nottingham easier' and check the first link and add. Cheers

[JAMIE1131]

Quote: Originally Posted by miniboyblue (original)

The issue of a warranty should not be the real issue as a dealer will only offer a warranty for one year on a Mini over 3 years old, and I personally think that paying the dealer profit margin is well over the odds for 1 year of cover. If any potential buyer is that worried about the margin they can take on out personaly with a private compnay.

Colour is a very important area Josh and the BRG is unfortuantely not the most popular colour.

I've had well over a £1000 pounds of work under my cherished warranty! I didn't especially go out to buy from a dealer, and if I was looking for another I would still look privately as well but the main dealer warranty is a big benefit. I've always found the trick to selling quick is being very competitively priced and keep the car looking mint at all times. Also try advertising on ebay. it only costs a few quid and gets a massive audience. With a buy it now price your not restricted to waiting until the end of the auction, and if anyone does come and see you and makes an offer you can always end the auction early!