Buying my first mini (and car!) HELP

[lucylucy90]

Ok, im just 18 and im buying my first car... Iv had my heart set on a mini and can finally afford one!

Im lookin to spend 6000-6500 on it, and get a mini one (for insurance reasons- not a cooper)
I dont want anything older than 2001... firstly is this realistic? i dont want a piece of crap that will breakdown!

But mainly, ive seen one on autotrader, its a 2003 (03 plate) mini one, heres the spec:
Manual, 50,800 miles, Black. 2 Lady Owners from new, ABS, Body coloured bumpers, Electric Windows, CD Player, Cloth seat trim, Driver and passenger airbag, Electric door mirrors, Folding rear seats. 50800 miles, full service history, 6 months MOT. £6,600. OVNO


Im scared because its private not trade, i dont know if this is realistic? sound like a good deal?

Help please!!!

[I love MINI, Laura]

Good luck in your search buying your first car is very very exciting and welcome to MINI2!

MINIs started production in 2000. There is only a small number of Y reg MINIs around so realistically you'll find a 51 reg as the earliest.

Question though: Why would a 51 reg One be a piece of crap? My sister owns a 51 reg MINI One and its been nothing but reliable its done 65,000 and still going strong. No problems at all since the day she bought it in 2003/4.

[lewiswright]

hi!
i have a 51 plate mini one in silver and its done 19,000 miles! and i only paid £6500 for it, as it was my first car too (only turned 17 a month back!) it also had the cooper s spoke wheels on it, iv changed a few bits on it, such a s clear lenses etc and so most people now just think its a cooper, as there is no visual difference!
it does cost me quite a lot on fuel but i do go everywhere, and i mean everywhere!!
its just come out of the garage for a fault with the throttle but that cost me £190 for the part and labour so the costs are not that stupid!
other than that i love my mini and wouldnt change it, i had the predicament when i was looking should i get a new clio with warrenty or a 5 year old mini without one, i obviously decided to go for the mini and am so glad i did!
i say go for the mini!! :-)

Lewis.