Tips on Buying...

[minimadjames]

Hey, this Firday Im going to look at a MINI Cooper Cabrio (all being well) and am just after some advise really, what to look out, known problemed area's etc.
My current car (2005 Ford Fiesta) I bought from a Ford dealer 2 years ago this November and as it was only 2 years old back then, i felt secure as it was still within its 3 year warranty.
But this mini is on an 04 plate (so all already 5 years old) and its just from a general car dealer, which doesn't specialise in MINI's.

The other thing im slightly jubious about is the fact im going alone, as my dads not around to come with me (I could ask mum - she has limited car knowledge but good for moral support I guess)

Its just the checking the car over part I have problems with, I know to look down the side of the car to check they're straight and that all shut lines should be equal, but thats about all.

I just want to be prepared thats all, Im only 18 and I dont want to give them the impression im inexperienced & I dont want them to take advantage of the fact I dont really know what im looking for and too just fob me off - im not saying they will, be its better to be safe than sorry in my opinion. You know what some salesmen are like - they'd sell their granny if they could!

So yeah... if anyone can advise me with any 'buying tips' or signs of what to look out for etc. It'll really boost my confidence!

Thanks
James

[Craig123]

if your worried about the dealer taking advantage cos your young do u have an older work mate or someone who could go with you?

what kind of dealer is it? national franchise or small town 'honest john'

is he offering 3month or 12month warrenty on it?

HPI it too!

[minimadjames]

No theres no one else really that can come with me, all my family are women and my male relations are really busy all the time, plus im self employeed, so no workmate either!!
Its just a small town dealer, I emailed him and asked him if it had ASC (because I couldnt see from the pictures if it had the toggle switch or not) and he said that he would check when it comes back from its HPI check (and it was supposed to come back last tuesday/wednesday) - a week on and still no reply, but he's probably just forgotten.

Im just curious to know about notorious mini faults, because if it has them I can either walk away or barter down the price. My sister has one, and its an absolutly brilliant car (I know im going to love owning one) but she hasn't covered many miles in hers, so that could be a reason why she hasn't encountered any.

Im sure everything will be fine, but I just want to be prepared, it wont hurt mum comming along, an extra pair of eyes is always handy.
From the pictures I've seen, it looks a pretty clean car. But who knows, it may have sold before Friday and I can't get there before then, so if it goes it just wasn't meant to be.

[chrisbla003]

How much is it?

[minimadjames]

£9,000 I think it's quite a good buy, but it all depends on what they offer me for my car. It's got a full leather interior, mfs, come to think of it... Do mini cabrio's have electric foldin mirrors? The reason I ask is that from pictures i've seen of them, there hadn't been the button to fold the mirrors in. I'm really excited, yet nervous too!

[chrisbla003]

James, it is not cheap.
My convertible is for sale,
2006, 9700mls, c/c JCW aerokit,TLC, etc

[minimadjames]

What is yours one/cooper? The reason I wanted to buy from a dealer because of it's convenience as I haven't got the money to buy a mini and to then sell my car after, and I can't sell my car before hand as I'll then have no means of transport.
It's hard as I can't see your attatched pictures that well because I'm on my iPhone, will be able to see more clearly when I get home and am on my laptop, but that won't be till late tonight as I start my other job at 6 ad finish at ten - no rest for the wicked!
What's the spec of it mini I'm really fussy about the interior as I want sports seats in either half leather or full leather

Cheers

[chrisbla003]

James, if you click on the classified, convertibles, you will see the spec.
Half leather sports seats, chili pack.

[minimadjames]

Your MINI is stunning - I would love it, but its just a bit too expensive for me, my budget is 9k - 9.5k tops.

I can't believe it though, I went on their website and its sold!!!
So its back to the drawing board!