[AndyH_MCS]

Hi people,

I'm off to view a GP on Saturday at HR Owens Heathrow. As its a fair trek from me (Essex) i'd quite like to make the trip worth while.

Now, are there any tips GP owners can give me? Anything to look out for?

Obviously i'll look out for curbed wheels, engine noises, tyre wear etc but are there any GP specific things?

The cars got a tracker which is a BIG plus imo, but the sales guy said the GP's don't come with alarms to save weight?!?!?!!? Is he talking out of his haris?

I'm taking a mate who is good at haggling in the hope of getting a semi decent price

Any help would be much appreciated

Andy

[LMB]

Maybe check the paint work as some have complained of flaking paint, around the front bumper/air duct area. Apart from that just the usual.

[AndyH_MCS]

Right, thanks mate

I've told the salesman that i want a lengthy test drive to get the car properly warmed up and to incorperate all types of driving.

Whats the noise like in the cabin? Having no rear seats i should imagine the exahust note is amplified??

[Roadrunner_1]

I've been out in a GP a few times. The exhaust note is amplified in the back due to the lack of the rear seats, reduction in sound deadening material and the lack of rear speakers.

The car is great, but definately check curbed wheels, especially on those low profile 18's

Have fun

[AndyH_MCS]

Thanks again.

Its up for £19990 which imo is too high for the miles on the car (7000) What would people think is a more realistic price?

[Will_'S']

the price isn't to bad to be honest dealer gave me 19k for mine with 9k miles on it. Deff check tyres i chewed a set in 6k driving nornally.

[Griffer]

I paid £19400 from dealer for 4500 mile GP. Have the exhaust checked for broken centre bracket as mine was blowing within 2 days and needed a new bracket and back box. It is quite a common problem apparently with the JCW and GP exhausts (they are slightly different). Also check general fit of all panels (they are built in Italy remember!!) and the security of the rain gutters at the back. I glued both of mine back on with Araldite. Paint work is very prone to chips as only 2 coats of paint allegedly, plus usual wheel checks etc. All can be done under warranty and bargain any wheel refurb, tyre changes etc into the price.

[Scream]

Wheels made before Apr 06 need to be replaced, there's a thread on here somewhere. These are prone to flaking and cracking at high speed. The garage will look at you funny and then after checking the computer will offer to check. The wheels have a date marked on the back of one of the spokes in a series of dots.

Also check the Z shaped floor fastener in the boot isn't broken, some people have complained about this.

Paint is a issue as mention above.

Tyres are as above, although swopping front to back can make all 4 last for 10 to 12 K, depending on your driving. Although driving in dolomittes reduces there life dramatically

You may want to upgrade bulbs in headlights as originals aren't great, but Mike can sort you out some decent bulbs.

Having said all that i and my wife use both cars every day and have both just returned from the 50 mountain pass dolomitte challenge. (3009 miles). We have had no major mechanical or electrical problems. Julie's used some coolant but on speaking with the dealer these cars can

When your on the test drive just take time to see how everyone arround you is reacting, this is one special car.

Although don't be affraid to walk away if the deals not right, some of these cars have been moved from garage to garage in a bid to sell them. A search on mini cherished will show you whats on offer and don't forget the ins group and tax band.

Sorry to go on but you won't reget buying one of these, so just take your time getting the price right.

[LMB]

I've had mine nearly a year and it still gets looks like the first day I drove it off the forecourt. Awesome car.

[AndyH_MCS]

Thanks everyone

I'm now armed with a big list of things to check

One final question...do GP's come with alarms?

[LMB]

Quote: Originally Posted by AndyH_MCS (original)

Thanks everyone

I'm now armed with a big list of things to check

One final question...do GP's come with alarms?

It comes wth a CAT 1 immobilzer.

[Tonyt3]

No alarm then.

[Scream]

How did the viewing go over the weekend?, do we have another GP owner on the books?, and is it's number on the roof number list ??

[wo53 rks]

And make sure its in Thunder Blue the only colour they made..................................

[CC07ERS]

Well did you buy the the car?

[Lots]

Sorry, i only just read this.

In answer to the alarm question they do not have one. I have been told that the reason is not weight it is because all the cars were standard for all countires they could not get an alarm that is recognised in all.

In terms of reasonable price it is very very difficult to know, they vary. I am selling mine and it is very difficult to decide what a reasonable price is. If i was buying one i would want low mileage - obvioulsy the problem with mine is 12,00 miles! Ooops.

They are great cars, i am eager to know if you bought the one that you drove?