[art399]

Hey all! After having dreamed about owning a new mini since well before they were released, i've finally found the opportunity to buy one after my previous car was stolen(maybe a blessing in disguise?).
However, the only ones i was able to afford had pretty high km on them, the one i settled on is a 2002 Cooper (not S) with 78,000 km(48,500 mi). Now, one day before taking possession of it and after reading these forums for a few days i'm starting to get the jitters, I only have about a thousand km left before it falls out of warranty. The car seemed to be in excellent condition, the owner obviously was very kind to it, so i'm hoping i didn't take too much of a risk! What do you all think? Anyone out there have mileage this high? Would it be advisable to get it inspected at an authorized mini dealer before the warranty is up?
Anyone just want to ease my worries?
Either way, i'm extremely excited about tomorrow and can't wait to join the ranks of mini owners!

[Cooper76]

Quote: Originally Posted by art399

Hey all! After having dreamed about owning a new mini since well before they were released, i've finally found the opportunity to buy one after my previous car was stolen(maybe a blessing in disguise?).
However, the only ones i was able to afford had pretty high km on them, the one i settled on is a 2002 Cooper (not S) with 78,000 km(48,500 mi). Now, one day before taking possession of it and after reading these forums for a few days i'm starting to get the jitters, I only have about a thousand km left before it falls out of warranty. The car seemed to be in excellent condition, the owner obviously was very kind to it, so i'm hoping i didn't take too much of a risk! What do you all think? Anyone out there have mileage this high? Would it be advisable to get it inspected at an authorized mini dealer before the warranty is up?
Anyone just want to ease my worries?
Either way, i'm extremely excited about tomorrow and can't wait to join the ranks of mini owners!

Yes, definitely get it pre-inspected by a private mechanic or by the local MINI dealer. The less surprises, the better. Welcome to the family!

[cooper_s_flyer]

Quote: Originally Posted by art399

Hey all! After having dreamed about owning a new mini since well before they were released, i've finally found the opportunity to buy one after my previous car was stolen(maybe a blessing in disguise?).
However, the only ones i was able to afford had pretty high km on them, the one i settled on is a 2002 Cooper (not S) with 78,000 km(48,500 mi). Now, one day before taking possession of it and after reading these forums for a few days i'm starting to get the jitters, I only have about a thousand km left before it falls out of warranty. The car seemed to be in excellent condition, the owner obviously was very kind to it, so i'm hoping i didn't take too much of a risk! What do you all think? Anyone out there have mileage this high? Would it be advisable to get it inspected at an authorized mini dealer before the warranty is up?
Anyone just want to ease my worries?
Either way, i'm extremely excited about tomorrow and can't wait to join the ranks of mini owners!

......can be basically eliminated by spending a little more cash (I know, ... how many times have you heard this?)...

A Mini which is still under full factory warranty can have the extended warranty coverage from BMW added to it. This provides "bumper to bumper"-like coverage up to 100,000 miles. Get it and worry no more. Cost here is about $1600 to $2000... I would think it comparable to the Canadian cost of an extended warranty.

This might be a way to ease your worries.

[beken]

That;s quite a lot of mileage for a 3 year old car. However, it's hard not to drive a MINI. There's a number of places you can get your car inspected. Your local CAA (if you have a membership) might do car inspections. Your local MINI dealer or BMW dealer can inspect it.

Spend a few dollars and do some due diligence. I would advise this of any used car you buy. If you're buying it from a car dealer, see if they offer a waranty of their own.

Good luck!

[art399]

Picked it up today and drove it home...then straight to Canadian Tire to get "The Club"(my previous vehicle got stolen...not sure how effective the club is, but i feel i should do something). WOW! Loving it!
Wish i was still in it. I'll probably take it to get inspected at MINI markham soon. Maybe even buy the extended warranty. Nothing amiss so far though, drives like a dream!
I can throw this puppy around corners in a way i never could in my VW Golf

One thing i noticed...hard to explain, but in my golf the stick would sit(in neutral) at third gear and if you pulled it over to first and didn't put it into gear then let it go it would swing back to sitting position again quite promptly. In the MINI it seems a little stiffer moving it back and forth and doesn't seem to have that "springy" effect as much. Is this normal? Not really a problem or even annoyance, just want to make sure it's normal behavior.

Can't wait until my drive to work tomorrow

[ncdave]

I would definitely get it inspected although at least one gentleman on here passed the 100K mark so it seems that longevity shouldn't be a big issue. I suppose it's like any other car; sometimes you get a good one - sometimes not. Enjoy your new ride!

[cooper_s_flyer]

Quote: Originally Posted by art399

Picked it up today and drove it home...then straight to Canadian Tire to get "The Club"(my previous vehicle got stolen...not sure how effective the club is, but i feel i should do something). WOW! Loving it!
Wish i was still in it. I'll probably take it to get inspected at MINI markham soon. Maybe even buy the extended warranty. Nothing amiss so far though, drives like a dream!
I can throw this puppy around corners in a way i never could in my VW Golf

One thing i noticed...hard to explain, but in my golf the stick would sit(in neutral) at third gear and if you pulled it over to first and didn't put it into gear then let it go it would swing back to sitting position again quite promptly. In the MINI it seems a little stiffer moving it back and forth and doesn't seem to have that "springy" effect as much. Is this normal? Not really a problem or even annoyance, just want to make sure it's normal behavior.

Can't wait until my drive to work tomorrow

... enjoy, enjoy, enjoy !!!