Buying a Mini Cooper S 09 (58)

[danm89]

Hi guys,

Newby here. I'm picking up my Mini Cooper S from MINI Park Lane tomorrow.

2009 (58) model with Chili pack. 20,700 miles.

Could you give me a check list of what to look for/check?

Much appreciated.

Looking forward to joining the gang!

Thanks,

Dan

[Rocco9999]

To be honest its a fairly new car and you are buying from a reputable dealer with minimum 12 months warranty and even a no quible exchange policy.

but since you ask:
- Death rattle (search for more info)
- Various interior squeaks especially from the glove box and secret glove box (improved from late 2007/2008 I think)
- check for any windscreen chips (very prone)
- service history can be verified by the dealer
- get them to check the brake pad wear as these might need doing soon and they could easily replace for a few quid if nearing the limit

But really they are pretty issue free, save for the above.

[danm89]

Thanks very much Rocco!

Looking forward to getting it. Haven't seen it yet - all concluded over the phone.

Thanks again.

Dan

[Nezquick]

You're brave if you've just bought a car without seeing it and test driving it. Rather you than me!!

[iain cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by danm89 (original)

Thanks very much Rocco!

Looking forward to getting it. Haven't seen it yet - all concluded over the phone.

Thanks again.

Dan

never understood why someone would ever buy a car without seeing it ??

not something I would recommend, what made you do such a thing Dan ?

Iain

[rieste]

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

never understood why someone would ever buy a car without seeing it ??

not something I would recommend, what made you do such a thing Dan ?

Iain

Probably because of the dealer warranty, if there are any manufacturing defects or problems a main agent warranty has them covered doesn't it?
With the dealer warranty maybe people read too much into it? Do you think it gives buyers a false sense of security?

Having said that i would want to drive the car to see if it suited me I am however older and a little awkward, in particular i like to stretch my left leg out on longer journeys, so i like to check the room available and the seat position. I also have a back problem.
I did try a Citroen C3 a and found the seat was ok comfort wise but it didn't travel back far enough for my legs, build quality was better than older Citroen cars but still not good i thought.
So having said that i too would not buy a car without checking the fit at least.

[Rocco9999]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nezquick (original)

You're brave if you've just bought a car without seeing it and test driving it. Rather you than me!!

Come on this is a nearly new mini from Mini Park Lane.

You still get to check it when you pick it up and can reject it then (same as for a brand new car in that respect).

What's the worst that could happen?

[Nezquick]

This reminds me of the "Dr Pepper................." theme tune.

TBH, it's not something I would do but I hope everything went well when you went to get it? Let's have an update then; what do you think?

[Iffy]

Because of distance selling rules this is actually the best way to buy a used car from a dealer. You have seven days 'cooling off' to back out for any reason (think lots of small faults, or highspeed handling was dodgy and you couldnt find out in a test drive say. Both would be difficult reasons to reject under sale of goods act, if at all.).

I myself have just gone and done the same thing as Dan with the same dealer
Found a car in the spec and colour I wanted on the Mini cherished website, phoned up and put a deposit down. Then I went and drove the car before i signed anything.
The used ones are in high demand (hence the prices) and so you have to jump fast on the right one for you. (dark silver, black roof, leather, hifi upgrade and low miles for me!)
When i phoned there were a couple of (now disapointed!) people coming to look at the car and id missed out on a car at my local dealer the week before by 'thinking about it' then when i phoned itwo days later they'd sold it.

Hi by the way, first post. I get my 07 MCS tomorrow morning