Calling the Mini guys, pre-purchase analysis

[Zreberlcoe]

Alright just to clarify this is my brother who is about to buy this mini: http://www.pedersentoyota.com/vehicl...s-1810539.html

Now your guys job is to act like I am the one buying it and give me all your knowledge on these cars. What to look out for, the good, the bad, common upgrades, what you think of it, etc. He's looking to buy this car because I can't convince him to buy an E30 but he does want something unique-ish that he can sort of build for a peppy little mountain cruiser. Kind of on the basis of what we do with e30's around here; coilovers, exhaust, slight motor work, chips/tunes, wheels, etc. Also he's not entirely a gear head, he is selling his titan for this, so me being the wrencher he wants my advice and my help. And of course where do I go to seek advice? R3v.

Anyhoodle, Mini guys say anything and everything, GO!

[rcsoundn1]

1st thoughts were this one does not look well cared for, the dealer didnt even take the time to clean it for pictures.

[ParsedOut]

Control arm bushings, they have either been replaced (recently!) or they need to be done.

[Zreberlcoe]

Rcsoundn1, I noticed that as well, and on the last picture there seems to be grime next to the heated seat button.

ParsedOut, at 65,000 miles? Is that the correct time to do them?

[ParsedOut]

Rcsoundn1, I noticed that as well, and on the last picture there seems to be grime next to the heated seat button.

ParsedOut, at 65,000 miles? Is that the correct time to do them?

Agree with rcsoundn1, if the previous owner couldn't be cared to keep the inside clean just imagine how little underhood maintenance was(n't) done. As for the CAB, they are probably shot around 60k.

[Zreberlcoe]

Ahh good to know. I wish I wasn't 5 hours away and I could look at it. But, is there any good you can tell?

[ParsedOut]

Ahh good to know. I wish I wasn't 5 hours away and I could look at it. But, is there any good you can tell?

Without a qualified mechanic doing a PPI or you looking at it yourself with an educated eye/ear, then I wouldn't buy it. Several years ago I was dead set on getting a Cooper S but after looking at SOOOOOOO many that were mechanically shitty with relatively low miles I decided to run away, very far away.

[SkiFree]

Without a qualified mechanic doing a PPI or you looking at it yourself with an educated eye/ear, then I wouldn't buy it.

This, try to really insist on getting a decent ppi done.

Things to check

- mushrooming front shock towers
- supercharger pully

[Zreberlcoe]

Ahh I see. Can you do a ppi on a dealership car? I also should add the dealership will be replacing tires/windshield, and doing a detail upon purchasing.

[ParsedOut]

Ahh I see. Can you do a ppi on a dealership car? I also should add the dealership will be replacing tires/windshield, and doing a detail upon purchasing.

If the dealership won't work with an independent mechanic for PPI, then that's another red flag. I'd suggest finding one close to you that you can look at in person and have a PPI done without hassle. If it's good, then your "brother" ;) can fly out and pick it up or drive it out or something.

[lambo]

paging funfgan

[Zreberlcoe]

If the dealership won't work with an independent mechanic for PPI, then that's another red flag. I'd suggest finding one close to you that you can look at in person and have a PPI done without hassle. If it's good, then your "brother" ;) can fly out and pick it up or drive it out or something.

Will do, I'm telling him to look into shops in his area and to ask the dealer if he can do a ppi on his terms. And yes it really is for my brother, I wouldn't buy a mini, I would do something worse and buy another E30.

[E30NJ]

You could buy 4 relatively cheap E30's with that price of that mini . It doesn't look horrible but my first concern is whats underneath those seat covers? +1 on control arms, and make sure its got a good clutch. In order to pull the transmission on most minis you might as well yank out the trans. I also know that they leak powersteering fluid pretty bad. Keep us informed.

[Zreberlcoe]

Alright the plan is to get my brother to ask for a ppi, because I'm having my doubts while looking at these pictures closely. If the dealer wont let him do a ppi somewhere else, he has to walk away. If he does and the car checks out or the repairs are minimal, then it's up to him.

[FunfGan]

paging funfgan

If it doesn't have a full packet and history of service, steer very clear away.