R52 OMG... did I pay too much for my MINI?
#26
06-16-2008 | 04:11 AM
Joined: May 2008
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Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
#27
06-16-2008 | 04:12 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
#30
06-16-2008 | 04:46 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
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From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
#31
06-16-2008 | 04:47 AM
Joined: May 2008
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From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
#32
06-16-2008 | 05:25 AM
6th Gear
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From: DC
Another option would be for you to spend another $1500-$2000 for an extended warranty (AAA offers them) that offers bumper to bumper coverage for an additional 4 years and 48,000 miles. Sounds like alot, but it pays for itself even if you have just one major issue with the car. BTW, they would require you to get an identical inspection done (at their cost) prior to providing coverage. All of this has to be put in place before your current coverage expires.
#33
06-16-2008 | 06:18 AM
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From: Outside of Phila, PA
I mean when someone who isn't MINI obsessed looks at cars objectively and sees how much car you're getting for the money, in terms of room, MPG, etc, the MINI cabrio is probably not the best allocation of your funds. That's looking at it from someone who only sees that a car gets you from A to B. We MINI folks see the journey from A to B as the experience, not the destination. 
#35
06-16-2008 | 09:11 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
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From: San Francisco
honestly, i was not sure if i got a good deal cos of the high mileage on the car and like u said only 7,000 miles left on warranty...as i read on on the forum, i was worried abt wear and tear and mushrooming on the struts.
i am crossing my fingers and hope nothinig needs to be done..what check shoudli be doing?
i am crossing my fingers and hope nothinig needs to be done..what check shoudli be doing?
First thing I did was get the M7 strut reinforcement plates. Buy some, only $140 or so shipped.
That's cheaper than having a vehicle that will never align properly again unless they fix the mushroomed area.
Here is the link. And what to look for:
http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...products_id=30
Last edited by MichaelSF; 06-16-2008 at 05:37 PM.
#36
06-16-2008 | 05:55 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
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From: San Francisco
First, 43,000 miles is NOT high miles. In today's times, IMHO, modern day cars are designed to last 150,000 miles or more before needing anything major. Mind you, that estimate is where cars are well maintained, and by that I don't mean changing the oil when "that little red oil low warning light goes on" on the dashboard.
Second, are you seeing prices for a 2005 S cabriolet for less than what you paid? I guess it's all relative to geographic region, but on the west coast one would be lucky to find a non-S cab for less than $20k. And at that price one would probably be stuck with an out-of-warranty unit.
You found a MINI S convertible with 7k miles left on the MINI warranty for $18k, that's almost robbery in my book. You should go to church on Sunday and beg forgiveness for taking advantage of the seller.
Take a look at these Craig's List listings:
San Francisco Area:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...Ask=max&addTwo=
Los Angeles Area:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sea...Ask=max&addTwo=
</lecture>
You got a great car at a fantastic price, deal with it and take the pain.
Last edited by MichaelSF; 06-27-2008 at 06:09 PM.
#37
06-16-2008 | 06:22 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
OMG..
guess i did well this time..thxs so much for the insight and it defintely put my mind at ease cos it was first time buying a used car..
i will make time and go church tooo
..
guess i did well this time..thxs so much for the insight and it defintely put my mind at ease cos it was first time buying a used car.. i will make time and go church tooo
..
You need to understand some things about your purchase.
First, 43,000 miles is NOT high miles. In today's times, IMHO, cars are designed to last 150,000 miles or more before needing anything major. Mind you, that estimate is where cars are well maintained, and by that I don't mean changing the oil when "that little red light goes on" on the dashboard.
Second, are you seeing prices for a 2005 S cabriolet for less than what you paid? I guess it's all relative to geographic region, but on the west coast one would be lucky to find a non-S cab for less than $20k. And at that price one would probably be stuck with an out-of-warranty unit.
You found a MINI S convertible with 7k miles left on the MINI warranty, that's almost robbery in my book. You should go to church on Sunday and beg forgiveness for taking advantage of the seller.
Take a look at these Craig's List listings:
San Francisco Area:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...Ask=max&addTwo=
Los Angeles Area:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sea...Ask=max&addTwo=
And here is my car, except a year older and with 7k more miles [a non issue really]. Maybe they would take $1k off the price, but that would mean I could get a year or more older car for only $1000 less than I paid. Point is, it isn't close to what you got for $18k.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/718876256.html
</lecture>
You got a great car at a fantastic price, deal with it and take the pain.
First, 43,000 miles is NOT high miles. In today's times, IMHO, cars are designed to last 150,000 miles or more before needing anything major. Mind you, that estimate is where cars are well maintained, and by that I don't mean changing the oil when "that little red light goes on" on the dashboard.
Second, are you seeing prices for a 2005 S cabriolet for less than what you paid? I guess it's all relative to geographic region, but on the west coast one would be lucky to find a non-S cab for less than $20k. And at that price one would probably be stuck with an out-of-warranty unit.
You found a MINI S convertible with 7k miles left on the MINI warranty, that's almost robbery in my book. You should go to church on Sunday and beg forgiveness for taking advantage of the seller.
Take a look at these Craig's List listings:
San Francisco Area:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...Ask=max&addTwo=
Los Angeles Area:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sea...Ask=max&addTwo=
And here is my car, except a year older and with 7k more miles [a non issue really]. Maybe they would take $1k off the price, but that would mean I could get a year or more older car for only $1000 less than I paid. Point is, it isn't close to what you got for $18k.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/car/718876256.html
</lecture>
You got a great car at a fantastic price, deal with it and take the pain.
#38
06-16-2008 | 06:24 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
thxs so much for the info and the website.
is it a DIY or do i have ot go to mechanic to install it?
.
is it a DIY or do i have ot go to mechanic to install it?
.
Well that mushrooming scared the hell out of me because San Francisco has the worst roads in the Nation. We have unrepaired potholes, ridges, cracks, and ruts. Can go through a set of shocks or struts in three years, max. And that's with not driving much.
First thing I did was get the M7 strut reinforcement plates. Buy some, only $140 or so shipped.
That's cheaper than having a vehicle that will never align properly again unless they fix the mushroomed area.
Here is the link. And what to look for:
http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...products_id=30
First thing I did was get the M7 strut reinforcement plates. Buy some, only $140 or so shipped.
That's cheaper than having a vehicle that will never align properly again unless they fix the mushroomed area.
Here is the link. And what to look for:
http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/produc...products_id=30
#39
06-16-2008 | 06:24 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
#40
06-16-2008 | 06:26 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
hhhmmmm
guess i have ot decide soon
guess i have ot decide soonAfter 36k the warranty generally will not cover normal wear and tear items. However, you might want to spend some money to have a local shop (that specializes in inspections) to have a thorough inspection done on the car. It should cost $100-120, but will be worth every penny if you are able to identify an issue before the warranty is up.
Another option would be for you to spend another $1500-$2000 for an extended warranty (AAA offers them) that offers bumper to bumper coverage for an additional 4 years and 48,000 miles. Sounds like alot, but it pays for itself even if you have just one major issue with the car. BTW, they would require you to get an identical inspection done (at their cost) prior to providing coverage. All of this has to be put in place before your current coverage expires.
Another option would be for you to spend another $1500-$2000 for an extended warranty (AAA offers them) that offers bumper to bumper coverage for an additional 4 years and 48,000 miles. Sounds like alot, but it pays for itself even if you have just one major issue with the car. BTW, they would require you to get an identical inspection done (at their cost) prior to providing coverage. All of this has to be put in place before your current coverage expires.
#41
06-16-2008 | 06:49 PM
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
#42
06-16-2008 | 07:02 PM
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
IMHO extended warranties are worthless. See attached April 2008 Consumer Reports article that agrees with me.
Waste of money.
Obviously some people differ because the things are still sold at dealerships and elsewhere.
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...Warranties.pdf
Also see:
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...rantyFraud.pdf
Waste of money.
Obviously some people differ because the things are still sold at dealerships and elsewhere.
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...Warranties.pdf
Also see:
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...rantyFraud.pdf
Last edited by MichaelSF; 06-16-2008 at 07:20 PM.
#43
06-17-2008 | 04:36 AM
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 0
From: DC
The warranty i got from AAA was worth it. Within 2 years I have already gotten back $3000 from my $1600 investment. The rules are indeed a bit squirrley and the occassionallly only end up paying about 2/3 of the actual cost, but on a car as complex as the MINI (most problems have been electrical and electronic), I certainly would not want to fly solo. Of course, being the first model year, my '02 is a lot less reliable than the newer ones.
#45
06-17-2008 | 10:31 PM
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
The warranty i got from AAA was worth it. Within 2 years I have already gotten back $3000 from my $1600 investment. The rules are indeed a bit squirrelly and the occasionally only end up paying about 2/3 of the actual cost, but on a car as complex as the MINI (most problems have been electrical and electronic), I certainly would not want to fly solo. Of course, being the first model year, my '02 is a lot less reliable than the newer ones.
I did not know AAA sells extended warranties. I am an AAA member and I trust most anything they say.
In fact, on my other cars I went to a mechanic that was AAA approved. They are the best shop I have ever been to in all my auto years. And I went to them because they were AAA approved.
http://onsmartpages.com/hansartautomotive/homepage/
I have used the full range of AAA benefits. Is that an AAA warranty or a company that they recommend?
Last edited by MichaelSF; 06-18-2008 at 06:54 AM.
#47
06-18-2008 | 06:30 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
thxs for the links....i guess its useful for those " WHAT IF" occasion..
IMHO extended warranties are worthless. See attached April 2008 Consumer Reports article that agrees with me.
Waste of money.
Obviously some people differ because the things are still sold at dealerships and elsewhere.
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...Warranties.pdf
Also see:
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...rantyFraud.pdf
Waste of money.
Obviously some people differ because the things are still sold at dealerships and elsewhere.
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...Warranties.pdf
Also see:
http://www.heartinsanfrancisco.com/E...rantyFraud.pdf
#48
06-18-2008 | 06:30 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,070
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh( southside), PA
The warranty i got from AAA was worth it. Within 2 years I have already gotten back $3000 from my $1600 investment. The rules are indeed a bit squirrley and the occassionallly only end up paying about 2/3 of the actual cost, but on a car as complex as the MINI (most problems have been electrical and electronic), I certainly would not want to fly solo. Of course, being the first model year, my '02 is a lot less reliable than the newer ones.
#49
06-25-2008 | 06:48 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,221
Likes: 0
From: DC
Contact number at AAA is 1-800-323-4300.
#50
06-25-2008 | 06:59 PM
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: DC
They offer 3 plans: Platinum, Gold and Silver.
Silver covers basic drivetrain, suspension and steering. Don't bother with this one. If those component lasted a full 4 years, they'll last another 4.
The top of the line, Platinum covers the above plus A/C, power brakes(ABS), fuel system, cooling system, powertrain electronics (DSC, cruise, etc.), all convenience accessories (radio, GPS,power windows/locks, etc.), vehicle hardware (switches, lights and mounts, hinges, strikers, etc),DSC.
The Gold package is somewhere in between. I opted for the Platinum since everything that ever goes wrong with my MCS is only covered by that package.
Silver covers basic drivetrain, suspension and steering. Don't bother with this one. If those component lasted a full 4 years, they'll last another 4.
The top of the line, Platinum covers the above plus A/C, power brakes(ABS), fuel system, cooling system, powertrain electronics (DSC, cruise, etc.), all convenience accessories (radio, GPS,power windows/locks, etc.), vehicle hardware (switches, lights and mounts, hinges, strikers, etc),DSC.
The Gold package is somewhere in between. I opted for the Platinum since everything that ever goes wrong with my MCS is only covered by that package.