Within 2 weeks or so, I'll be purchasing a used Mini-S, 2013, @ 14,000 miles, 6 speed, red/black top, leather seats, in a private transaction.

We have an agreed-on price, and are in the logistical process of trying to coordinate a pre-purchase inspection by a garage that works on BMW's and Mini's. (Greasy's Garage in Massachusetts). Trouble is it's an hour away from him and 45 min away from me.

As I have never purchased 'used' before, I wanted to check w/ others if I'm thinking of all the bases to cover for that day...

*I have my bank check for him
*he has title to sign over to me
*brief purchase agreement w/ copies for both of us
*insurance in place for Mini

Anything else I'm not thinking of, as I just woke up and semi-conscious....

Thanks for any help, folks...

 

Have you done a carfax report?

Also have the current owner get a complete service history from the dealer.

 

is a purchase agreement a bill of sale?

 

If the inspection turns up some issues that kill the deal - you walk away. What happens if they don't kill the deal and you agree to a lower price? Your bank check is going to be for the wrong amount. Might want a few bank checks of varying denominations or money orders. Just a thought.

 

All set on that, thanks...

 

Yes.

 

I think I'm getting a little paranoid over this process. It only has 14,000 miles on it, so I'm covered by Mini warranty anyway. I need to calm down.

 

Yes, calm down. It's the best of the he bunch in terms of engine updates.

Enjoy the car. 😀

 

Just informed that Mini-S with 6 speed a very difficult install for a remote car starter... anyone?

 

I really don't advocate installing remote starts on any modern vehicle - lots of electrical systems don't play well with aftermarket electronics.

 

Thanks.

Another concern... from what I understand, there are basically 2 types of emergency brakes. One will possibly freeze up if used in cold weather, and the other will not. This Mini-S I'm considering has a 6 speed, and our condo driveway is on an incline... a problem, or not?

 

I wouldn't worry about that, as the Mini uses the disc to hold the car in place, and doesn't have a cable-actuated drum. Use the parking brake - and leave it in gear, too.

 

^ This. Because the emergency brake uses discs to hold the car in place, be aware what might happen when the temperature of the disc and pads cool down after a spirited drive. They shrink when they cool and as a result the car has been known to roll with just the e-brake set. Be sure to leave the transmission in a very low gear.

 

Read my whole post.

I always leave it in gear and use the e-brake.

 

DANG, my old 2001 car has a remote starter...not as much electronics to screw up... going to miss the warm car first thing...

 

I've never been a fan of remote starts.

More stuff to go wrong, and it's a waste of fuel. Also, idling is not good for engines in general.

 

Wow, was just looking thru the DuelL AG catalog / custom add-on body kits for the Mini... AMAZING stuff... Also at M7 and others... this could expensive... AND fun...

 

Looks like you're well on your way to becoming one of us.

 

Those DuelL AG bumper kits.... the front end is going to be quite a bit lower, right? We have terrible pot holes in Rhode Island... trouble...?

 

Geez, I forgot how much work it is to scrape lots of thick ice off a windshield... so spoiled...

(the old 2001 Toyota was stolen a week ago)... :(

 

Ah, yeah... ice does suck.