Trying to buy a used Cooper
Discussion
In the market for a used Cooper, budget @£10k and decided to call a few dealers on the Mini website. Two days ago I made 4 calls to different dealers, had to leave 3 messages, none of which have so far resulted in a call back and had one conversation with a salesman who couldn't answer my questions (previous owners, exact spec) but promised he'd call back. All he did tell me is that prices are fixed centrally on used Coopers so no need to haggle (I don't believe this).
I know that car dealers are a strange bunch with an agenda I will never quite fathom, but Is my Mini experience typical?
I know that car dealers are a strange bunch with an agenda I will never quite fathom, but Is my Mini experience typical?
Sadly I think it is quite possible, I bought my first mini last year from a mini dealership. Very weird experience they made it consfantly sound like they were doing me favour selling me the car? As for haggling yes of course you can but you need to be realistic and they clearly won’t give you much off. I did get a small reduction and basically said “if your going to argue over £100;I’ll take my money elsewhere plenty of minis on the market.” Seemed to do the trick, however I don’t take it there for servicing or MOT. As I don’t trust them
I tend to look to buy privately. I don't like or trust motor traders. OK, you don't get any sort of warranty. But the trader warranty is an insurance effort and they'll usually try to wriggle out of it. Or get 'their mate' to fix it, eerrmm no thanks.
At least a private seller bought the car because they wanted it, albeit they may have subsequently fallen out of love with it, or there needs have changed.
A trader - the car is simply a commodity on which he can turn a profit. He'll know nothing about its recent history. Auction,PX or dumped out of a main dealer. Most of them care little and know even less about cars.
At least a private seller bought the car because they wanted it, albeit they may have subsequently fallen out of love with it, or there needs have changed.
A trader - the car is simply a commodity on which he can turn a profit. He'll know nothing about its recent history. Auction,PX or dumped out of a main dealer. Most of them care little and know even less about cars.
Have found a Cooper that fits the bill, on a 15 plate with 12k on the clock, which I'm a little sceptical about. I've only had a quick shuffle round so far but the pedals are pristine while the interior door pulls are filthy which has got me thinking. Any tips on what to look at on my next visit and any way I can get a better idea of whether it's been clocked?
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