Just bought a new mini
Discussion
Hello, any advice on my car would be much appreciated.
This weekend I put a signed deposit down on a 2007 45k mileage r52. Paid £3340, didn't negotiate price as didn't realise I could (but now realise I might have been able to). I did a HPI check with the VIN number and the car forecourt value was £2350-£2580 - so I basically paid a grand over! Oddly when I did the valuation before the using the VIN number it was higher than what I paid, so initially I thought I had got a good deal.
Comes with new MOT and service (although dubious of service quality as through their own garage), 12 months AA breakdown cover and 3 months warranty. It didn't come with FSH, only two service stamps, but the owners before the last had had the car for ten years and it appeared to only be a hobby car, well kept in a garage and only taken up to 2k miles max a year. The owner after this concerns me a little as they clocked over 15k miles in a year and a half.
Previous MOT advisories were all for common mini minor things, such as break pads and wipers. The only thing that does concern me is the last MOT before this years' had 'Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases box (7.1.2)' as an advisory - is this a sign of the exhuast needing replacing soon? There was also ‘oil leak’ several years ago (put in by the careful owner) but it seemed to have been resolved in recent MOTs. Are both the exhaust leak and oil leak things to worry about, even if they’ve now come out all clear?
When I took it for a test drive it appeared fine, although it was only a short drive. I checked a few things but forgot to check the thermostat or horn, and didn't check the engine because honestly I wouldn't even know what I'd be looking for when checking that. Roof worked fine and was in excellent condition. I also didn't check for rust - which I wanted to do but again didn't know what it was I would be looking for. It didn't seem to have any rust on it but I didn't go underneath. I am planning on having a thorough check before leaving with it.
Is there anything you can advise me to do for when I go back to collect it? I feel, being a woman, I could easily be taken advantage of in this type of situation as I don’t have much mechanical knowledge. I’m quite annoyed I didn’t try and negotiate the price or have extras thrown in - is it too late for me to do this?
So what I’m essentially asking is;
1) is there room to negotiate the price/deal even though I've signed and paid a deposit?
2) is the last advisory of minor leak in exhaust (and oil leak) anything to worry about if they don’t appear on the MOT now?
3) Any last minute checks you'd advise when I collect it?
Thanks in advance, feel very anxious about this purchase as have heard so many horror stories about minis so appreciate any advice/help to minimise the this car bankrupting me! ???????
EDITED TO INCLUDE: It is a 56 reg, chilli pack. I think tritec engine.
This weekend I put a signed deposit down on a 2007 45k mileage r52. Paid £3340, didn't negotiate price as didn't realise I could (but now realise I might have been able to). I did a HPI check with the VIN number and the car forecourt value was £2350-£2580 - so I basically paid a grand over! Oddly when I did the valuation before the using the VIN number it was higher than what I paid, so initially I thought I had got a good deal.
Comes with new MOT and service (although dubious of service quality as through their own garage), 12 months AA breakdown cover and 3 months warranty. It didn't come with FSH, only two service stamps, but the owners before the last had had the car for ten years and it appeared to only be a hobby car, well kept in a garage and only taken up to 2k miles max a year. The owner after this concerns me a little as they clocked over 15k miles in a year and a half.
Previous MOT advisories were all for common mini minor things, such as break pads and wipers. The only thing that does concern me is the last MOT before this years' had 'Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases box (7.1.2)' as an advisory - is this a sign of the exhuast needing replacing soon? There was also ‘oil leak’ several years ago (put in by the careful owner) but it seemed to have been resolved in recent MOTs. Are both the exhaust leak and oil leak things to worry about, even if they’ve now come out all clear?
When I took it for a test drive it appeared fine, although it was only a short drive. I checked a few things but forgot to check the thermostat or horn, and didn't check the engine because honestly I wouldn't even know what I'd be looking for when checking that. Roof worked fine and was in excellent condition. I also didn't check for rust - which I wanted to do but again didn't know what it was I would be looking for. It didn't seem to have any rust on it but I didn't go underneath. I am planning on having a thorough check before leaving with it.
Is there anything you can advise me to do for when I go back to collect it? I feel, being a woman, I could easily be taken advantage of in this type of situation as I don’t have much mechanical knowledge. I’m quite annoyed I didn’t try and negotiate the price or have extras thrown in - is it too late for me to do this?
So what I’m essentially asking is;
1) is there room to negotiate the price/deal even though I've signed and paid a deposit?
2) is the last advisory of minor leak in exhaust (and oil leak) anything to worry about if they don’t appear on the MOT now?
3) Any last minute checks you'd advise when I collect it?
Thanks in advance, feel very anxious about this purchase as have heard so many horror stories about minis so appreciate any advice/help to minimise the this car bankrupting me! ???????
EDITED TO INCLUDE: It is a 56 reg, chilli pack. I think tritec engine.
Edited by L R on Tuesday 29th January 12:03
The price you paid isn't necessarily high, but for that I would have liked better history from a car dealer. Which engine is it?
15k miles in a year isn't a big worry really, less so than poor history anyway.
In the light of your checks on MOT it would be worth getting the garage to show you if there is a new looking exhaust/exhaust parts to show work that has been done to correct it.
As to whether it is too late, what does your paperwork say?
If the deposit is non-refundable then you either wave goodbye to it or carry on, if it is refundable under certain conditions as I would expect it to be then you could be better advised to exercise your rights & pull out then start again unless they can allay your fears.
15k miles in a year isn't a big worry really, less so than poor history anyway.
In the light of your checks on MOT it would be worth getting the garage to show you if there is a new looking exhaust/exhaust parts to show work that has been done to correct it.
As to whether it is too late, what does your paperwork say?
If the deposit is non-refundable then you either wave goodbye to it or carry on, if it is refundable under certain conditions as I would expect it to be then you could be better advised to exercise your rights & pull out then start again unless they can allay your fears.
Being a Mini I suspect all previous services will be within the TLC pack (Mini service plan), the last two since its dropped out of the service plan, so no massive concern there, Mini can provide a print out of all last services.
As for price we need more details as Minis can vary so much in spec its hard to know if you've got a good or bad deal.
As for price we need more details as Minis can vary so much in spec its hard to know if you've got a good or bad deal.
E-bmw said:
The price you paid isn't necessarily high, but for that I would have liked better history from a car dealer. Which engine is it?
15k miles in a year isn't a big worry really, less so than poor history anyway.
In the light of your checks on MOT it would be worth getting the garage to show you if there is a new looking exhaust/exhaust parts to show work that has been done to correct it.
As to whether it is too late, what does your paperwork say?
If the deposit is non-refundable then you either wave goodbye to it or carry on, if it is refundable under certain conditions as I would expect it to be then you could be better advised to exercise your rights & pull out then start again unless they can allay your fears.
Thanks, really useful. It's 56 reg, date of first registration is 4th Jan 2007. I assume this means it's a first gen tritec engine?15k miles in a year isn't a big worry really, less so than poor history anyway.
In the light of your checks on MOT it would be worth getting the garage to show you if there is a new looking exhaust/exhaust parts to show work that has been done to correct it.
As to whether it is too late, what does your paperwork say?
If the deposit is non-refundable then you either wave goodbye to it or carry on, if it is refundable under certain conditions as I would expect it to be then you could be better advised to exercise your rights & pull out then start again unless they can allay your fears.
Deposit slip does state non refundable, however it also has a stamp which states, 'the signing of this document does not and is not intended to affect the customers statutory rights under the sale of goods act 1979'. Not sure if that means anything but could imply I am have some rights?
Will definitely check the exhaust ffor new parts when I go back! Thank you!
Phil Dicky said:
Being a Mini I suspect all previous services will be within the TLC pack (Mini service plan), the last two since its dropped out of the service plan, so no massive concern there, Mini can provide a print out of all last services.
As for price we need more details as Minis can vary so much in spec its hard to know if you've got a good or bad deal.
Great, will get in touch with Mini about this.As for price we need more details as Minis can vary so much in spec its hard to know if you've got a good or bad deal.
It's a 56 reg chilli pack - if that helps?
Thank you!
L R said:
E-bmw said:
The price you paid isn't necessarily high, but for that I would have liked better history from a car dealer. Which engine is it?
15k miles in a year isn't a big worry really, less so than poor history anyway.
In the light of your checks on MOT it would be worth getting the garage to show you if there is a new looking exhaust/exhaust parts to show work that has been done to correct it.
As to whether it is too late, what does your paperwork say?
If the deposit is non-refundable then you either wave goodbye to it or carry on, if it is refundable under certain conditions as I would expect it to be then you could be better advised to exercise your rights & pull out then start again unless they can allay your fears.
Thanks, really useful. It's 56 reg, date of first registration is 4th Jan 2007. I assume this means it's a first gen tritec engine?15k miles in a year isn't a big worry really, less so than poor history anyway.
In the light of your checks on MOT it would be worth getting the garage to show you if there is a new looking exhaust/exhaust parts to show work that has been done to correct it.
As to whether it is too late, what does your paperwork say?
If the deposit is non-refundable then you either wave goodbye to it or carry on, if it is refundable under certain conditions as I would expect it to be then you could be better advised to exercise your rights & pull out then start again unless they can allay your fears.
Deposit slip does state non refundable, however it also has a stamp which states, 'the signing of this document does not and is not intended to affect the customers statutory rights under the sale of goods act 1979'. Not sure if that means anything but could imply I am have some rights?
Will definitely check the exhaust ffor new parts when I go back! Thank you!
Interestingly, when exactly did you sign, as SOGA gives you a 7 day "cooling off period" IIRC, so you could still be OK to walk away if they can't make you happy.
E-bmw said:
My understanding of the R52 is, yes, you are correct it is the Tritec engine 6 speed with a supercharged engine (prominent feature being air intake in the middle of the bonnet) if that ties in with what you were told.
Interestingly, when exactly did you sign, as SOGA gives you a 7 day "cooling off period" IIRC, so you could still be OK to walk away if they can't make you happy.
I signed on Saturday. Was hoping to pick up this Thursday. That is interesting... I paid the deposit by credit card so I was covered to some extent by that as well. Perhaps I should go see it on Thursday again, and if there aren't any visible repairs to the exhuast, etc, and if the price won't be lowered I can walk away on this SOGA?Interestingly, when exactly did you sign, as SOGA gives you a 7 day "cooling off period" IIRC, so you could still be OK to walk away if they can't make you happy.
The alternative is picking it up and having a mechanic look over it, and if there's any issues having the dealer pay for it within the 3 month warranty. But then this is additional cost, although probably worth it.
FWIW said:
Well, I guess if you can find an equivalent or better car for less than £3k you'd be better off walking...
I've been researching and it appears to be reasonably priced for its mileage, model and year compared to others (auto trader marked it as 'priced low'). Also very good condition. It's just really the service history and not understanding how to spot faults.. However surely the 3 months warranty will help to some extent if faults do develop?L R said:
E-bmw said:
My understanding of the R52 is, yes, you are correct it is the Tritec engine 6 speed with a supercharged engine (prominent feature being air intake in the middle of the bonnet) if that ties in with what you were told.
Interestingly, when exactly did you sign, as SOGA gives you a 7 day "cooling off period" IIRC, so you could still be OK to walk away if they can't make you happy.
I signed on Saturday. Was hoping to pick up this Thursday. That is interesting... I paid the deposit by credit card so I was covered to some extent by that as well. Perhaps I should go see it on Thursday again, and if there aren't any visible repairs to the exhuast, etc, and if the price won't be lowered I can walk away on this SOGA?Interestingly, when exactly did you sign, as SOGA gives you a 7 day "cooling off period" IIRC, so you could still be OK to walk away if they can't make you happy.
The alternative is picking it up and having a mechanic look over it, and if there's any issues having the dealer pay for it within the 3 month warranty. But then this is additional cost, although probably worth it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=spons...
Doesn't look like you've over-paid comparing to other cars of a similar age and mileage (albeit a limited number).
Doesn't look like you've over-paid comparing to other cars of a similar age and mileage (albeit a limited number).
Yeah I feel the same - I feel the cost is actually reasonable compared to others on the market. Mine isn't an S though.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=n11aa&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=MINI&model=CONVERTIBLE&aggregatedTrim=Cooper&year-from=2004&year-to=2007&maximum-mileage=50000
It's actually still listed. Reasuring, haha. The orange one.
I felt the price was good until checking on HPI valuation after putting the VIN number in. It was valued a lot lower than what I paid. However when checking without the VIN number the valuation was actually higher that what I paid.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=n11aa&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=MINI&model=CONVERTIBLE&aggregatedTrim=Cooper&year-from=2004&year-to=2007&maximum-mileage=50000
It's actually still listed. Reasuring, haha. The orange one.
I felt the price was good until checking on HPI valuation after putting the VIN number in. It was valued a lot lower than what I paid. However when checking without the VIN number the valuation was actually higher that what I paid.
E-bmw said:
If you paid the deposit by CC, perhaps a call to their customer services dept pre-pick up could help with understanding your rights.
Thanks, I will look into it. Going to also check the service history with Mini as someone else suggested. If everything comes back showing good care, I am happy to proceed with the purchase. It's just the lack of service history and not knowing what/if anything has been replaced.L R said:
Yeah I feel the same - I feel the cost is actually reasonable compared to others on the market. Mine isn't an S though.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=n11aa&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=MINI&model=CONVERTIBLE&aggregatedTrim=Cooper&year-from=2004&year-to=2007&maximum-mileage=50000
It's actually still listed. Reasuring, haha. The orange one.
I felt the price was good until checking on HPI valuation after putting the VIN number in. It was valued a lot lower than what I paid. However when checking without the VIN number the valuation was actually higher that what I paid.
Looking at the ad, I would say if it is as clean as it looks & seems honest the price is good, not my choice of colour & that could affect resale when you sell on, but at that price it is not an issue.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=n11aa&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=MINI&model=CONVERTIBLE&aggregatedTrim=Cooper&year-from=2004&year-to=2007&maximum-mileage=50000
It's actually still listed. Reasuring, haha. The orange one.
I felt the price was good until checking on HPI valuation after putting the VIN number in. It was valued a lot lower than what I paid. However when checking without the VIN number the valuation was actually higher that what I paid.
L R said:
Yeah I feel the same - I feel the cost is actually reasonable compared to others on the market. Mine isn't an S though.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=n11aa&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=MINI&model=CONVERTIBLE&aggregatedTrim=Cooper&year-from=2004&year-to=2007&maximum-mileage=50000
It's actually still listed. Reasuring, haha. The orange one.
I felt the price was good until checking on HPI valuation after putting the VIN number in. It was valued a lot lower than what I paid. However when checking without the VIN number the valuation was actually higher that what I paid.
My mistake, I (wrongly) thought R52 referred to the convertible cooper S.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?sort=sponsored&radius=1500&postcode=n11aa&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=MINI&model=CONVERTIBLE&aggregatedTrim=Cooper&year-from=2004&year-to=2007&maximum-mileage=50000
It's actually still listed. Reasuring, haha. The orange one.
I felt the price was good until checking on HPI valuation after putting the VIN number in. It was valued a lot lower than what I paid. However when checking without the VIN number the valuation was actually higher that what I paid.
Autotrader say that it's actually priced low - I'm not sure who provides the data for the HPI valuation, whether or not it accounts for dealer/private etc but I'd be inclined to say it's not over-priced based on autotrader saying it's priced low.
Okay perfect, thank you everyone. This has helped ease my nerves a lot!
The car looks great, better than the ad IMO. My friend who was with me said the condition and interior was brilliant - and they hadn't even valeted it yet. They will before I pick it up.
Someone else mentioned to me that at that mileage I should look at getting the timing chain changed as soon as possible? Do you think this is necessary as it seems quite an expensive job..
Thanks again!!
The car looks great, better than the ad IMO. My friend who was with me said the condition and interior was brilliant - and they hadn't even valeted it yet. They will before I pick it up.
Someone else mentioned to me that at that mileage I should look at getting the timing chain changed as soon as possible? Do you think this is necessary as it seems quite an expensive job..
Thanks again!!
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