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To buy or not to buy? That is the question. (MINI Cooper S)
Here is the car: Link to Car Info
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/d...6/DSCN2498.jpg Okay so yes the car has a Salvage/Rebuilt title. The owner claims "hood, headlights, front crash bar and lower control arm with knuckles were replaced, drives straight as an arrow no frame damage." The VIN is WMWRE33463TD69201 btw. I'm really serious about this, in a couple of weeks I'm going to try and arrange for a local member to check the car out if its still for sale. What do you guys think? Should I go for it? what should I look for? any advice is appreciated. Since high school one of my dream cars was a JCW MCS, but those are pricey. This is probably the next best thing (minus the salvage/rebuilt title). I want to get into autocrossing and stuff. My girlfriend just got an '06 MINI too so this is further pushing me to satisfy my beast (del taco, I am here to feed your beast, lol). Well here is some background, I'm currently paying off an 05 V6 Accord Sedan (incase the username doesnt tell you enough), and well I'm coming around to the last few payments and I'm looking to get into something a little more fun and appealing to ME. We bought the Accord new, my parents made a few payments but then I picked up the payments and have payed most of it since. I'll most likely give the Accord to my mom, have them sell the Suburban and have them help me out with the MINI (maybe take out equity or something, I dunno) |
My sister-in-law has a JCW Cooper S and that thing is one of the funnest FWD hatches I've ever driven. I would look at it anyways and test drive it just to use as a benchmark/comparison for future cars and test drives. I wouldn't trust a salvage title car, plus that thing is modded to hell, not sure about the reliability of the Cooper S's engine but a cammed, Endyne'd Cooper S is something I would avoid. He probably autox'ed or tracked it very often.
If you really want to ignore common sense then check all the bumper supports where it connects to the frame, underneath the car, subframes, etc. for any welding, overspray or other obvious signs of repair. |
Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
I wouldn't trust a salvage title car, plus that thing is modded to hell, not sure about the reliability of the Cooper S's engine but a cammed, Endyne'd Cooper S is something I would avoid. He probably autox'ed or tracked it very often. If you really want to ignore common sense then check all the bumper supports where it connects to the frame, underneath the car, subframes, etc. for any welding, overspray or other obvious signs of repair.
The MINI is fairly reliable. Regardless, if I buy a stock MCS I plan on similarly modding it and beating it up on the track anyways... its gonna be a fun DD/track car. What scares me the most is suspension damage and mechanical problems. The car has been fully repainted so overspray is probably inevitable. the subframe will definitely be inspected, treadwear, check vins on various locations, rust, etc. Thanks for your input :thumbsup: |
I was just perusing the Mini website last night looking at a new S convertible. I getting my annual case of spring fever I want a convertible disease! An added benefit of these babies is the great gas mileage.
As for this one, I'd get it checked over by a mechanic/body shop before I got too serious about it since I'm real hesistant about spending that much on a salvage titled car. |
1. Buying an already heavily modified car. Do you have the knowledge and cash to fix anything that breaks?
2. Screwed up title. Are you going to finance it? Most banks simply wont. 3. Insurance on a screwed up title. Have you tried to get it? Most wont. 4. Guy has 31 posts, all in the "For sale section." Doesnt sound like he built the car himself, Id certainly have questions/advice in that forum. :shrug: Id get a stock used one with a clean title. :nod: |
Did you notice the tow hook on the back and the full cage? I'd bet a bottle of good booze that car has been tracked or raced....might even be where it got bent.
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:yes: on the Mini
but :no: on this one... Stay away from salvage cars, there's a reason why they are cheap. With that said... I, actually, really like Mini Coopers... great on the MPG, and last I checked... remains on the top for resale value (none-salvage ones that is), or at least one of the top spots. |
sorry off topic.....have any of you read up on the stats of the new Alta ECU tuner for the 2nd gen mini.
50+hp!!!! I bet thats fun! |
Also...I realize he has an upgraded SC, but just on NAM alone, look at all the people who have had to replace a SC because of using that 19% pully. It forces way to many RPM's through it with any excessive driving. (High RPMS or Tracking)
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Minis are fun little cars. But young padawan, much good advice is given above, especially in Saki's post. :thumbsup: Don't do this one.
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Pass.
Rebuilt titles = teh suck |
Originally Posted by Zippee
Did you notice the tow hook on the back and the full cage? I'd bet a bottle of good booze that car has been tracked or raced....might even be where it got bent.
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Great car!
....but it's the wrong car. Lots of mods + salvage = NO BUY. Find yourself a nice clean Cooper S w/ no mods (unless they are JCW)....you will be much happier. |
The whole point is to get a car that will wreck well on the track or the street...thats its job when things go sour and its done that once already... you may not get a second chance with this one... grab a new or used one (unwrecked) and mod it for the track yourself... having fun in a car is great unless your life is at risk... :2cents:
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BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!!!!!!!! :wish: :wish: :wish: :wish: :wish:
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Ive never found any fun in buying an already modded car. The point to modding a car is to make it your own, with your own special recipe of different manufacturers and tuning capibilities.
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
1. Buying an already heavily modified car. Do you have the knowledge and cash to fix anything that breaks?
2. Screwed up title. Are you going to finance it? Most banks simply wont. 3. Insurance on a screwed up title. Have you tried to get it? Most wont. 4. Guy has 31 posts, all in the "For sale section." Doesnt sound like he built the car himself, Id certainly have questions/advice in that forum. :shrug: Id get a stock used one with a clean title. :nod: |
Originally Posted by surf4fun0418
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!!!!!!!! :wish: :wish: :wish: :wish: :wish:
:shakehead SakiGT pretty much covered all the issues... |
Stay away from this car. Salvage is just a headache in the making.
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I say buying a salvaged car would be like comparing to marrying a girl who's got some major "past" (bipolar, attempted suicide, molested by uncle etc. etc.) She could be fine now... but chances are? NOT
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Originally Posted by is300eater
:yes: on the Mini
but :no: on this one... Stay away from salvage cars, there's a reason why they are cheap. what he said |
Pass on the salvage!
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Fifth Gear test on a rebuilt car:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWEdlUT17PI |
Originally Posted by keg1997
I was just perusing the Mini website last night looking at a new S convertible. I getting my annual case of spring fever I want a convertible disease! An added benefit of these babies is the great gas mileage.
As for this one, I'd get it checked over by a mechanic/body shop before I got too serious about it since I'm real hesistant about spending that much on a salvage titled car. I think the only way I'll buy is if the subrame shows no signs of work other than that control arm and knuckle.
Originally Posted by SakiGT
1. Buying an already heavily modified car. Do you have the knowledge and cash to fix anything that breaks?
I'd consider myself pretty knowledgeable, I can do oil changes, brake pad changes and I've helped do installs on muscle cars. Its a learning process with a different car though. 2. Screwed up title. Are you going to finance it? Most banks simply wont. Negative, I'm buying it straight up if I do. 3. Insurance on a screwed up title. Have you tried to get it? Most wont. This I havent thought about. :wish: haha 4. Guy has 31 posts, all in the "For sale section." Doesnt sound like he built the car himself, Id certainly have questions/advice in that forum. :shrug: Yeah that is definitely the biggest warning, he also seems inept at explaining the modifications done to the car. I asked him about the cylinder head work and well... :whyme: Id get a stock used one with a clean title. :nod: I'm starting to think this is the safer road to take, but I'm a risk taker!
Originally Posted by Zippee
Did you notice the tow hook on the back and the full cage? I'd bet a bottle of good booze that car has been tracked or raced....might even be where it got bent.
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Originally Posted by is300eater
:yes: on the Mini
but :no: on this one... Stay away from salvage cars, there's a reason why they are cheap. With that said... I, actually, really like Mini Coopers... great on the MPG, and last I checked... remains on the top for resale value (none-salvage ones that is), or at least one of the top spots. Yeah MINI's have an impressive resale value, last I checked it was at the top.
Originally Posted by o2cls
sorry off topic.....have any of you read up on the stats of the new Alta ECU tuner for the 2nd gen mini.
50+hp!!!! I bet thats fun!
Originally Posted by o2cls
Also...I realize he has an upgraded SC, but just on NAM alone, look at all the people who have had to replace a SC because of using that 19% pully. It forces way to many RPM's through it with any excessive driving. (High RPMS or Tracking)
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Minis are fun little cars. But young padawan, much good advice is given above, especially in Saki's post. :thumbsup: Don't do this one.
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
Pass.
Rebuilt titles = teh suck
Originally Posted by charliemike
ROFL, that guy's a liar :)
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Great car!
....but it's the wrong car. Lots of mods + salvage = NO BUY. Find yourself a nice clean Cooper S w/ no mods (unless they are JCW)....you will be much happier.
Originally Posted by DarkSithCL
The whole point is to get a car that will wreck well on the track or the street...thats its job when things go sour and its done that once already... you may not get a second chance with this one... grab a new or used one (unwrecked) and mod it for the track yourself... having fun in a car is great unless your life is at risk... :2cents:
Originally Posted by surf4fun0418
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!!!!!!!! :wish: :wish: :wish: :wish: :wish:
Originally Posted by o2cls
Ive never found any fun in buying an already modded car. The point to modding a car is to make it your own, with your own special recipe of different manufacturers and tuning capibilities.
Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
:werd: If you want a Mini, get one in better shape. This one sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
Originally Posted by odessa
Stay away from this car. Salvage is just a headache in the making.
Originally Posted by is300eater
I say buying a salvaged car would be like comparing to marrying a girl who's got some major "past" (bipolar, attempted suicide, molested by uncle etc. etc.) She could be fine now... but chances are? NOT
Originally Posted by LotusTracker
Pass on the salvage!
Originally Posted by shrykhar
Fifth Gear test on a rebuilt car:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWEdlUT17PI |
:rofl: holy shit, I can't believe you replied to all those :thumbsup:
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:rofl: I know you want me to test drive it and damn it looks sick, but as said .. I don't know about owning it. If you decide you want it, PM me and I'll toss it a test drive. BTW I'm 6', 265lbs, don't know if I'm gonna fit in that thing. :tomato:
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Originally Posted by SakiGT
1. Buying an already heavily modified car. Do you have the knowledge and cash to fix anything that breaks?
2. Screwed up title. Are you going to finance it? Most banks simply wont. 3. Insurance on a screwed up title. Have you tried to get it? Most wont. 4. Guy has 31 posts, all in the "For sale section." Doesnt sound like he built the car himself, Id certainly have questions/advice in that forum. :shrug: Id get a stock used one with a clean title. :nod: |
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
:rofl: holy shit, I can't believe you replied to all those :thumbsup:
Originally Posted by mystikk
:rofl: I know you want me to test drive it and damn it looks sick, but as said .. I don't know about owning it. If you decide you want it, PM me and I'll toss it a test drive. BTW I'm 6', 265lbs, don't know if I'm gonna fit in that thing. :tomato:
Originally Posted by Simba91102
Pay attention to number 2 and 3. Unlikely you would find financing if you're not planning on paying cash, and insurance WILL be a real problem. Most won't cover it, and the rest I'm sure would have major strings attached.
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I can do my own oil changes, brake pads, body mods and even some basic bolt on work but I consider myself a car newb. In order to own that car, you need to understand and be able to pay for a lot more than that.
I sure as hell wouldnt. :rofl: |
Have you test driven one yet, btw?
I have yet to. I have the strange feeling that I would put a second mortgage on my condo to get one if I did. :rofl: |
Yeah I consider myself a novice aswell... but I am willing to learn, thats what the hobby is all about.
Originally Posted by SakiGT
Have you test driven one yet, btw?
I have yet to. I have the strange feeling that I would put a second mortgage on my condo to get one if I did. :rofl: From 1st post:
Originally Posted by v6cord2k5
My girlfriend just got an '06 MINI too so this is further pushing me to satisfy my beast
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I bet he picked it up from an auction, didnt realize it was salvaged/found out something wrong with it, and is now trying to unload it.
Find out how many prior owners there are. |
i never knew you could have a salvage car reinspected to regain a clear title... that is just scary...
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Originally Posted by leedogg
I bet he picked it up from an auction, didnt realize it was salvaged/found out something wrong with it, and is now trying to unload it.
Find out how many prior owners there are. 2003 MINI COOPER S WMWRE33463TD69201 HATCHBACK 2 DR 1.6L L4 FI DOHC 16V / FRONT WHEEL DRIVE Standard Equipment | Safety Options Hi-I'm the CARFAX Xpert™. I'm here to help you better understand the data in this CARFAX Report. Did you know... We checked over 5 billion records from thousands of data sources for this vehicle This vehicle DOES NOT qualify for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee The last reported odometer reading was 21,979 A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car. The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX Owners 1-3 Owner 4 Owner 5 Year purchased 2004 2007 2007 Type of owner Personal --- --- Estimated length of ownership 3 yrs. 5 mo. 23 days 5 months Owned in the following states/provinces Indiana Indiana Utah Estimated miles driven per year --- --- --- Last reported odometer reading 11,987 21,979 CARFAX guarantees the information in this section Owners 1-3 Owner 4 Owner 5 Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Alert! Problem Found Alert! Problem Found Alert! Problem Found Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon No Problem No Problem No Problem Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits No Problem No Problem No Problem Alert! Severe problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This vehicle does not qualify for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee. Not all accidents or other issues are reported to CARFAX Owners 1-3 Owner 4 Owner 5 Total Loss Check No total loss reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported No Issues Reported No Issues Reported Structural / Frame Damage Check No structural / frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported No Issues Reported No Issues Reported Airbag Deployment Check No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported No Issues Reported No Issues Reported Odometer Rollback Check No indication of an odometer rollback. No Issues Indicated No Issues Indicated No Issues Indicated Accident Check See State DMV-reported Title Problems above. Alert! Problem Found Alert! Problem Found Alert! Problem Found Manufacturer Recall Check Check with an authorized Mini dealer for any open recalls. No Recalls Reported No Recalls Reported No Recalls Reported A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 5 billion vehicle history events and found 15 record(s) for this 2003 MINI COOPER S (WMWRE33463TD69201). Owner 1 Purchased: 2004 Type: Personal Where: Indiana Est. miles/year: --- Est. length owned: 2/28/04 - 3/11/05 (1 year) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 10/17/2003 6,131 Blossom Chevrolet, Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-357-1121 www.blossomchevy.com Vehicle serviced Maintenance inspection completed 02/28/2004 Indiana Motor Vehicle Dept. Indianapolis, IN Registered as personal vehicle 03/01/2004 Indiana Motor Vehicle Dept. Indianapolis, IN Title #04241041077 Title issued or updated First owner reported Registered as lease vehicle 03/08/2004 7,982 Blossom Chevrolet, Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-357-1121 www.blossomchevy.com Vehicle serviced 05/07/2004 8,100 Blossom Chevrolet, Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-357-1121 www.blossomchevy.com Vehicle serviced Maintenance inspection completed Interior trim checked 07/01/2004 11,590 Blossom Chevrolet, Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-357-1121 www.blossomchevy.com Vehicle serviced Maintenance inspection completed Two wheel alignment performed 08/11/2004 11,986 Blossom Chevrolet, Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-357-1121 www.blossomchevy.com Vehicle serviced Clutch checked 11/26/2004 11,987 Blossom Chevrolet, Inc. Indianapolis, IN 317-357-1121 www.blossomchevy.com Vehicle serviced Owner 2 Purchased: 2005 Where: Indiana Est. miles/year: --- Est. length owned: 3/11/05 - 10/8/05 (6 months) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 03/11/2005 Indiana Motor Vehicle Dept. Indianapolis, IN Title #05081495005 New owner reported SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED Owner 3 Purchased: 2005 Where: Indiana Est. miles/year: --- Est. length owned: 10/8/05 - 8/9/07 (1 yr. 10 mo.) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 10/08/2005 Indiana Motor Vehicle Dept. Indianapolis, IN Title #05205190121 New owner reported SALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED 05/20/2006 Indiana Motor Vehicle Dept. Greenwood, IN Title #06346086058 REBUILT TITLE ISSUED Owner 4 Purchased: 2007 Where: Indiana Est. miles/year: --- Est. length owned: 8/9/07 - 9/1/07 (23 days) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 08/09/2007 Indiana Motor Vehicle Dept. Greenwood, IN Title #07346158072 New owner reported REBUILT TITLE ISSUED 09/01/2007 Utah Motor Vehicle Dept. Ogden, UT Vehicle purchase reported Owner 5 Purchased: 2007 Where: Utah Est. miles/year: --- Est. length owned: 10/12/07 - present (5 months) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 10/12/2007 Utah Motor Vehicle Dept. Ogden, UT Title #UT7761463 New owner reported REBUILT TITLE ISSUED Loan or lien reported Passed safety inspection If you are buying this vehicle from a private seller, check to be sure any associated lien on the vehicle has been paid off. 10/16/2007 21,979 Utah Motor Vehicle Dept. Ogden, UT Title #UT7761463 Odometer reading reported
Originally Posted by KaMLuNg
i never knew you could have a salvage car reinspected to regain a clear title... that is just scary...
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HOLY SHIT ITS ON ITS 5TH OWNER?
What a whore of a car. |
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
HOLY SHIT ITS ON ITS 5TH OWNER?
What a whore of a car. First owner: owned it for ~1yr (put 12,000 miles on it) Second owner: owned it for 7 months (put the salvage title on it, miles = ?) Third owner: owned it for 1yr 10 months (got the rebuilt title) Fourth owner: owned it for 23 days... WTF?! Fifth owner: has had it for 5 months (and all of a sudden it has 23,000 miles) It has had 10,000 miles put on it in 4 years (kinda low dontcha think?). I really need to have the subframe of this car checked out in detail. |
Originally Posted by GreenMonster
You didn't even read any of the thread did you ?? Just looked at the pic in the first post, right ??
:shakehead SakiGT pretty much covered all the issues... Honestly....yea I just looked at the pic. lol I just get excited over MINI's really easy. :tomato: |
I'm rather disappointed the the hood scoop is design look only now on the new MINI's....no function. :sad:
The new ones haven't grown on me yet. :shrug: Sorry to get off topic. |
Originally Posted by v6cord2k5
Apparently:
First owner: owned it for ~1yr (put 12,000 miles on it) Second owner: owned it for 7 months (put the salvage title on it, miles = ?) Third owner: owned it for 1yr 10 months (got the rebuilt title) Fourth owner: owned it for 23 days... WTF?! Fifth owner: has had it for 5 months (and all of a sudden it has 23,000 miles) It has had 10,000 miles put on it in 4 years (kinda low dontcha think?). I really need to have the subframe of this car checked out in detail. Yea maybe it was sitting at the bodyshop or at the dealer trying to get it working back to normal. :run: Im shocked you even still toying with the idea of buying it. |
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