I am looking at a 2006 Mini with 87,000 miles. It's a trade in at a local Mazda dealer, a well-respected dealership where I know the owner. I've driven the car, like the way it handles and to my novice eye the car looks to be in good condition. Owner is fine with me keeping the car overnight and having my mechanic look the car over; I have an independent mechanic who works on my BMWs and Volvo and he's worked on Mini's, too.
Anything in particular that we need to be looking for on this car/ model?
This will be my daily driver and I log about 25,000 miles each year.

Priced at $8,200.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

Did you indy mech. ever get chance to inspect the vehicle?

 

Yes, went over the car today. No codes came up and he didn't detect that any codes had been recently erased. Brakes are new, all of the tie rods, bushings and boots look good. We could not see any leaks around any gaskets, power steering reservoir nor at any of the hoses for AC/ cooling system.
Car drives solidly,good smooth acceleration. Will need a set of tires in the coming months,but nothing urgent there.
Interior is very clean and everything - AC, heat,sunroof,radio/cd, cruise - all work. My mechanic feels it is a well cared for car.
Car was sold and serviced by local BMW/Mini dealer that has been in business for 25 years, and I am getting all the maintenance history tomorrow from the dealer. This is a one owner car that was traded recently at the Mazda dealer which has also been in business for a long time and has a solid reputation.

As of today, I'm pretty sold. So is my 20 year old, 6'4" son.

 

Very cool, sounds like a well-kept MINI, carfax also clean?

 

Yes, Carfax shows one owner here in town.
Bought the car today. I'm part of the Mini world now.
No doubt I'll be on the forum with questions from time to time.

 

Congrats! Enjoy it! You should post some photos.

 

That's great news! Congrats and welcome!