If you're considering buying one of the most iconic British cars of all time, regardless of whether you go to reputable Mini dealers or you buy privately, it is important that you carry out these 6 checks before you hand your money over.
1. Take it for a test drive - if you're planning on buying a Mini, one of the most important things you should do is take it for a test drive.
Far too many people don't bother taking the car they are about to buy for a test drive, instead relying solely on what the salesperson tells them and whilst salespersons are not generally untruthful people, they are after a sale and are not going to point out any unusual sounds that the car makes when running if they aren't questioned on them.
2. Check under the bonnet - whether you know what you're looking for or not, it's always worthwhile taking a look under the bonnet. If you know what you should be looking for, great - don't be afraid to have a good look around.
If you're not too sure, though, don't worry - just keep an eye out for anything that looks glaringly obvious, such as cracks or breaks in any part of the engine, as well as any noticeable leaks.
3. Have a look at the windows... - as the windows on Mini's automatically drop slightly when you get out of the car, they have been known to stick in this position when the doors are closed, leaving gaps - something you might not have noticed when you were taking the car for the test drive if you had the radio on or were talking.
Open and close the doors a few times to check the windows retract fully and then when they are up and the door is closed, run your finger around the edge to check for any notable gaps.
4. ...and any bodywork joints - as well as looking around the windows to check for gaps, have a look around any sections of the car where parts of the bodywork join each other, such as where the wheel arches meet the doors, because if rust is going to show on the Mini anywhere, it's going to be here.
If the Mini has sections of rust, you shouldn't necessarily disregard buying it, as there are a lot of rust treatments available - just make sure that the price reflects these problems.
5. Sit on the backseats - if you think that you've inspected the car inside out by sitting in the driver's seat, taking it for a drive and giving the bodywork a once over, don't just hand over your money just yet.
Instead, jump in the back. You may not sit on the backseats much yourself, but your passengers will and if there's cigarette burns, tears or scuffs on the backs of the front seats or on the carpets, then you need to reconsider your offer.
6. Visit first thing on a morning - it's only a small point to consider, but if you've seen a Mini that you like, try and take a look at it first thing in the morning. The reason behind this is that if you visit on an afternoon, chances are the car will have been started a few times, meaning that the engine is warm and any noises will be minimal.
Take a look on a morning, however and you'll get the true sound of the Mini - as well as any unsavoury noises.
Author Resource:-
Jardine Motors Group UK operates a large portfolio of specialist franchises of the world's most prestigious marques, including Mini dealers.
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