So I put a refundable deposit on an 08 base (silver), its at 20K with 30K miles. 6 speed, clean carfax. Pretty sure everything is stock, except for antenna and a seat cover. Gonna sit on it for a day or two, and see what loan options are available to me. Ive lurked for a month, checking things out, common issues etc. Test drive went great, love it, wanted one since being a valet a few years ago and first getting my hands on someone else's haha.. Easily one of the most exciting "everyday" cars if you ask me. Im 25 btw, and have owned a couple mid level shitboxes, finally making enough money to enjoy a car properly. Gonna be a DD for me, not really planning any mods, just after some pleasant driving, and a vehicle that gives me a hard on every time i look at it. I think it's still on the original clutch which traveled fine for me AFAIK, gonna keep my eye on it in any case and the tires/alignment, as they're a little worn. They put new rotors/pads on it as well. Anything I'm missing besides straight up taking it for a full inspection by a mechanic? Which likely will happen after I'm the owner anyway. Thanks in advance.

 

I was semi-expecting a suicide post. "Your" car sounds like a good one & I hope it works out. Welcome to the site.

 

Tires is a big one, that could end up costing a grand right there.

Passenger window good?

It sounds silly, but make sure the blinker indication works. I didnt check this on mine and it turns out the meter fuse is blown. This fuse also controls trip memory and that annoying door chime. Not a big deal for me, but sourcing the problem has been a major headache.

Definitely get the inspection before you buy not after.

How many owners? If I were to buy at that price it would have to be one owner.

Best of luck, sounds like a solid buy.

 

lower control arm bushings, rear diff bushing and compr rod bushings.. all go out easy, are easy to inspect, and are easy to fix for the dealership and can still get it out the door to you w money in the deal... OR.. easy to sell out the door as is and then you get to fix them.. check em out. low miles, they may all be fine.

 

Blinkers OK, did check driver window but in the exhilaration of the test drive neglected to check passenger. Will double check that when I get up there next. It had one owner, with the second being the BMW/Mini dealership that its at now. It had stickers on the windshield indicating ~21,000 miles on it, perhaps somewhere along the line a dealer had his way with her for a bit? I think im gonna try to talk it down a bit on account of the tires.

 

Welcome. We know you'll look after which ever one you settle on having been a detailer. Don't forget the shiny photos when the time is right.

 

Welcome. This is the New Owners forum for, well, New Owners. Why members find this confusing is beyond me.

 

welcome post pics

 

welcome, sounds like its in pretty good condition, post some pics if you end up taking it home