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[spinetrak]

So, I live in Brooklyn and have been holding off on buying a weekend car for a very long time. I am finally caving in and have put down a deposit on a used low mileage 2002 MCS with all sorts of options. Of course, I don't trust the used car dealer so I want to have someone who knows what he's doing (I don't, and I am no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination) take a look at it. I took it for spin and it's all good, but better safe than sorry.

Can anyone recommend a trustworthy mechanic in Northern Queens (that's where the dealer is)? Should I only go to a MINI shop?

Thanks for any advice!

[mini_z]

Glade to hear that you made a wise choice buying an mini. You will Love it.  Wish I could help you more, but I only know basic mech. Maybe get an extended warranty.

[Aurel]

I feel you on wanting to know if you are getting a good car ... chances are it should be.
But at the same time why not go to a MINI Dealer ... they usually have a good selection of used ones and I believe they come with extended warranties as well.

[spinetrak]

Glade to hear that you made a wise choice buying an mini. You will Love it.  Wish I could help you more, but I only know basic mech. Maybe get an extended warranty.

Yeah, I thought about that and then read up on it and it seems like most of them are scams (aka a very high profit margin business)...

[spinetrak]

I feel you on wanting to know if you are getting a good car ... chances are it should be.
But at the same time why not go to a MINI Dealer ... they usually have a good selection of used ones and I believe they come with extended warranties as well.

Well, here in NYC, the only MINI dealer that's reachable by public transport (remember, I don't have a car :-) only has two used ones well over 20k - which is more than I am willing to spend at this point. I'd be happy to spend a little on a trustworthy mechanic who'll hopefully give me the thumbs up, but I guess those are hard to come by...

[BZZZZ]

Well, here in NYC, the only MINI dealer that's reachable by public transport (remember, I don't have a car :-) only has two used ones well over 20k - which is more than I am willing to spend at this point. I'd be happy to spend a little on a trustworthy mechanic who'll hopefully give me the thumbs up, but I guess those are hard to come by...

To perform a complete and thorough check-up is a big task!  Being you don't have the car until you buy it it is not possible for you to bring it to our this week Saturday Garage Party. I would look up the car in car-facts and pay the few dollars for their report to be safe. Most important is to have good 2nd car warranty from the dealer and reliable service department. You can also buy an extended warranty thru 3rd party if desired. How many miles is on this MINI?

[mini_z]

You can save money buying from a private person  (no dealer markup)  as long u are getting it checked out by an mech

[spinetrak]

How many miles is on this MINI?

29k, so I should be ok - in any event, a co-worker recommended a BMW mechanic nearby today, so I should be good (and I'll get their results tomorrow)

thanks for all responses

[nypepper]

if you want i could go take a look early next week

[spinetrak]

thanks to all - my work buddies shop says the car is A ok, so I'll go with that and pick it up tomorrow! yeah!!

[pedrocooper]

Good luck with your new MINI.  Welcome to MINI