Trade advice on Mini cooper s

[Raj M 0]

Hi,

I am planning to trade Mini cooper S's,  my budget would be around 1000£ -3000£, I really need some advice on faults to look for, any particular model years to avoid, where to buy decent stocks and, finally the margins?? 

Is it worth buying stock from online sites such as eBay, Auto trader private sellers???

Again any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Edited January 11, 2019 by Raj M

[MrV 66]

Only Mini Copper S's? What year models are you thinking because with that budget I don't think you'll get much. Stocks you'll find at trade sources such as auctions, do your own research to find local auctions, you'll only find out margins when you've purchased a car and gone through the whole process through to sale no one can estimate this for you, it all depends what you buy at. 

Private sales are great if you can find someone willing to sell a car at trade value which in my experience is one in a million. Get registered with auctions and online auction sites and get familiar with the guide prices of the models you're interested in but as I said, mini cooper S's between 1 and 3k I'm not so sure, you'll need a mini expert to give you a better idea on what budget you'll need

[Nick M.K. 574]

Most suggestions for your plan will be simple: 

Don’t. 

[It's me 615]

BUY EM ALL

I WONT BID AGAINST YOU

[D&M 66]

We've had a couple of Cooper S

They've all felt totally different to drive, even though they were all roughly the same year and mileage.

All have been a pain to sell, with little margins.

The lower end of your budget, you are buying a high performance hot hatch (read - thrashed) and as they are quite cheap nowadays, it's previous owner is more likely to have run it on a shoestring.

They are the only cars that we have had people view each single one and walk away from. No faults with the cars - need to check insurance / ask the wife/mum/dad/dog/etc.

All other cars, almost always sell on the first viewing.

Don't know a huge amount about them, think the engines and boxes are pretty solid. Rear wishbone bushes are pricey to replace. ABS Sensors, Window Motors I think are pretty common too.

The pre-07 shape (R53) Supercharged is the better. The turbo ones from 07 on have engine troubles.

Great fun to drive though! - Wouldn't buy another to retail.

[EPV 631]

10 minutes ago, MrV said:

Only Mini Copper S's? What year models are you thinking because with that budget I don't think you'll get much. Stocks you'll find at trade sources such as auctions, do your own research to find local auctions, you'll only find out margins when you've purchased a car and gone through the whole process through to sale no one can estimate this for you, it all depends what you buy at. 

Private sales are great if you can find someone willing to sell a car at trade value which in my experience is one in a million. Get registered with auctions and online auction sites and get familiar with the guide prices of the models you're interested in but as I said, mini cooper S's between 1 and 3k I'm not so sure, you'll need a mini expert to give you a better idea on what budget you'll need

It seems like I'm digging you out this evening but I can assure you I'm not, it's just you're talking nonsense I'm afraid. 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812293519712?price-to=9000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&seller-type=private&make=SKODA&price-from=8500&radius=1500&postcode=br12qf&sort=sponsored&page=1

Books around £8900. Take my word for it I could find a dozen more examples of either trade or the equivalent with auction house tip within an hour.

[D&M 66]

2 minutes ago, EPV said:

Take my word for it I could find a dozen more examples of either trade or the equivalent with auction house tip within an hour.

Trouble with AT is that they give private sellers a price guide - so if someone is selling cheap, there is a reason for it!

We browse the classifieds a lot, and the amount of cars we see advertised as private that were going through the auction last week is incredible. May be different in other parts of the UK, but where we are, every man and his dog is a plastic trader.

Would rather buy from the auction - at least if you buy a nail you don't feel like someone has tried to leg you over.

[MrV 66]

3 minutes ago, EPV said:

It seems like I'm digging you out this evening but I can assure you I'm not, it's just you're talking nonsense I'm afraid. 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812293519712?price-to=9000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&seller-type=private&make=SKODA&price-from=8500&radius=1500&postcode=br12qf&sort=sponsored&page=1

Books around £8900. Take my word for it I could find a dozen more examples of either trade or the equivalent with auction house tip within an hour.

"which in my experience", which obviously doesn't count for much, I stand corrected again 

[grant8064 219]

9 minutes ago, EPV said:

It seems like I'm digging you out this evening but I can assure you I'm not, it's just you're talking nonsense I'm afraid. 

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812293519712?price-to=9000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&seller-type=private&make=SKODA&price-from=8500&radius=1500&postcode=br12qf&sort=sponsored&page=1

Books around £8900. Take my word for it I could find a dozen more examples of either trade or the equivalent with auction house tip within an hour.

Just out of curiosity; that'll be a different type of VAG 1.6 tdi to the ones they chucked in 09-12 plate Golfs right? Apologies for my ignorance but we don't get as new as 65 plate yet and don't stock Supurbs

[EPV 631]

Just now, D&M said:

Trouble with AT is that they give private sellers a price guide - so if someone is selling cheap, there is a reason for it!

We browse the classifieds a lot, and the amount of cars we see advertised as private that were going through the auction last week is incredible. May be different in other parts of the UK, but where we are, every man and his dog is a plastic trader.

Would rather buy from the auction - at least if you buy a nail you don't feel like someone has tried to leg you over.

The request wasn't "where can I buy straight, problem free cars at trade prices" it was "where can I buy cars at trade prices"

Auction, private, part ex. You pays yer money and takes yer chances. I've bought plenty off privates and made some of my biggest margins doing so. I don't buy so much that way lately as I'm lazy and rather than travel 75 miles to look at a shed I'd rather stay in my PJ's and buy 4 cars in one day and have them delivered and as you say, if I cop an unfortunate one so be it.

But if I was starting out again, I'd be buying from privates 90% of the time.

5 minutes ago, grant8064 said:

Just out of curiosity; that'll be a different type of VAG 1.6 tdi to the ones they chucked in 09-12 plate Golfs right? Apologies for my ignorance but we don't get as new as 65 plate yet and don't stock Supurbs

I couldn't say for sure mate, I just shortlisted it a few days ago and never got round to picking the phone up, mainly for reasons given above!

[NOACROSS 414]

1-3 grand? Ouch. Asking for trouble! 

Truly dreadful product at that age and price point. Nothing but trouble. I’m no big fan of the newer ones either, but they’re better, but you get what you pay for as with everything.

There is a member on here Super-mini (?) who may or may not give you some advise but I think, like Nick says, it will be ‘don’t ‘  

i still buy plenty private without issue and EPV’s advice is what I would and have suggested to newbies. At least you get a good chance to look them over and drive them  

 

 

 

 

 

[D&M 66]

5 minutes ago, EPV said:

The request wasn't "where can I buy straight, problem free cars at trade prices" it was "where can I buy cars at trade prices"

Auction, private, part ex. You pays yer money and takes yer chances. I've bought plenty off privates and made some of my biggest margins doing so. I don't buy so much that way lately as I'm lazy and rather than travel 75 miles to look at a shed I'd rather stay in my PJ's and buy 4 cars in one day and have them delivered and as you say, if I cop an unfortunate one so be it.

But if I was starting out again, I'd be buying from privates 90% of the time.

Indeed it wasn't - just putting our experiance down for the OP. Just trying to offer some experiance.

Just pointing out to the OP that (in our area particularly) that he needs to be wary that not all private sellers are private, so a car that looks a good deal might not be. Just reducing risk further to his original post.

I'm not really understanding the point you are making, as you say that you'd rather just buy from auction online as you don't want to travel to look at private sellers sheds but if you were to start again, you'd be doing just that.

[EPV 631]

5 minutes ago, D&M said:

Indeed it wasn't - just putting our experiance down for the OP. Just trying to offer some experiance.

Just pointing out to the OP that (in our area particularly) that he needs to be wary that not all private sellers are private, so a car that looks a good deal might not be. Just reducing risk further to his original post.

I'm not really understanding the point you are making, as you say that you'd rather just buy from auction online as you don't want to travel to look at private sellers sheds but if you were to start again, you'd be doing just that.

Sorry, I meant that I'm far more risk averse these days than when I started out. If I was starting out again with no prior knowledge I'd do the same thing I did when I started. That being, get round some privates and learn a little, what stuff can be fixed easily, what mechanical issues don't really matter and what does etc.

[D&M 66]

8 minutes ago, EPV said:

Sorry, I meant that I'm far more risk averse these days than when I started out. If I was starting out again with no prior knowledge I'd do the same thing I did when I started. That being, get round some privates and learn a little, what stuff can be fixed easily, what mechanical issues don't really matter and what does etc.

Right, that makes sense.

We were totally the opposite - when we started, we were Manheim and BCA only. After a run of shit cars, we started to look at smaller, independant auctions and we buy mostly from there as their fees as so much less than the big 2. The independants we go to, they are usually smaller main dealer group part ex's, if you get their early enough you can have the keys to have a good look and they'll even take you for a drive around the block in it.

We'd happily buy more from private, but have had so many experiances of seeing peoples old sheds, or traders acting as private that means it has got to be something worth paying attention to for us to go and see it.

Unlike you, we are quite rural so private sellers are few and far between.

Agree totally with the last bit. When starting, we were over-prepping way too much - I'm sure most here have done the same. And with time, you learn what's acceptable and what isn't, and learning what issues you can get sorted and ready to retail easily.

[Raj M 0]

Thank you for the good advice, but I'd truly admit that I a newbie to car trading and am certainly ready to take any dig.

But I am certainly not a newbie when it come to cars as I work for an automotive OEM in R&D who build super and luxury cars. 

The problem is that I don't work for after sales to know about the happenings on the outside world especially the dealers who would normally come to us for technical support if they can't fix any diagnostics issues.

As we all know everybody needs a change that's why I am here with the will to learn about the industry.

So I don't mind diggers.....

[CCC 31]

Don’t. We started out specialising in Minis and whilst they are great cars to sell and often a good quality of buyer around here, we’ve had too many small problems to make it worthwhile and profitable. No doubt we over prep but we’d rather that than problems down the line. We’re switching to a higher price point and broader selection to try to give us a better gross margin to play with. Buying good cars privately where people just want a sale is working better, and being very focussed on service history. 

[EPV 631]

3 minutes ago, D&M said:

Right, that makes sense.

We were totally the opposite - when we started, we were Manheim and BCA only. After a run of shit cars, we started to look at smaller, independant auctions and we buy mostly from there as their fees as so much less than the big 2. The independants we go to, they are usually smaller main dealer group part ex's, if you get their early enough you can have the keys to have a good look and they'll even take you for a drive around the block in it.

We'd happily buy more from private, but have had so many experiances of seeing peoples old sheds, or traders acting as private that means it has got to be something worth paying attention to for us to go and see it.

Unlike you, we are quite rural so private sellers are few and far between.

Agree totally with the last bit. When starting, we were over-prepping way too much - I'm sure most here have done the same. And with time, you learn what's acceptable and what isn't, and learning what issues you can get sorted and ready to retail easily.

One of my first questions when calling for a private car "is the logbook in your name" and when I get the answer, usually in an Asian accent "no, I am selling for my uncle" or "erm, nah, when I bought the car yeah, I never got the name transferred over to me"

Yeah, ok sunshine.

[CCC 31]

5 minutes ago, Raj M said:

Thank you for the good advice, but I'd truly admit that I a newbie to car trading and am certainly ready to take any dig.

But I am certainly not a newbie when it come to cars as I work for an automotive OEM in R&D who build super and luxury cars. 

The problem is that I don't work for after sales to know about the happenings on the outside world especially the dealers who would normally come to us for technical support if they can't fix any diagnostics issues.

As we all know everybody needs a change that's why I am here with the will to learn about the industry.

So I don't mind diggers.....

Out of curiosity do you have experience if buying and running older cars? The age of car you’re taking about would not have gone near a main dealer generally for a long time. I’d recommend getting a good local mechanic too

[Raj M 0]

Certainly not buying and selling cars. But I could imagine what you are trying to say ......buy a clean car sell for more margin??? and don't  take a mick with old cars...

[Mark101 536]

I have sold and continue to sell the odd Mini.  They tend to hang around too long (probably because there’s another hundred within a few miles for sale), but they do always sell.

I prep well and many enjoy a clutch during prep but regards to warranty, I’ve only forked out for 1 wheel bearing.

Currently got three in stock.

[Nick M.K. 574]

I always have a couple, amazing price fluctuations and real bargains to be had at auction sometimes. 

Also, MINI buyers always say that they were specially looking at a MINI so it’s not like you can hope to get those buyers with different stock. 

[MattR 177]

Im not sure why you would specialise to that extent. If you were to go to an auction and dismiss 99% of the stock because it isnt a Mini Cooper, it doesnt leave you much to aim at. End result, you wont bother going. We all have preferences as to what we sell, but not many will stick to a small part of a brand and try nothing else. 

So my tip is to consider buying anything you regard as good value.

[justina3 518]

Wowzers the claims on that price mini cooper S will be eye watering, i have to ask what made you pick that model 

[SC Derby 259]

Yep this idea would be doomed to failure. 

[David Horgan 564]

Mini cooper S's are great , wonderful little cars 

Just have to rebuild Engine , Clutches , Gearboxes &  turbos or supercharger pulleys on the older ones  after that they work for a while 

 

Edited January 12, 2019 by David Horgan