Counterfeits are sold by street vendors at flea markets, pawn shops and internet auction sites. The deft criminals rely on ignorance and a lack of common sense. The extremely near-sighted are especially vulnerable. Here are a few tips from some eagle-eye experts at the CCC.
A genuine MINI is small. A proven method of verifying a MINIs authenticity is by making sure the vehicle is not, in fact, huge.
Experts can uncover a MINI imposter by tracking its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). But the most effective way to spot a fake is by simply checking to see if the vehicle is ugly.
Do you think the designer of this "MINI" nailed the look of the "Cooper S" badge? We did, too. Until our experts looked closer. There's nothing authentic about mailbox letters.
The exhaust tips on a genuine MINI Cooper S should resemble beer cans. If the exhaust tips really are beer cans, contact the CCC immediately. You've found a fake.
Many fakes look good at first glance. But look closer. Be certain the bonnet stripes are not fashioned from ordinary duct tape.
Quite often, the roof of a genuine MINI is customized with a flag decal. Counterfeiters know this and try to confuse buyers. If you find an actual flag on the roof, you've got an actual fake.
Before buying a MINI, always test drive it. A genuine one is low to the ground with an aggressive, bulldog stance. This makes it handle a lot like an oversized go-kart. If it corners like a humongous four-door sedan, step back and verify it is not actually a humongous four-door sedan.
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