Help me buy a Mini Cooper...

[Topher]

What do I need to know?

Certain years to stay away from?

I do NOT want the latest body style, I prefer the RS53(?) version of the S.

Prices seem to range, dramatically.

Anywhere from 11,9 to 22,9 for 35-70kmi

Should I opt for a new one (2005 or 06) or go for an older 2003 model with 40k miles.

I test drove this one at Luther last night:
http://lutherauto.com/Used-Car/Mini/...leDetails.aspx

And I really liked that, even though I'm not a fan of white. It had every option I wanted (leather, moon roofs) but not the HIDs (which I do want).

I have no desire for a non S variant or one with an automatic.

I've heard around 60-70k mi you should service the supercharger pulley... whatelse?

[Die Frau]

Biz?

[BimmerTim]

I would go for the newest old body style you can find.

Be sure the car was well maintained. If it wasn't, things could go south quick.

For something with lower miles, I would expect somewhere around $15-$18k.

The chassis was R53.

Also, check this out. Lots of useful info.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

PS. I love the R53 mini. A lot.

[Topher]

Biz?

Considered, but I'd have to sell the SRX. I'd rather trade it. That way I don't have to pay the sales tax when I transfer the IN plates and title to my name. Actually ends up being a wash selling it vs. trading it in.

I would go for the newest old body style you can find.

Be sure the car was well maintained. If it wasn't, things could go south quick.

For something with lower miles, I would expect somewhere around $15-$18k.

The chassis was R53.

Also, check this out. Lots of useful info.

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

PS. I love the R53 mini. A lot.

Thanks man.

Yeah, I was thinking I'd rather go for one that's a bit newer and has a bit more miles then older with less miles.

Will check that site out.

[Topher]

Tim thanks for that link. Sounds like it's 2005-06 or don't bother.

That's a HUGE help.

[BimmerTim]

No problem. Sometimes I have useful posts.

[Biz]

Tim thanks for that link. Sounds like it's 2005-06 or don't bother.

That's a HUGE help.

You get a lot of the 2005-06 or don't bother stuff, but honestly it's not like the older ones are ticking timebombs or anything. There's a TON of misinformation about the transmissions on early R53's. Generally speaking it was the R50 and the R53 auto that were the issue, not the R53 manual.

If you were interested in my car, we could look into doing a dealer pass-through wherein they buy my car, sell it to you, and you trade in the SRX. Hell, if we find someplace that's got something I'm interested in, we can make it a 3-way (TWSS). We can chat if needed. I will tell you right now, the front tires need to be balanced, so you will get a shimmy if you were to test drive mine before next week.

[Topher]

It was more the revised supercharger and em then the tranny I was worried about. I had heard a ton of issues about the tranny.

I love the look of yours, but a red one isn't my color. Your's looks so damn hot though.

I'll have to look into that dealer-pass thru, could be a consideration if I decide to "settle" for a red one.

[BimmerTim]

I like Cosmos Black Metallic and Dark Silver Metallic.

I also really liked the GPs I drove.

[Biz]

It was more the revised supercharger and em then the tranny I was worried about. I had heard a ton of issues about the tranny.

I love the look of yours, but a red one isn't my color. Your's looks so damn hot though.

I'll have to look into that dealer-pass thru, could be a consideration if I decide to "settle" for a red one.

Revise the charger on your own

Call Orr to talk about the tranny, they'll give you the straight shit on it.

I wanted BRG and settled for red because I decided it'll handle the same regardless of what color it is and I'm not buying the car to win any shows with it.

[BimmerTim]

Biz, I really like your car. Is it a JCW, or does it just have the body kit?

[Biz]

Biz, I really like your car. Is it a JCW, or does it just have the body kit?

Just the aero kit. If I keep it, I plan to start doing some power stuff to it upon acquisition of a real job.

[liketheword]

SRX is being put out to pasture already? Short love story.

I think a Mini would be a fantastic choice. Chris I know you are not a fan of headaches and niggling I wish I should have this or that scenarios. Because of that I say 2005-06 would be best for you if you want turn-key less to keep an eye-on.

That being said you can have the 2003-04 models for cheaper and throw a few bucks at them right-off the bat and then rest easy too.

[Topher]

The problem is they hold their value so damn well.

I found a BRG with navigation, 2005 with 25k mi for $15,9. I can get a similar 2005 with 71k mi for $13,9

Or Biz has his 03 with 40k mi for low $13's

There's seriously a spread of like $4k on these cars from 2003-2006 regardless of mileage. It's nuts.




As for the SRX:

Long story. My parent's were not going to get what it was "worth" to them to trade it in. So they out right bought a 2010 Maxima and 2010 Nissan 370Z. But kept the SRX. They sold it to me for cheap. Like really cheap. And then wrote the sell up as a "gift" so if I take the title and the gift letter to a dealer for a trade in, I won't get hit with the taxes, vs if I sell it private party or title it immediately into my name.

Basically if I flip it I come out $5k ahead (towards a new car), plus if I keep it, it's going to need new tires (at 18's they are pricey) and it's RWD. So not hugely desirable.

I like it. But not that much.

[dustin]

SWEET CHOICE!

R53 MINI Cooper S is the way to go. 2004-2006 Is the only way to go as well. 2005 has the revised tranny yes but 2004 is still good. That is what year I have. Only issues I had were the door handles and hatch (boot) handle freezing. they were all replaced by motorwerks with the updated 2005 handles and work perfect in winter now.
It doesnt matter that the pulley needs to be changed because Im sure you will do a 17% or 15% Pulley first thing anyways. Best bang for your buck. Good luck on your search! All I can tell you is dont get a 2002-2003 they had rattles and other issues I have heard. YAY Another MINI to join us for sotaMINIs club!

PS 6 Speed and Supercharger are the way to go. R56 Turbo doesnt sound as nice ; P Also Auto is weak.

http://northamericanmotoring.com
http://motoringunderground.com
http://motoringalliance.com