Ok I just agreed to buy a MCS tonight. I have till tomorrow to back out of the deal but I just have some questions...

Specs:
03 MCS, JCW package, 66k miles
Options: Sunroof, GPS, Auto Rainwipers, Leather seats, Multifunction steering wheel, Climate Control, Xenons, car bra, bonnet stripes, hood mounted driving lights
Aftermarket: Alta Short Shifter, Adj Rear Sway bar, Struts/springs, 17" wheels, cone filter, clutch, 17% pulley
Bad: Crack in windshield (minor), passanger side door lock the unlock servo or something seams flakey, burned out ABS sensor, 1 cracked fog light.

Good maintance history, has all reciepts. Had engine head rebuilt from factory at 35k due to loss of compression.

I negoitated 15.5k.

The HID's I'm a little weary about. The headlights do not have the projectors. The headlight kinda looks like a halogen headlights but I'm not sure if this was the case for 03. If it is an aftermarket set that is fine I just wanted to know what the deal was.

I do all my own maintance work on my cars so I think fixing the fog light, and ABS sensor will be fairly easy. I hope the door unlock thing is easy enough.

I think this is a spectauclar deal and I've wanted a MCS for some time now. I've considered getting a new R56 one but I figure the 10k price differance isn't quite worth it. I just am a little uncertain right now, I am having buyers remorse but I don't really think that is well founded.

I intend to use this as a daily driver, and with the occasional track session. I would like to add an LSD but that is really all I would like to do to this.

 

If you have not done so, check Edmunds.com and see what it shows for a pirce. I did a quick check and for here in CA looks like the $15.5 would be about what a dealer would sell it for. The aftermarket items would add no value to the price of the car from a dealer stand point. Kelly Blue Book is higher, but seems most dealers are now using Edmunds when offering you a trade in value.
Also in my opinion the mileage is more than what I would want for the year
and price you are offering. Also I guess it really depends on how many used Minis you have to choose from.
As for the door lock issue and ABS, Mini OEM parts can be pricey, and if you do need to take it to a Mini service department for any help in repairing the problems, expect high hourly rates.

 

The HID lights in the 02 through 04 MINIs do indeed resemble the standard halogen lights. It wasn't until the 05 model that MINI changed the design.

Sounds like a nice car although it's too bad they messed up the JCW kit by installing a 17% pulley though.

 

I tend to think I got a pretty decent deal. There were at least 2 other buyers who would have snatched this up if I hadn't. I've seen standard MCS around DFW sell pretty quick for 15k.

I just priced it out on edmounds and it says 14.5. Of course there is no option for JCW package that has to be worth a grand.

 

Does it look clean?

I would not second guess it. It is a heck of a car. the mods, except for the pulley, seem smart and already done for you.

Shopping more and driving a harder bargain might possibly get you $1,000 but think all the fun you'll have driving it when you would otherwise be shopping.. Be confident you got a great deal. These engines are strong and hold up.

 

Personally, I think you did good. Does it make your heart go pitter patter? Of course it does!
TheOfficeMaven is correct on the headlights. The 02-05 are reflector types, and work wonderfully well. The others are Projector types which also rock, they just look different.
Let us know what you do, and please post pictures!

 

If you are happy, then it was a good deal.

 

Well I'm locked in now. I lose my deposit otherwise at this point.

Yes it does look clean, and I really think it is a pretty good deal. The guy goes to the local meets and what not. So I think its a big plus since the previous owner obviously cared about the car. I'm just curious why are you guys saying a 17% pulley ruins the JCW kit? I thought JCW = 15% reduction already. So what's another 1-1.5 psi?