Hey guys, I am looking to buy my first Mini. There is an r53 for sale at a local dealership for $12,976 with 63642 miles. It seems like a pretty good deal to me. Is there anything I should be aware of when buying an early model Cooper S?

I read through this buyers guide and it all seems pretty straight forward used car stuff, check for rust and leaks etc.

 

what year

what options

any mods

any maintenance history

 

2003 British racing green

Manual transmision, leather, dual moon roof, traction control. Not sure what else was option vs. Standard.

Appears to be stock

No, except what is in the carfax which is clean.

 

kbb.com is always a good website to get prices... and options for those years... then you can look at everything it has and check off those options.

 

Last summer I sold a 2003 Electric Blue MCS with 28K on it for $12.5K. The price you are quoted seems quite high to me. I would look around more for comparison prices. For that money you should be able to get a newer car with same mileage or the same year car with fewer miles or both!

 

the 2005 and 2006's are generally considered to be better cars than the 02-04. I would think for 13k you should be able to find something close. Or for 14,500 you can have mine

 

The car is at a dealer, not a private party.

 

Dealerships love to charge more than a car is worth... do your research... like I said kbb.com is a very good place to start.

 

I paid a little more for my 06 MCS with 72K and recent water pump & front wheel bearing replacement and Inspection II service.

ist of MCS for $0K or less

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...rice=500&Log=0

Another List

http://www.ownster.com/index.cfm?type=Car

 

I am well aware of how Kelly Blue Book works and have already looked up the car. I also realize that dealers charge more than the car is worth. That is not what I am asking, I am asking from people who have purchased their cars from a dealer if this seems fair or not.

 

06 MCS with JCW package for $11,500 in Fairfax VA

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...979909100.html

Wish I had space in my garage for it:(

06 MCS BRG Charlotte$12K

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/ctd/2962408546.html

 

And I think a few people have said it sounds a little high. I pulled up kbb and came up with about $9,600 from what you gave as options... but if you want to keep asking, go ahead.

 

Not a good deal!

 

Not sure how you arrive at that. KBB lists the price from a dealer about $500 more than the asking price.