Hi guys and gals

Years ago probably 10 or so i had a 2003 mini S. Loved the car but sold it just before my oldest was born :(. Now many years later my wife and i have decided to we want a mini project build for fun and for us to start auto crossing. I was gonna use my 2004 VW gti VR6 fo auto crossing but have decided against it as it really is not a good candidate for the weekend autocross fun and well frankly a mini will just be more fun for a weekend toy.

I am pretty dead set on a 1st gen after doing some catching up on the newer turbo version and how the 1 st gens are just a more raw fun factor. Correct me if i am missing something here. This will not be a dedicated daily as we have a newer tiquan for the wife and my VR for me. That doesn't mean that we won't drive it during the week

Now i have been away from the mini world for almost a decade so all info on purchasing a used cheap S is greatly appreciated. This will be our fun budget build and have some fun with.

So with that i have been scouring CL in the tris-tate area and even as far south as NC for the best candidate IE best deal. This vehicle obviously be manual and a S model Color is really not a deal breaker as I will be wrapping it in the future mainly because i want to give wrapping a go. I do want a well maintained one but maintenance is no issue been wrenching on cars forever.

If any one have some leads or see one on the side of the road please let me know.

also any threads for autocross setups would be handy

thanks

 

Where are you located? I'd bet that some of our members might have a lead for you, but a location would help.
Sounds like a fun project. I hope you'll keep us posted on your progress.

 

Forgot location ill update my profile I thought i had that set up from 2006

NWNJ is where im located

 

Welcome Back

If you find one in GA your welcome to have it brought to our shop to have it inspected prior to purchase

 

Any good twisties up around Sussex?

 

There are many good roads up in sussex country. I gre up in that area but i live down in morris county now little closer to civilization

 

Welcome back

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
I love first gen Minis'. They are raw and fun to drive! Best of luck with your hunt!
Hint: 05 and 06 Mini Cooper S are the best and most dependable first gens!

 

Welcome.

Motor On!

 

Took the wife out to test drive a turbo and super charged she wants a super charged we found one but they are asking way too much ( drove great tho) hopefully we find one in a few weeks as autocross season is starting soon

 

I would have to say I have all 3 generation in my house hold and my first gen is my favorite. No don’t forget these are loser cars now and the more maintenance history the better. I was looking for an Turbo car when I came across my current 06 at a steal of a price, I have had to put allot of time and effort to get it to where it is now but wouldn’t trade it for anything. Look out for the mushrooming strut towers

 

Beautiful super low miles in Concord NC if you willing to make the trip.
https://www.hendrickkiaofconcord.com...RE33536TL19303

If I would have found this before I bought my 2016, I would have bought this instead.

 

i think i may have found one. It is at a dealer has right around 100k and does have the 25%LSD we drove it and it was nice and is clean. Price was high but they are slowly coming down.

For fun what would you guys pay for a 2005 with sport + pack and LSD

the car is clean and good history as per car fax

 

With 100k on it, unless maintenance was recently done, that'll set you back a little (bushings, plugs, pulleys).

I'd guess around 7-8 in great condition.

 

im waiting back on service records from a place the last owner took the car to. Since it was there more frequent then oil change intervals. just waiting on the records and he price im down to under 6k but i want to get to 4300.00

 

I am glad you may have found a Mini!
Don't put too much faith in Car Fax as many unreported items can be in the report, including accidents, major car failures, lack of maintenance.
Go over it with a find tooth comb, drive it more than a mile or two! Really test it!
Best of luck on your quest and keep us informed!

 

smi, any update?

 

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