I test-drove several used Carmax minis yesterday and left frustrated with the sale staffs' lack of knowledge about minis. (they tried to convince me that LSDs only come on the Clubman) Today I drove this mini. It was at a small specialty dealership that's primarily a service shop.

The test drive felt great but I wanted to ask you all for opinions.

 

66k miles
You will be looking at spending a bit of money for parts that will need to be changed ASAP

Also im pretty sure that no R53 (except maybe the JCW) have factory LSD's

 

The car looks nice, appears it's been serviced at the place selling it so maybe you can ask to see the service records and see what all has been done then compare that with what will need done soon. That could be a great negotiating point on the price.

 

I could be wrong here but I believe 2005 was the first year the MCS could get the LSD as an option outside of the JCW, with the manual tranny only.

 

They list new control arm bushings in the ad, so you've got that going for you. It sounds like this shop has worked on the car; are they willing to provide any sort of warranty?

 

Yep. That's right as far as I know. Thanks for the advice on bargaining.

I'm gonna do my research of course. But what should I expect to go at 60-70k miles?

 

What is LSD?

 

Limited Slip Differential

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited-slip_differential

 

post #4: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ggestions.html

 

Thank you Kromdom!

Charlie: Yeah I was happy to see they changed the bushings! He didn't mention anything about a warranty. It would seem like a good idea to offer some incentive to get me to service the car there if I buy it. I'll keep that in mind when considering my offer.

 

I hope it shows and drives as good as the pictures look because it appears in great cosmetic shape and lots of options. Good luck

 

Well, here's my thought. Now that you are armed with some information on what to expect for parts and such, if you still feel it's worth it, by all means, go for it. Besides, if you do the work yourself, you can sorta form an attachment to the car for the pride in your work so early on and that makes it that much better.

 

It looks nice in the pictures.

If there is a MINI dealer near by or a specialty shop that repairs MINIs contact them and see what they charge for a purchase inspection. It might be money well spent even if you pass on this car.

Also, get the VIN and have the MINI dealer check the factory options that are actually on the car.

For example, it says that it has Bluetooth. Maybe it does, or this dealer assumes that it does because the steering wheel has the buttons for phone integration. All the cars have the button, just not the actual package that makes it work unless it was done at the factory. (Or it is aftermarket).

Also it lists 17 inch wheels and 16 inch tires. Looks like a cut/paste problem.

 

My '06 R53 has a factory-installed LSD.

Scandinavian Imports is a fairly well-recommended independent shop that specializes in Minis, IIRC. I have no experience with them, but their name cropped up a few times while I was looking around for an indy shop. With the low mileage and it being sold by a shop with a decent reputation, it should be fine but it also wouldn't hurt to have it inspected by another shop to be sure.

The price isn't great, but it's not bad either. That said, you'd be hard pressed to find a similarly equipped, low mileage R53 in the area at any price.

 

There's a picture with aftermarket phone stuff on it:

 

Great looking Cooper! I hope it works out for you!

 

If the car's in good shape and it indeed has LSD, then I'd go for it. The LSD is a very desireable option and is very expensive to add after the fact.

Remember, though, that transaxle lube requirements are different if it has an LSD. (Just a different lube, not anything exotic or expensive.)

 

I bought my 2008 MINI Clubman S used - how can I find out if it has LSD? It has the Sports Package, but I can't remember anything about Limited Slip?

 

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but as I recall, the 2nd generation Mini was/is not available with a true LSD. On 2nd gen cars, the function of keeping both front wheels turning when one has less available traction than the other is handled by the braking system instead, which is controlled by the car's computer system and applies a bit of brake to the wheel that's slipping. It has it's shortcomings and technically is not as efficient at putting the power down as a true LSD. A true LSD was available on the 1st gen cars but very few opted for it. And those that did were usually purchasing JCW cars. It's very rare to find LSD on a non-JCW car.

In any case, if you go to your dealer, they can run the VIN and tell you what options the car came with from the factory.

 

"Someone can correct me if I'm wrong" I believe my 2009 JCW had a true LSD and the torque steer that goes with it. My 2010 JCW has ELSD where they take away the good parts do it electronically and charge you more for it. however torque steer is gone.

 

No one has yet suggested what I always do first when buying a used car from a dealer - ask for the name of the previous owner. If they refuse, I walk.

 

Eric, I notice that's in the Rockville area. Did you by any chance look at the 2005 low-mileage Carmax mini in electric blue metallic with the instrument package? I've been thinking seriously about transferring that one down to Greenville, SC. I realize I could get it here and discover it's not mechanically sound, but it would at least be great to know about the cosmetic condition before spending the transfer fee. I'm concerned about dings, scuffs, and especially whether it's been smoked in!

 

A good LSD will greatly reduce and for most driving, virtually eliminate torque steer. Do you "know" that your '09 had a LSD? Or just "believe" it did? If the torque steer was noticeable most of the time or nearly so, I doubt it had a LSD.

 

I am wrong apparently 2009 had an EDLC. I am confusing it with the LSD that was discontinued in 2010 but not offered on a JCW? My 2009 had way more torque steer either way. I would step on the gas and it would point to the other lane. my 2010 keeps it straight... maybe tires?

 

anyway, back to the original post and throwing in my 2 cents! lol

1. sorry, but i HATE green. super ugly.
2. forget about the carmax folks. use their ignorance to your advantage: example, try to find a JCW on the lot and get it for the price of a regular S!
3. I DID find a JCW at a carmax, out of town. had it shipped closer. bought it, and the Extended Warranty. Best $2200 i ever spent! has saved me 8k easily in repairs. So, IMO, do get one at carmax, DO get the extra warranty! sooo much stuff is covered!
4. Dont be in a rush to find your mini... It will find YOU!