Hey Guys,

New here, but have been trolling the forum for the past few weeks. I have been in search of an older mini as a 3rd car "fun/good gas mileage" car for a few weeks now. I have been looking as strictly the 1st gen due to my price point. I ran across a couple of '06's with less than 100K and at about 5500, but they went fast. I see pricing is all over the board whether it is from a dealer or private party. For that reason I am looking solely at private party.

I am in nebraska so my options have been limited in my price range. I have expanded my search to neighboring states. I found a mini that sparked my interest. The down side is it is about an 8hr drive and I would probably just fly out and drive it back. I hate the idea of buying something without driving it, but to get the car and deal I am looking for I will probably have to do that.

Anyways the mini I have found is a 2003 Base model. It has 155K on the odometer. I have been in contact with the seller and basically explained my situation. I asked for some pictures of the interior and he was thoughtful enough to make a 5 minute video going over the car. Anyways it has 155K on it as previously noted. He bought it with blown engine to repair for his son (his hobby). It has basically a new driveline: Rebuilt transmission, new clutch, new driver and passenger axle assembles, new starter, a replacement engine with 88K, new tensioner and belt, new thermostat and housing, and a new battery. The interior is really nice. It has the navigation but there is a odd blotch on the screen. Overall its a nice car from what I can tell. I have been using kbb.com as they have private party pricing. They have the car listed at about 3300 for 155K miles in good shape. I see NADA has a clean real of about 5700. The seller is asking 4900. Given your experience what have you seen cars this age and mileage going for? Suggestions or thoughts on the vehicle? Thanks!

 

Don’t get caught up MINI fever and buy the wrong car.

I’d pass on the car you described for a few different reasons.

I think it’s priced wrong for a base model of that year.

155k is premature to be replacing the entire drivetrain. I could see if it had a Midlands or CVT it having a trans replacement at this point. I also would not feel at ease with a used engine with no history being installed.

Don’t pay extra for NAV, it’s dated, parts are NLA. I know NADA and KBB tell you this option is worth more money, but IMO deduct what they say it’s worth X2.

If this car has an automatic or CVT don’t buy it unless you plan on parting it out soon.

My suggestions:

Don't buy anything with a CVT or an automatic.

If you're looking for a base model stick with the 05-06 with the Getrag gearbox.

Consider a Cooper S with a six speed.

 

Thanks for the input. It has the 5 speed manual transmission. I am only looking at manuals for the first gen minis, I know the automatics have issues. The car itself is really clean. I see minis priced all over the place. I agree on it seems high. How much credit does a guy give for the rebuilt tranny and engine with 88k.

 

Still mulling this one over. The seller ran a carfax on the car. No accident history. Car spent most of its life in California, guess why there is no rust. I picked his brain some on his pricing. He said he has 5600 in the car with all the parts done, and didn't include his labor. I can respect wanting to recoup some of that cost. The car itself is alot nice that alot of 05's and 06's with 110-120k. I have a feeling that this one is more mechanically sound than those given all the updates. I wanna pull the trigger on the car as I think it's worth what he is asking. The downside is where I decide to sell I probably use all those upgrade to offset the hit down the road.

 

Transmission "rebuilt" by whom?

 

I didn't ask, but can. I assume he probably did it. I may be totally wrong.

 

The transmission was built by Jon the Mini guy off ebay.