Mileage : 129,965 miles
one owner (trade in at Honda)
Maintaince unknown (price reflected)
$5500

I did look at it pretty well.
its seems pretty nice.

It did throw a code when I took it out.
I stopped at auto parts place and ran the code PO13E

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-of-power.html

i think it is is a bit too much for the mileage specially with unknown history.

 

Take a pass on this one. High mileage and unknown maintenance history could lead to major headache very quickly. Look for a 2011+ MCS, it has an updated engine that seems to be less problematic than the 2007-2010 generation.

 

ok, sounds like a good idea to pass, I'm going to stay clear of the 07-10

 

Yea, the history would be good if it had the timing chain and coolant system checked up and replaced. Without a history or a pile of receipts, its hard to tell. And on the 07-10 you will need to know these things or get one with very low miles.

 

I just got the car fax, I haven't looked at it. there are 18 services. ill post it up.

The dealer said he will take 5k cash out the door with the CEL light on.

 

So here's the thing. CarFax reports that an engine inspection was done but not what action was taken. A lot of those entries could be really minor or could be quite major.

See if you can get a vehicle history report from a MINI or BMW dealer; go to the service department and tell them you are looking at the car. Some dealers won't since it is technically private information but some will. Especially as it isn't a private sale.

Personally I would keep looking. Too much money for too much unknown in a very risky model.

 

It was sold twice. Not a one owner car.

 

Ok good advice..

I saw that too! I was told it was one owner, I see two also..

I think I'm going to switch gears here a little, and could use some advice.

I'm replacing my DD which really isn't daily driven. I just totaled my Saab Viggen with basic stgIII mods, and wanted to try something different and hopefully as much fun or more.
I'm looking for a hardtop or possibly Convert (the wifey would love that)

I have a feeling a JCW is my desire, what would be a good year or years, especially for modification, probably just a DP, intercooler, intake, exhaust, and a course a tune. I Would like it to hold its value as much as it can since it will only be driven 2-3k miles a year.

 

Now I'm looking at a 2005 JCW conv. with 60k miles. what should look for and what should I spend? build date? oil leaks? the owner says it needs new top latches, and the rear windows dont go down.

I'll start a new thread for this one...

 

Yea, after it came out of warranty, not much dealership info.

That r52 JCW is a better bet. I have an R52 and its been very reliable at 268K already.