I wasn't really looking for one but I stumbled across a sweet deal on a GP with 6k miles on it. If the PPI checks out on monday and the seller doesn't jump town with my deposit I should be officially amongst your ranks. I've been aware of the GP option for years...ever since I first got the Mini itch...you know that one. Ever since I had to sell my SVT Focus for something more practical...ie something to go to Home Depot with...I've had this itch which recently became an outright rash . Well lo and behold a GP popped up on the radar to steer me back to the R53 land after toying around with yet another R57 build on MiniUSA. I tested the GP today with my Porsche owning buddy and we both were impressed. It almost seems to not need the PPI, but it's cheap insurance and the seller is dropping it off at the mech of my choice, so we don't think there is anything to hide.

I don't want to jinx this deal so I won't say what it is going for until I have the keys and paperwork, but I'll be back to LYK later Monday. Since you all have yours you may not remember the excitement but I feel like a kid at Christmas on this puppy. BTW my Porsche Meister friend was pretty blown away...he'd didn't know about the GP option, but likes small good handling cars being the owner of a modded MX5.

Wish me luck, I'm pretty sure I'll be back with questions and/or advice, since I've been lurking the NAM forums for years, and appreciate the value of the intel here.

 

Good luck with the GP

 

Hope you get it. I also still would like a GP and a classic in the stable someday. So many nice cars..so little money.

 

Hope you get it, tons of fun. Just wait until you dump the run-flats for some sticky tires, whoa!

 

speaking of runflats...i know the wrap on them, but was wondering how tought the GP wheels are. I went through 3 wheels on my SVT Focus, which were cheap to replace at the time by scouring ebay. But we do have some big old potholes and bad drainage dips in many roads here. I was even thinking of taking the OEMs off to save for posterity and get something else tougher? The thing is low profile tires are half the culprit since there's not side wall support. This little dawg will not be a daily driver but just the same potholes never sleep!

 

Good luck ... be sure to let me know to add you to the owner list if you get one
http://gpmini.net/wp/introduction/

 

Will do. I like your site and thanks for running it. In fact it's open on a tab right now and I'm looking at the pictorial on removing the red panels and luggage bar. My wife and my motorhead friend wanted to know
A: if it can be removed (which looks doable) and
B: has anyone replaced it with an actual solid brace? I know I've seen track mods on MCSs that have a brace but wondered if anyone's done it to the GP...without permanent scarring of course. A big thing I love about the GP is that as far as I'm concerned it's done and done!...as is! I love factory hot rods, always have for some reason.

 

Oops in my original post I meant R56...i am def not a cabrio fan (R57)...no offense. If I wanted rag top I'd look at mx5's...those are such bang for the buck cars. Oh and I do have a semi itch for one...I've spent some time looking at them.

 

Good luck with the GP purchase. It should be a great car. I went from a modded 03 MCS to the 06 GP and I am very happy with the various little improvements such as LSD and larger intercooler. The GP is pretty good as is but if you enjoy modifying cars there is still plenty of things to improve on the GP.

The wheels seem pretty tough for being relatively light for a 18" wheel. However, I find them easy to nick the paint. Many people stick with 40 series tires when going with wider non runflats to keep a little extra sidewall. For example, I use 215/40x18 tires.

The rear bar can be removed and a rear strut brace could be added but the rear strut brace adds no real benefit. Actually the GP rear bar is bolted in very well and should add a little rigidity.

 

You WILL enjoy your GP !!!

I went from my first MINI: a custom ordered 2003 MC Velvet Red......from 108 hp to 218 hp....WHOA!!!! ...then a couple years later I got on the GP wait list then had my number come up (because eight other people declined the GP) for one of only 4 my dealer was getting....I said HELL YES!! I got it on November 6, 2006 and drive it everyday here in Colorado...year round (thanks for my OZ rims and Dunlop snows from Tire Rack).....EVERY TIME I get in...I smile....I just turn 35k and it still gets it on like it was when she was new.

 

It's a generality but OEM wheels are usually pretty tough compared to aftermarket ones. That's why they're not usually the lightest, but manufacturers don't want to deal with possible warranty issues by putting wafer thin ones on. My guess is they will last longer than lighter aftermarkets (unless of course they are forged which means they will be more $$)

 

Done and Done. MCS GP #826 found hiding in a hanger by Santa Monica airport. 6250 miles, owned by a wealthy man with too many higher end motor toys...he drove up in a Nissan GTr (Skyline)! Mine for $21.5....probly could've wrangled another $500 off but they had gone down already and 21.5 is below edmunds TMV for Socal, so I just did it at asking $$ The recession is really dingint car values these days...among many many other things. Don't know if I stole this but it seems like a very fair price and one I could live with since I've been saving up for years.

Nice to be among you.

 

Saw it on L.A. Craigslist.. Dig it..

Score!

Major League Congrats!

Kdub

 

Ha I knew there must've been a few looks at that CL ad...I moved pretty fast on it, and got in line first position. I would've kicked myself all the way thru 2010 if I had let this one slip by. It wasn't pimped out like many rides you see. I mean the engine had a lot of dust on it, instead of the bogus detail jobs you see too many times on CL. I like an honest used car...heck this is hardly broken in yet.

Here's a funny side note. I had a local mech shop do a PPI...cheap but I didn't expect much since it was a Carfax one owner deal etc. The mech said the only thing they noticed was that it back fired after hard accel...my buddy and I tested it and din't notice anything like that...turned out the mech was just commenting on the back pressure popping and gurgling that we love about Hi Comp 4 bangers. Geez...I told him "that's one of the reasons I bought it!" I think he got it then...but just shows you how rare these little buggers are...though they must see at least a few JCW MCS cars. God help the customer that has that "fixed" by this shop.

 

Sounds like you got a great deal. Have fun.

 

I'm about to pick one up in So Cal in the next couple days. Where abouts are you located? I have four years worth of mods from my '06 S to install onto the GP. Can't wait! Mine will be 0179 and yes, I am paying more than you are. 6650 miles and a few extras on the car.

 

Best wishes to both mrwilson and flinnger! You will love the GP! We should have a Cali, AZ, Colo, NV GP motoring convention one of these days!

 

b sure to keep us updated...i m up here in the north SFV.

 

THX...I am enjoying...though just a weekend warrior. In your gallery it looks like you have window tinting...if so what % tint? Socal ie. the San Fernando Valley gets hot hot hot so tint is something on my list asap...plus it looks great on our GP's.
Also what arch is that in your GP foto? Nice shot

 

We should... Maybe in like Oatman! then stay in Bull Head city or something.