GP Talk (2006) Discussion of the limited edition, MINI Cooper S (R53)-based, John Cooper Works GP.

Looking at a GP and...

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  #1  
Old 12-09-2018, 05:42 PM
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Looking at a GP and...

...I need some input. I sold my S to start saving to move up the food chain to a JCW. Then this GP pops up.

Selling for $9500. It is stock with 101,000 miles. Very mechanically sound with recent service to supercharger and new oil cooler and radiator. No sign of accidents. However, the headliner is loose and will need to be repaired/replaced and there are three dents (my paintless dent removal guy can get them out.) The hood scoop decal is faded. Paint is clean. Interior is clean.

So, is $9500 a good price?

Thanks
 
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Old 12-09-2018, 08:24 PM
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"gp"

Originally Posted by scubus
...I need some input. I sold my S to start saving to move up the food chain to a JCW. Then this GP pops up.

Selling for $9500. It is stock with 101,000 miles. Very mechanically sound with recent service to supercharger and new oil cooler and radiator. No sign of accidents. However, the headliner is loose and will need to be repaired/replaced and there are three dents (my paintless dent removal guy can get them out.) The hood scoop decal is faded. Paint is clean. Interior is clean.

So, is $9500 a good price?

Thanks
I have no idea what that car is worth, but if that car can be refreshed with a few fixes, you'll have a real jewel. It's the ultimate modern MINI. I have seen two in Northern CA. And the owners kept them in near concourse condition. Good luck.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 05:18 AM
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Sounds worth it.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 07:11 AM
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When I was looking, there was one at $10k, one at $20k and the one I ended up with right in the middle!

It all depends on what you are looking for.

I didn’t want one that was in pristine condition as I planned to drive it! And the lower priced one seemed like a little to beat up for me.

the one I got was good and was mechanically sound like the one you discribed, but interior and exterior were in good condition with only a few tweaks needed.

I love my GP1. Good luck woth your descion.

 
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Old 12-10-2018, 10:53 AM
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Sounds like a good deal. Does it have service records? Get a PPI.

At that milage (and if not done already), bushings and various o-rings/gaskets will probably need replacement. Maybe also service the supercharger.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 12:45 PM
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Thread starter stated that the S/C had just been serviced. At that price, you are in excellent shape to protect your investment and have a true "cult car" that will be a sheer blast to drive.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 05:51 PM
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Thanks everyone. The current owner appears to be meticulous about the mechanicals and meh about the appearance. Yes, supercharger just serviced, new belts, tensioners, oil cooler and radiator. He has receipts and old parts for all the work. No record of any accidents. Exterior is not beat, but dirty and needs a polish and wax and the interior a good detail. But a non-smoker.

I guess the headliner has me flummoxed - no idea how to replace it, how much it would cost, where to take it etc. I have an artist who does all my dent work (two Mustangs, a Camaro, two Minis and an FJ Cruiser - I get a discount ) so the few dents are not a big concern.

I'm not looking for perfect, I plan to drive the bejezzus out of it. But I want solid and reasonably good looking...
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 06:50 PM
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You should be able to order a new black headliner. Go to REALOEM.com to get a p/n. Most good auto interior shops do installations of headliners on a regular basis. It's not rocket science.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by scubus
Thanks everyone. The current owner appears to be meticulous about the mechanicals and meh about the appearance. Yes, supercharger just serviced, new belts, tensioners, oil cooler and radiator. He has receipts and old parts for all the work. No record of any accidents. Exterior is not beat, but dirty and needs a polish and wax and the interior a good detail. But a non-smoker.

I guess the headliner has me flummoxed - no idea how to replace it, how much it would cost, where to take it etc. I have an artist who does all my dent work (two Mustangs, a Camaro, two Minis and an FJ Cruiser - I get a discount ) so the few dents are not a big concern.

I'm not looking for perfect, I plan to drive the bejezzus out of it. But I want solid and reasonably good looking...
For the headliner I'd search out a highly recommended auto upholstery shop and make an appointment and take the car in and have it looked and find out what the shop recommends.
 
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Old 12-10-2018, 08:22 PM
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If headliner is the only thing that needs fixed - I’d say go for it!
 
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Old 12-11-2018, 06:01 AM
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Although not for me, the GP is the Holy Grail of MINIs and if the car has good service records than that price for a HG GP is not that bad.
 
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Old 12-11-2018, 04:53 PM
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I have the service records through 96,000 miles. The current owner has put 4,000 miles on it in three years. He has receipts for the recent work. He may not have done more than an oil change in that time.

Part of this is simply owning something unique - although I want a driver.

The headliner is not a big issue except I have never had to do any upholstery work so I don't have a "guy" or place I trust to do the work. Not a deal breaker though.

I am actually having trouble getting him to contact me right now - want to grab it now that I have made a decision before someone else does!
 
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Old 12-12-2018, 05:00 AM
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Hmm, this thread has been around 4 days. Bet you its gone! Its likely one of those be first or last sort of things, but you might get lucky!
 
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Old 12-12-2018, 05:22 AM
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Originally Posted by iwashmycar
Hmm, this thread has been around 4 days. Bet you its gone! Its likely one of those be first or last sort of things, but you might get lucky!
Nope, he is waiting for me to pick it up tonight! Decision made
 
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Old 12-12-2018, 07:31 AM
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Congrats!
 
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Old 12-12-2018, 05:21 PM
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I am now the proud owner of GP #0717.
 
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Old 12-13-2018, 05:12 AM
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Looks amazingly clean! Nice!
 
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Old 12-13-2018, 07:46 AM
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Outstanding! Welcome to a select crew of MINI GP fanatics!
 
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Old 12-13-2018, 08:12 AM
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Very nice! Congrats.
 
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Old 12-13-2018, 03:47 PM
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Major congrats!

I saw that car on the Treasure Coast CL and would have grabbed it myself if I had the ready cash,
you got an absolute bargain I think .

Keep us updated!

Happy GP'ing!
 
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Old 12-13-2018, 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldboy Speedwell

Major congrats!

I saw that car on the Treasure Coast CL and would have grabbed it myself if I had the ready cash,
you got an absolute bargain I think .

Keep us updated!

Happy GP'ing!
I didn't really have the ready cash, but that didn't stop me. That's what savings is for, right

I made the mistake of emailing him just to say I liked the car, and the next thing I know I am convincing myself I need the car NOW. My wife didn't understand why I couldn't stick to my plan. Sell the Astro Black S, save for a few months, buy a JCW.

I am now looking for a few things, and I also have to say, I got it registered today and got it out to wash it (it really was filthy) and try it out. A much more visceral experience than the S. If you are into the sound of the supercharger spinning up, the more aggressive exhaust note and the pull from a stop all the way to redline.

 
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Old 12-13-2018, 08:12 PM
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I was going to say to jump on it for that price, but after looking at your pics, I would have to say you stole it!
Congrats on your buy! A great car for a great price!
Ps: You can do the headliner yourself, just buy the kit from REALOEM.com
Show us some interior pics, when you can!
We are excited for you,
 
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Old 12-14-2018, 02:57 AM
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Originally Posted by ItsmeWayne
I was going to say to jump on it for that price, but after looking at your pics, I would have to say you stole it!
Congrats on your buy! A great car for a great price!
Ps: You can do the headliner yourself, just buy the kit from REALOEM.com
Show us some interior pics, when you can!
We are excited for you,
As soon as I have some time during the daylight hours I'll take some of my own pics. Those are the pics the seller had posted.
 
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Old 01-16-2019, 09:15 PM
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Hell I don’t even own a GP and I’m looking forward to more photos.
 
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Old 01-17-2019, 01:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Black Forest
Hell I don’t even own a GP and I’m looking forward to more photos.
Your wish is my command - I have more pics of my car than my kiddo













 


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