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

Looking at a GP and...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2018 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2018 | 08:24 PM
  #2  
dpcompt's Avatar
dpcompt
5th Gear
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 105
From: Lodi,CA
"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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 05:18 AM
  #3  
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 104
From: Columbus, Ohio
Sounds worth it.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 07:11 AM
  #4  
GP193's Avatar
GP193
2nd Gear
5 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 71
Likes: 19
From: Hilton Head
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.

 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 10:53 AM
  #5  
Paul's Avatar
Paul
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 17
From: Seattle
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 12:45 PM
  #6  
NC TRACKRAT's Avatar
NC TRACKRAT
6th Gear
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 300
From: NC
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 05:51 PM
  #7  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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...
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 06:50 PM
  #8  
NC TRACKRAT's Avatar
NC TRACKRAT
6th Gear
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 300
From: NC
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 06:52 PM
  #9  
RockC's Avatar
RockC
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 991
Likes: 224
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2018 | 08:22 PM
  #10  
Paul's Avatar
Paul
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 17
From: Seattle
If headliner is the only thing that needs fixed - I’d say go for it!
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2018 | 06:01 AM
  #11  
ThumpR52's Avatar
ThumpR52
Banned
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 225
Likes: 71
From: NC
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.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2018 | 04:53 PM
  #12  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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!
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2018 | 05:00 AM
  #13  
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 104
From: Columbus, Ohio
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!
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2018 | 05:22 AM
  #14  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2018 | 07:31 AM
  #15  
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 104
From: Columbus, Ohio
Congrats!
 
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2018 | 05:21 PM
  #16  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53


I am now the proud owner of GP #0717.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 05:12 AM
  #17  
iwashmycar's Avatar
iwashmycar
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,313
Likes: 104
From: Columbus, Ohio
Looks amazingly clean! Nice!
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 07:46 AM
  #18  
NC TRACKRAT's Avatar
NC TRACKRAT
6th Gear
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 300
From: NC
Outstanding! Welcome to a select crew of MINI GP fanatics!
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 08:12 AM
  #19  
Paul's Avatar
Paul
6th Gear
iTrader: (8)
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 17
From: Seattle
Very nice! Congrats.
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 03:47 PM
  #20  
Oldboy Speedwell's Avatar
Oldboy Speedwell
6th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,947
Likes: 809
From: NW Georgia, USA

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!
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 06:40 PM
  #21  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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.

 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 08:12 PM
  #22  
ItsmeWayne's Avatar
ItsmeWayne
6th Gear - An Official NAM Greeter
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 331
From: Southern oregon
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,
 
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2018 | 02:57 AM
  #23  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2019 | 09:15 PM
  #24  
Black Forest's Avatar
Black Forest
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 446
Likes: 71
Hell I don’t even own a GP and I’m looking forward to more photos.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2019 | 01:59 AM
  #25  
scubus's Avatar
scubus
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 353
Likes: 53
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













 
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:00 PM.