I'm looking for a 2005-2006 Mini Cooper S, and I found two at dealers in my area.

Is there anything specific I should look for besides how it runs, maintenance records, etc.?

Thanks in advance!

 

No sunroof.

 

More specifically.............
If you want a sunroof then fine, get it. However, if you ever plan to track your car or auto cross it, the Sunroof is just extra weight way up high and will negatively affect handling.

 

Think LUDI is asking Jeffsmashknot if the 2 JCWs in his local area have sunroofs, LUDI has been searching up and down for JCW car with NO SUNROOF.

 

I was really just stating what I mainly look for in JCW's, but if anyone finds one w/o a sunroof... send it my way!

It has become the first thing I look at, if it has a sunroof I just stop in my tracks and turn around.

 

Hey just go for that GP on NAM they want like $24K. Milage is not bad, its not like its run down, mine has 30,011.

 

If you do not need rear seats, that GP is a good deal.
GPs have all the JCW stuff plus more.
I miss the sunroof when I went from a 2003 MCS to 2006 GP.
I tracked the 2003 MCS with the sunroof. Unless you are a serious track junkie the sunroof does not make that much difference.

There are various JCW options that the cars may or may not have, so you will need to specifically check and ask. JCW engine (head, supercharger [really just the pulley], exhaust, intake, fuel injectors, spark plugs, ECU programming), JCW brakes, and or JCW suspension (springs & shocks).

Seller should be able to provide the JCW certification sheets for the upgrades.

 

BTW, how much weight does the sunroof add?

 

Hmmm... I don't know the "ACTUAL SIZE" sticker isn't doing it for me
You're not making it any easier for me to forget about getting a GP!


I definitely don't need rear seats, if I get non-GP JCW its getting a rear seat delete for sure.
I have a sunroof in my current car and its a huge waste. Aside from adding unnecessary weight and taking up headroom, it increases the chances of having rattles or leaks. I rather not have it for peace of mind.

IIRC the sunroof adds between 50-60lbs at the top of the car.



Other usual things to check are dents/leaks on any wheels, mushrooming towers, improper wear on tires, get the car on a lift and inspect the frame for any welds, maintenance records can be a plus, check for matching VIN's, rust, clutch behavior, etc.

 

My JCW has the ultimate roof weight reduction sunroof..."vert"



ya, ya, I know...it's heavier overall, but the roof is lighter in the motoring position.

 

WORD!!! lol

 

No disrespect for you who track your Mini, but sooner or later it will hit the market for resale. Minis without sunroofs are just about saleproof. So, unless you want to give up a significant amount of money, buy one with a sunroof.