So the car is an '05, so obviously one of the best years for an R53, 80,000 miles on it and the seller is asking $12,700. The bluebook list price for the car is $14,500 my question is, considering the specs I am about to list below is it a good deal in each of your all's personal opinions? Please do not be afraid to hold back I'm just looking for some honest feedback from my NAM Brothers.

Brand new non-run flats
Extremely clean engine bay such as good belts and hoses intercooler teeth not damaged.
Sturdy/smooth Getrag 6-speed
cloth heated seats
no rust to my knowledge
and xenon headlights (a personal fav.)

as far as color, its Grey with white bonnet stripes
the only things I wished it had, but are not make it or break it for me are a multi-function steering wheel and a the sunroof but my lady's cooper S has these two so I might just be spoiled from hers

 

Go for it bro

 

I had a 2005 MCS with Xenons and they were NOT Bi-xenons, high beams were seperate halogen bulbs.

The projector-shutter Bi-Xenons (where there's one bulb, but the hi-low light angle is controlled by a shutter) did not appear until the 2nd gen cars, early 08 I think. I have them on my 09.

Oh and buyer beware... I get that car checked at a reputable shop, if U can.

 

Sounds like a good deal but I have to agree with Sequence about taking it to your mechanic and have them look it over good. Also I would try and get the owner to lower the price some, even $500 would be good.

 

My Son picked up an '05 S last fall - prior to the purchase we had it inspected at a local trusted garage, well worth the $200 IMO.

They noted the front crank seal was leaking among a few other minor issues. Recently had them change the crank seal for the as-quoted price from the inspection, 1.7 hours labor.

Price on the S you are looking at is good, although ,mileage is on the high side, perhaps they can knock off $500 for this.

 

Good deal!! However, check the strut towers. Also, check to make sure the power steering whirs healthily and doesn't clickety clack when turning to full lock. Just a couple of minor things to look at. I'd also offer them $14,000 like Mansize suggested. Good luck!!!

 

Get it! I bought a 2005 MCS last April for $14,500. I love it! Fully loaded.

 

 

Yes an 05 is a great year, but at that mileage ? You are at the very least looking at a new clutch soon, and maybe even Water Pump/Supercharger, front control arm bushings are definately shot if original, brakes/pads/rotors, and most of the rubber bushings for your suspension are probably not as healthy as they once were. I have 86K miles on my 03 and ended up replacing all of my bushings front and rear with Powerflex brand.

Hey just my opinion, but I have seen a few pristine 04's in the NAM Marketplace with lots less mileage and were JCW's going for less or about the same $ .....

 

Gray Raven,

I see, I def. agree with the brake pads and rotors, things I can probably do myself or for not an extreme amount of money. I also agree with the bushings not being as healthy as they once were but honestly the Powerflex are probably a good swap even if it had half the miles. The only thing I worry/disagree is the supercharger/water pump I think I might look into having the supercharger oil replenished with GM supercharger oil to save it from its, "lifetime seal" doom. I know its probably a pain in the A** to have it done professionally let alone yourself. But not impossible for me as I have some vacation coming up and could be without my car for a few days or some free time to pull the front off and do it myself. As for the water pump, yes I might swap it out as well, but save the supercharger, help the water pump out a bit. All in all I think other than the water pump/supercharger these are probably things to swap anyways just to keep it young and nimble. IDK, just hit me back with some advice based on what I have said I plan/might do.

p.s as of now the supercharger sounds good. i.e no rattling or strange noises some I'm going to go ahead and assume it has enough life to make it at least until spring to refill it.lol Also The clutch feels just as great if not better than my '05 with 55k on it.

 

What's a "healthy' whir/whine sound? Mine doesn't grind or crack but it is louder than others I've heard.

 

I misread the post. Think.

 

Well, I had developed a leak at one point, and when I would go to full lock, it would kind of clack a little. Fixed the leak and it was back to normal. The healthy whir will sound continous and almost downright soothing. An unhealthy whir will kind of buzz a little. It's kind of weird to describe. I'd say as long as the power steering components show no signs of leaking and the steering is taught and not loose, you should be okay. It sounds like a good car though.

 

Doesn't sound like a bad deal, just with 80k you might have to do some maintaince.

 

And I didn't misread the post. Clearly, you need to think.

 

Thanks Way,

Without going into extreme detail, what are your recommendations on maintenance? based upon your experience with coopers with a little more "road experience".

 

Oh boy, here we go again. Alright Mr. 205 posts, go start something elsewhere.

 

By the way Justjones, you can add the multi function steering wheel yourself if it's important to you. It's easy to get spoiled by these extras.

 

Oh really fatherdeth, is it a diy'er or is it more of a specialist/dealer kind of thing?

 

Hahaha post count does not equate to brain cells. You're just upset I pointed out your error. No more time to waste on you. Buhbye.

 

WOW, he sure showed me huh. Just for the record, I've gotten roughly 24 hours of sleep in the past 6 days, so pardon me if I make a few mistakes. Well, now that he's gone, maybe this thread can get back on track.

 

No, it's a DIY'er. I've been wanting to do this for a while myself, but $$$$ is always the issue.

 

Like how much and where can I get the kit, just curious.

 

GreyGoose

 

Must be bit busy there still F.D.
Wishing you all the best under the circumstances down there,