I just sold my car so I'm officially shopping for a R53! I'm looking for a source that breaks down the packages by what is included and what to look for. I've found a few cars I want to look for but I am as to what they have.

Thanks.

This car is the top contender right now

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...er_id=65112293

 

Great price for an 05 and not really high mileage for MCS of that year.

Few words on it. Many MCS have been modded by previous owners. Some done right, some not so. I would do the usual carfax and have a qualified mechanic give it a really good once over. Esp a mechanic familiar working on MINI's and knows what to to look for. Some really expensive repairs can go overlooked by your average mechanic.

Reason why I say this is that I noticed it lacks the OEM rear badge on the boot, and the S-lite rims, so those can/would be a warning flag for me. A brand new set with tires can run just over $2,000.00.

Good luck !

 

Since it is a private seller, see if you can get in contact with the owner. Then ask him what "modds" have been done to the car....since you want to know what has already been done...hopefully the owner will takes pride in his/her car, and show you the changes. The fact it has been partialy de-badged, and has non-oem rims indicates some changes have been done.
That, and get a pre-buy inspection by a mini-centric shop if at all possible....there are issues with these cars that a regular shop wil not catch. That having Bern said...we all love them!!!
If you have not discovered motoringfile.com, go there now....and look for a few things....check out the buyers guide for gen1 cars....gives you year by year changes to the cars, problem area's, what to look for, etc. The same general search or area should bring up a bunch of articles about r53...a good read.

 

Thanks guys, but just so you know. I'm not new to the car scene. I have over 21,000 posts over on Bimmerforums and I know about modifications and PPIs, etc. I read the buyer guide and it was great, it really helped me narrow down the search. When I almost bought a MINI back in 2002 I remember that I was very adamant about having sports package-- I think for the xenons, but other then that, I can't remember much about the packages at all. I don't want to buy a car then once I start learning more about them wish I got it with xyz.

The wheels that guy put on his car are horrible. I'd swap them out immediately. Other then the badge I can't see any other mods-- but there is no under the bonnet shot. I just hope it was adult owned and not thrashed.

I've seen a couple others in the classifieds here that look good, but electric blue seems to be in short supply right now. There's one Indi I may contact the owner about.

 

As far as what the packages are...and the options...this might help you:
http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/mi...ges/index.html
You cant go wrong with electric blue either!

 

Most dealers don't know what packages the Mini's have.
Sometimes some owners don't know either.

I would ask for better interior photos so you can tell the difference between the two different types of heating and A/C systems that come in the Mini's; One is Automatic and the other is all Manual.

The other clue may be the toggle switches; the less optioned Mini's have blank spaces or missing switches.

Look at the different type of headlights so you can see the regular vs the Xexon.

Also, the steering wheel will have buttons for radio controls, cruise, etc; just another clue to more options.

Good Luck ! And, find one with low mileage. . . . . . .

 

WMWRE33425TD91604

That's the VIN for the car in your original post.

You should be able to contact your local dealership to ask them to print a spec sheet for you.

 

Here are the 3 packages I have and what they include, as posted from my window sticker.

I didnt get package #3 (cold weather).

This should cover the 4 Combo packages available.

there were other options available as well such as:
Navigation, H/K sound system, 2-tone leather seats.