Not sure if this is a decent deal or not. 2003 R50, 5-speed manual, after-market exhaust, 103k miles, heated seats, dual sun roof, premium sound, 15" wheels... $7,400. Title is clean and the CarMax looks good. 2nd owner.

The body looks pretty good, no obvious issues from what I can tell.

Anything I should be looking for like mushroomed strut towers or whatnot? Kelly Blue Book shows it's $8,405, however that doesn't mean much to me. I thought I found a good deal with an automatic 2002 for $7k, then read these forums and realized the CVT needed to be replaced and was probably going to cost more than the car.

Not that I need it, but would be cool to have another mini

 

I've got a 2003 MINI Cooper (R50) the only major thing I've run into was just replacing the wheel bearings. It's a great car, and I love it! I say go for it!

 

anything made of rubber degrades over time.. i have a 03 MCS with 118,000miles and have a steady stream of parts releasing moisture which i replace.. that's part of the deal of keeping an older car running, but it keeps things exciting. My latest leak is my inner CV boot which is an ASAP fix and valve cover gasket which i will do later.. im also replacing all the radiator hoses and engine mounts.. all rubber pieces. overall, after 7 years, i still have a big grin on my face when i open the garage :D you can't beat that!

good luck!

phil.

 

One of the many upsides to owning one of the best cars known to any living thing!

 

This list of used Mini purchase questions may help. Good luck