I've done a fair bit of research and was wondering if purchasing a 2005 mini s for ~12k USD is a bad deal (I'm in the states). The car has ~70k miles. I'm wondering what I should be checking for on service records, etc. It looks very nice and being a taller driver it's a perfect fit for me 6'4". I've owned several crx's, srt-4's, etc. Looking for something fun but also somewhat functional and I think the mini is up my ally. I was looking at the 2011 CRZ however it doesnt have back seats and didnt seem to give me the grin that the mini's I've test drove in the past did.

What I'm looking for is:

Anything to look for in the engine bay?
Is 70k a dealbreaker at this price point?
Are their any expensive repairs that I should check for?
Is the price too high/low?

the car is being sold private party..

I did look at several posts and searched but any info even if you can post a link would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Seatsr4couches (referencing standup jetski's vs sitdowns)

 

I just bought an '05 with 60K miles and paid about that, which was a bit lower than the going rates around here (midwest). The things that seem to go bad on most of these R53 models are:

- Engine oil leaks (crank shaft position sensor, oil pan gasket, etc.)
- Strut tower mushrooming
- Passenger's side engine mount

None of those are terribly expensive or difficult to repair, but you should know where they stand. Search here for more info on all of them.

Additionally, glove box latches like to fail and power steering pump cooling fans can get clogged up, causing them to eventually fail, which then can let the pump overheat and fail. Harmon Kardon amps like to die, and front lower control arm bushings wear out as well.

Best of luck with the purchase - these things are a ton of fun.

 

Awesome. I guess I should have mentioned I'm somewhat looking for a practical fun/sporty car. I've also considered the 05 GTI. I've been pretty frugal the past few years and sat in a 2011 Subaru wrx sti today but I can't justify spending that much on a car. I'm looking in the 12-15k range. Thanks again for the help!

 

#1 check the front lower control arm bushings.

 

Check out www.motoringfile.com, as they have a nice buyer's guide for first gen MINIs (R53 for the S). I read it a couple of times before looking at used cars, and am glad I did.

Also, take the prospect to a MINI dealer or independent shop for a PPI. Mine cost $120 but I was very glad I did.

Good luck, hope it all turns out!

 

and ask yr mecahnic to check it too.. dun frogot to ask for carfax

 

I paid $12,5 for mine with the same mileage about 3 months ago, FWIW.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I took a 05 S from the dealership for a test drive. They want 16k with 50k miles. I think I'll pass on that one and continue to persue the private party one.

I just learned there is a turbocharged model, is that better than the supercharger for reliability? It doesnt seem like there are alot of reliability concerns for this model motorwise but I could be wrong. Alot of the issues I've read about have been related to electronics or suspension.

Also Muzak, you still happy with your purchase?

Thanks,
Seats.

 

Hows winter driving with the manual transmission model? I'm very excited, thanks again for all the help!

 

I just got an email from the owner:

failed to mention that there is a bad sensor at the drivers side rear wheel that throws up an ASC warning light. However, it doesn't effect the ASC, it still kicks in like it should when necessary, so I never bothered forking over the money for the procedure.

Is that something I should be worried about? Also anyone here able to run a carfax for me?

Thanks