Hello all, I have been searching for a new Mini for a while now. I currently drive a 02 R53 with 55k on it. Mechanically it's perfect, but cosmetically it is showing its age.

I was looking at R56's for a while and almost bought a Camden edition but the R56 just does not feel the same to me. Some how it feels too refined, I like to feel the road. I also prefer the supercharger over a turbo.

Anyhow, R53's are getting older and hard to find in good shape with low mileage so my thought was that I would be wiling to pay a premium for something that was as close to perfect as it can be. I stumbled upon an 06 with 29k on it for $14.3 out the door. It has the sport package, cold weather, and Harmon audio. I'm thinking the price is more than fair but I'm interested in hearing what others think.

 

That's a great price IMO. I paid $14K for mine (equipped similarly) with 43K miles. Just get it checked.

 

Yes, I think that's a decent (not great) price, if it's your OTD price (including taxes, license, title fees, etc.). I hope you test drove it and the mechanicals, brakes, tires have been replaced, etc. or are all in good shape for 29K miles. I assume you know there's a fair amount of recommended maintenance at 30K miles. Dealers have the highest margins on used vehicles, so I expect you could counteroffer and maybe get it at $14K?

 

With only 29k miles some of the normal warranty items may never have been fixed. See if you can get a list of repairs performed on the car. Normal repair items I am thinking of are Thermostat Housing/Gasket, Engine Mount, and Crankshaft Sensor Seal.
If never fixed or no proof, negotiate the price down.

 

Yes, that's the out the door price. I did indeed test drive it and its very solid, seems to pull harder than my current 02 and my previous 05 did. Has new tires on the front, but I have some new bbs wheels ant hankook tires going on. I also have a pulley package that I've had laying around for a couple years that will be installed as well. Going to pick it up tomorrow hopefully

 

I would pay a premium for a well taken care of R53 05-06 MCS. They are the best years for the 1st generation MCS. I paid way above blue book to get the r53 i was looking for, mcs, jcw, lsd, no sunroof. If you like it, then you should get it.