Hey everyone,
It's time for me to get a new car and I've basically decided I want a Mini.

In looking at my local craigslist site I found an 03 base cooper, stick shift with 24,000 miles and he's asking $5,700.

Says he's had it for 2 years, rarely drives it so he's decided to sell is. Asked him for maintenance records and says he has none.

If I were do get it I'd probably start by changing all the fluids and filters and the timing belt and use that when negotiating the price.

Should I even consider this car?

Thanks

 

If you've got the mechanical aptitude to replace the timing chain on your own...then this car is a fit for you!

Buy it!

 

Lol always a good idea to know how to work on a car if you're buying a mini

The one you're looking at shouldn't need anything for a long time though, hopefully anyway. Definitely won't need a timing chain.

Do the fluids, but with only 24k miles there really shouldn't be any other maintenance things to do. Good chance it needs tires from sitting so long but thats about it.

I say buy it too, $5700 for just about any car with only 24k is a good price

 

... don't forget to post pictures of ur MINI (after you buy it)

 

I bought my R50 about a year and a half ago, moving from the SUV world. I have not looked back since. Well, except when I hear sirens...


Run the VIN with CarFax or another reputable group first though... You know what they say about deals that are too good.

 

Good point. Craigslist is definitely full of scams

 

" stick shift with 24,000 miles and he's asking $5,700. " Wow great price and low miles, I would watch CL as there are some scammers.

+1 on running the VIN

 

I would be careful: the low mileage is good, but both transmissions on the early R50s have problems which aren't cheap. If you can swing it, the R53 has fewer big problems (engine, trans), at the expense of more little problems (leaks, accessories, etc).

 

Good read is the motoring file buyers guide. Can check it out here for common issues with that year R50. Be sure to check over things very well. That's some very low miles, probably the lowest I've seen so far!

 

Just ask her a few question...
I might ask..what does it use for fuel...
If she says 87 or or implies it doesn't need 91...big risk...
Some use 87...but a burnt valve or excess wear on them from getting too not from low octane fuel is a possibility...and a big cost.
Big thing is...chat with the owner...determine if they are clueless, or simply did not care to keep records...

 

Thank you for all the info and responses. My dad an I are both mechanically inclined (he went to school for airport management but spent a lot of time building jet engines).

I actually wound up going with an 07 base cooper, stick shift, double sun roof, with about 103k miles on it. Good maintenance records done at a bmw/mini dealer. Timing belt/water pump done at about 77k plus lots more.

Comes with snow tires

I'll be paying $4,800 for it.