What is a fair price for a 2005 JCW with only 16,000 miles on it, and excellent condition? I found one listed for $16,250.

 

I found my silver, 2005 JCW almost two years ago. Just over 18,000 miles. No crashes (checked all of the "crash" websites), excellent condition. British wheels, near new tires, aftermarket rear anti-sway bar. No sunroof (perfect), the standard interior (perfect), cloth seats in good shape (perfect), had the JCW serial number proof sheet (perfect). Has the manual (perfect). Short springs installed (good). No oil or coolant leaks, (perfect). larger fuel injectors (perfect). Dyno sheet proving the car has 211hp to the tires. The car came with the standard brakes (as new), but the guy that I bought it from, installed the larger front brakes, and gave me the larger rear, that I'm not installing. No rust, no big paint nicks (has more now !), HID headlights (perfect).

$10,000, and he delivered the car to me.

All that said, I'd think that $16,250 is a little much. No matter how well the car's cared for, rubber still gets old..! I'm waiting for my first oil leak..!

No matter what you do, if you need to have the car "smog tested", for where you live, be SURE to get the Proof sheet with the kits serial number on it. It will go a long way in making it easier to go through the smog test routine.

Lot of fun to drive...

Mike

 

That's seriously low mileage, yes, but I passed on a GP listed for less than that.

If you pay that kind of money you should plan on keeping it forever.

 

That's probably a tad on the high side of prices, but not unheard of, by any means.

I've been tracking MINI prices on Bring a Trailer. Here's the spreadsheet that has the info I've collected:

Mini Cooper Comparables

16,000 miles is pretty rare. $16K might be worth it. Could you find a similar car cheaper? Probably. Eventually. But if it's optioned nicely and in a color you like... negotiate a bit and see what you can do.

 

Thanks for sharing this spreadsheet. Surprised, to see, those prices, especially the higher mileage cars!

Looks like I should have jumped in the $13k GP.

I agree with your advice to the OP: if you're buying as an enthusiast, not for transportation, and it's optioned exactly as you want it, see what you can negotiate. Based on that spreadsheet, it appears we are seeing more enthusiast buyers - - so price will be a lot more variable as they buy based on desire, not strictly on best value.

 

Hard pass.