2005 Mini Cooper S with 51,000 miles. Good condition, dark Gray, manual trans, black leather seats, for $15,000 in NC. 1 owner.

New rear breaks, but needs new tires. Needs oil change and owner only ran 87 octane gas in it.

I am looking to purchase a Mini would like new but this is much more affordable. Is this a deal or should I try and find a few more dollars and get bet less mileage mini?

Thanks for your input.

David

 

I'm pretty sure that 2005 wasn't a great year for the MINI. Even though the '06 is pretty much the same car (body style, engine, etc.), I think they ironed out a bunch of bugs that were present in the '05 models. Other NAMers who have an '05 or '06 could probably give you more info since my only knowledge of the issues are from reading the forums here on NAM. One thing that I do know to check (which is a common problem for 1st gen MINIs) is deformation of the strut towers. They corrected this to some degree in the 2nd gen, but this is the reason why you see strut tower reenforcement plates for sale.

 

Get one with lower miles, although 05-06 cars do have a few updated pieces, and the supercharger came from the 02-04 JCW Kit, the transmission is also updated, off the line it's quicker than a 02-04

 

For reference, in October of this past year I bought my 02 MCS with 45K for $15k. Not much on it in the way of options. Have you looked at other MINI's or is this the first one?

 

This is the first one I have looked at in person. Seen lots of adds and pics. Also considering a new 07 but this would save me about $10,000.

Considering a new Honda Fit for the same price. It is hard to compare to the Mini, but it would be a safe somewhat practical choice. But I just loved driving the Mini so much, its a car you can get excited about rather than just driving from point A to point B.

 

Running 87octane:impatient That can't be good for the motor. How old is the person selling the car?

 

sounds like a pretty decent deal to me. fact that the owner used only 87 octane is a bit odd. honestly tho, i don't really think that would've caused any *damage* to the motor, just reduced performance. what it might signal is that the owner might not be really meticulous w/ the car. did you ask him/her why that was done? any '04+ car have most of the bugs ironed out, and '05-'06 cars are even better mostly due to the revised gear ratios. you should get it inspected, but 15k is pretty good

the honda fit is great. i think in many ways cars like that are more of a faithful and modern interpretation of the original mini. it's clever, high tech, and very well packaged, and pretty fun to drive. but it's a super compact at heart, whereas new minis are more hot hatch at heart. it won't be as quick and fun to drive as the minis but it'll be cheaper to run and maintain and more useful

 

Good deal. I would buy it.