I am interested in this Mini S that's local to me, but I am having a hard time finding what a fair price would be. KBB says around 23.7, Edmunds is 17.8, and NADA is 19 for retail. Obviously, these give a wide range of numbers so I need your expertise, please

2004 Cooper S
Indi Blue ext over Lapis/Panther Black leather
JCW tuning kit
Aero kit
R90 wheels
Rally lights
Sport and cold weather packs
Multi-function steering wheel
6 CD changer
Cruise control
Rain sensing wipers and dimming mirror
On-board computer
White stripes, roof, and mirror caps
Rear fog lamps
Shift **** with lapis hand brake cover
Alta CAI
Alta SSK
Lowering springs
Skid plate

Asking $24,000

 

It looks very clean and has a boatload of options. The mileage is low for a 4yr old car but I would still say 24k is very high. I would offer 21.5k at the most.

 

at 24 you could put just a little with it and get a new one.

 

Thank you for your opinion. It indeed looks super clean and the owner is an enthusiast from what I can tell. It is parked in it's personal Mini garage! I was thinking 20-22ish would be decent. I don't mind paying a little extra if the car is truly perfect. I was orginally looking for a 05 or 06, but this one is just perfectly set up for me.

 

Thats too high. Granted that car has some nice packages, but not nice enough to ask over the highest book price.
I'd average the three at the least to get you something on par for asking price. There are a lot of Mini's out there to choose from. Take your time and find the right one.
Besides, I'd wonder about how it was driven with plates that say "strt-toy". Ask him how long of a burnout he can do in it. If he gets all excited and wants to show you, walk away.

 

Very sexy MINI!

 

I paid 22.5 for my 04 s at the end of March.

Mine didn't have the JCW stuff (it does have some now as well as the driving lights to be installed when I get the chance) or the rain sensing wipers but did have sunroof and navigation. KBB at the time was about 28K. Mileage on mine was just under 24K and I have put 30K on it since then. This looks like a nice car!

 

That is way too high. I'd pay no more than $19k or the same car as on 05/06 which would have the improved gear ratios and likely have LSD. . .

 

I'm selling my 2006 factory JCW with 3k miles for 24k! That car is overpriced IMO...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=122621

 

I would say 20k flat, any more and you should be asking why it doesnt have better gear ratios, LSD, navigation, auto a/c, MFSW, the lot. Keep in mind also, hes a driving enthusiast. This car has been hammered on, otherwise it wouldnt be upgraded FROM a JCW package. Good luck in your search!

Is it bad that I'm giving buying advice and I dont even own a R53 yet?

 

Very nice car but NOT worth 24k for an 04. Walk away. Like some one said he is a driving enthusiast, weekend racer, the car was beat on. That is why we all add those things. Ask him his best track time?

Think about it. You would be paying for the base car and all the mods installed from his receipts and you did not even mention the Milage?

1/2 the fun of a Mini, besides driving it, is Modding it YOURSELF and making it personal to your taste.

Friends dont let friends buy some elses girlfriend.

 

Keep looking.

I got an 05 MCS, sport & premium packages with 24k miles for $18k. Single owner, all records, with mini roadside assistance.

The deals are out there, you've just got to make them.

 

I am going to talk to the owen this week and see how flexible he is. The price is obo, so hopefullly we can come to an agreement. Thanks for the help everyone, it is much appreciated!

 

That is an AMAZING price! Whats your secret?

 

Even though the price is high, good choice, the car looks really nice!

 

An 04 with those options AND JCW............not a bad price at all.

 

Most banks use NADA to determine loan value. Add to that, options beyond the base price will never add to the value of the car much, and any aftermarket pieces will diminish value to a point. I'd say $19k is a fair price with appropriate mileage for the model year.

 

Any aftermarket mods should depreciate the value, not add to it.
I know that a fair price for an 04 s of equivelance should be 14-15k Being a JCW, i wouldnt see it being worth more than 20. Bottom line is it all comes down to what its worth to you.
I bought my 04 MC40 dec 2006 for $18k, with 16,000 miles. I think if you are patient, you can get one in as good shape as this for less. On the other hand, JCW's are not as common as a regular cooper s. 24K is alot of money for a 4 year old mini, that only cost around 30k new. Its been modded = driven hard IMO. If i were looking at that car I would also be considering a brand new R56, considering the benefits of turbo, economy, and the fact that theres a whole new market developing around it.