I just found a nice 2003 S. $11,800, 65k miles. Older lady driven. Car looks clean inside and out.
I am looking for a daily driver. I currently have a very large Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, but the gas is killing me.
Is the above MINI a good deal or should I pass?
I dont see any visible oil leaks, no smoke on start up and no rattles at idle. I have not driven the car yet, but first impressions is that it is a decent car.

 

Price seems a bit high. If you could negotiate the price down it may be worth it. Also check for maintinence records

 

Is this from a dealer?

I paid maybe $1,000 more for an 03 from a dealer with ~55k. I think I paid a little too much. Honestly it was almost an impulse buy when I bought mine.

Here is some info about the vehicles:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

That link doesn't recommend the 03, but I don't regret my purchase. I have had some window motor issues with mine, and odd electrical problems (which I think I caused myself). My exhaust also rusted off the mounts, which I used as an excuse for my first mod. Otherwise I am very happy with it. I don't know if the S you're looking at is Manual or Automatic, but it is not the CVT either way, so you are safe in that respect.

I would haggle for a lower price, look through this forum for common issues and double check everything before buying.

 

Price sounds a bit highish to me. Seems like a 9.5k to 10k car. It's 8 years old, for Pete's sake.

 

Price is too high. I picked mine up (05 s) for $13,000 with 36k on it.

 

Whats the KBB listing for this? I got an 04 Justacooper for $9.5k with some mild haggling...