Hi All,

I am new to this forum, so if this is not posted in the correct place, please let me know.

I'm looking at picking up a 2005 or 2006 Cooper S and have some questions. I've got my eye on a 2005 right now that I will likely be test driving in the next week or so. Here is the info from the current owner:

The Cooper is a 2005 S with 85,000 mostly highway miles. It was originally ordered by a MINI sales-guy and the options he ordered consisted of the pano sunroof, the Xenon HID lights (self-leveling and speed sensitive), cloth interior, HK premium stereo (I have the MP3 cable but never attached it), tinted windows, carbon-fiber interior pieces, chrome mirror housings and pedals, rubber mats and summer mats, padded center knee rest, Sport Suspension, 13%pulley on supercharger (added when new).

I replaced the brake lines with stainless steel lines (higher pressure and last forever), battery (this spring), power steering pump and engine mount (original design OEM mounts were known to leak, replacement OEM design is corrected and that's what I had installed).

Currently I'm fixing the bushings on the front. I replaced the stock bushings with performance ones and they're making a little noise so I'm replacing them.

The Cooper also comes with a 5th-wheel that I use as a spare (OEM run-flats are expensive and ruin the ride/handling so I replaced them, bought a 5th wheel and left a tire mounted on it).

--

Higher mileage does not scare me if a car has been maintained, which it appears this one has, so I'm quite interested in it. Can any of you help me with some questions to ask the owner when I go to look at it? Additionally, here are some questions I have about the info provided to me by the current owner:

1. Is the 13% reduction pulley a good or bad thing? I know it is a performance mod and from what I have read, it should work fine with the other stock engine parts, but having not owned a MINI, I'm not sure. Howe much increased horsepower / torque does it generate?

2. Could the sport suspension be ordered separate from the sport package? If so, what will this 2005 be missing by not having the full sport package?

3. It appears this car does not have a lot of the convenience features, which is fine. However, one thing I would want to add is the OEM Sirius Receiver and Antenna. Are these OEM kits still available for the 2005's? If so, where would I go to get one?

4. Are there any other common 2005 issues that I should ask about to see if they have been experienced by the current owner or addressed?

Thanks in advance for your help. If there is any input anyone has on buying used 2005 and 2006 Cooper S models, I'd appreciate that as well.

Thanks!

-J

 

Also, almost forgot, it is Dark Silver / Black Roof, Carbon Fiber interior components.

Seller is asking $11,500.

Again, thanks for your input!

-J

 

I am also new to this site and purchased my new to me 2005 mcs with 62000 mls completely loaded except nav. for $13000 otd. So the price sounds pretty good to me. From what I have read so far the 05/06 are the best to get in the R53 platform and all I can say is this is the first car I have purchased that was designed to be a drivers car, I am 100% completely satisfied so far. Good luck with your car search.

 

Hi!

I'm also new to MIni, buyed mine a week ago, was a little bit cheaper that yours... mine has autom tranny ... I think the manual is faster cause with A/C becomes very slow ....

I think your sounds a good deal!

 

Most 4 cyl engines will feel the pull of the A/C compressor. Only in cars like my husband's 8 cyl Z06 is it not noticeable.

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

Sounds like it might be a go, just check the reciepts to see that you can verify the parts were bought.

If you can't do a thorough inspection yourself, get a mechanic you trust to look it over. I'm very well versed as a mechanic and still missed checking a few things, so a checklist will help when going to look at the car in person.

I got my '05 in December, so far it's been OK - couple of electrical problems but no serious flaws.

 

Here's a list of questions you may want to review reference a used Mini purchase. Good luck

 

Welcome to nam.
Car sounds ok....well career for by the sounds of it, but still get it checked out by a good mini centric shop or mini dealer...if it is worth buying, it is worth getting it inspected.
pulleys are usually 15%,17% or sometimes 19%....
A 13% is roughly comparable to the pulley installed on a jcw performance mini....so it should be fine....a pulley is a nice, and generaly safe performance upgrade.
I have a xm tuner installed in my mini with a box that makes the car's oem radio think it is a sirriurs....so it works just like the oem...called blitz-safe....the oem reciever was expensive and is pretty rare.....but today many newer radios have much more capabilites....the mini one is pretty basic....but if you want oem intergration, you can get it in a second way..xenon lights are great
, but speed sensitive???
Retrofitting most any option to a mini tends to be $$$$ if possible....

 

Thanks for everyone's input, these are great tips and information. I'm still waiting to hear back about the car. I have not yet been able to look at it.

Here is another one that caught my eye and seems like it might be an even better buy: http://tinyurl.com/4ymcv48

Are there any reliability issues with the JCW packages? Any idea what the JCW package does to insurance costs?

Thanks!

 

Looks like a pretty good deal. Keep us informed. There really is no other car like em.

 

Was finally able to Drive the 2005 Cooper S today. In a word WOW. Smooth as can be, tight handling, and immaculate condition inside and out. Here are some pics:







I confirmed the MINI has the Premium, Convenience and Sport Packages, along with Xenon headlights, sport suspension, and Harmon Kardon stereo. Interior is cloth, which doesn't bother me. 85,000 miles, but again, the maintenance history tells me there is no reason to be concerned. My brother in law, how has a 2003 S made the comment that he needs to get his tuned after driving this one. He said it was noticeably better (quicker, more responsive) than his 2003.

I think I am ready to go on this one. Seller is asking $11,500 and as per previous posts has already replaced engine mounts, bushings and some other things and also is including a spare tire.

What do all of you think? Good price?

 

What I think isn't important, but since you asked. Yes I think that is a nice MINI & you should be very happy with it. Now buy it & motor about with a smile on your face.

 

Don't qoute me but, I think the 05 and 06 has an upgraded supercharger. Someone else may be able to confirm this and the mini looks awesome.

 

Yes they do. Starting in 2005 the supercharger has a coating on the vanes that makes it more efficient. It is the same unit that was previously included in the dealer installed JCW kit. IIRC it was worth something like 5HP.

 

Is that the one located in east grand rapids that is on craigslist? I was considering looking at that one before I found the one in Grandville.

 

Ther's no insurance upcharge that I know about with the JCW car.
There have ben a few, mine included, that have had a crack in the JCW exhaust at the hanger just in front of the resonator.
No big deal. Local shop charged 25 bucks to weld up the crack.
Other than that no issues specific to the JCW that I know about.

As a comparison the JCW has less miles and about $9000.00 dollars more in OEM parts,
JCW Tuning Kit (6300.00), Navigation (1700.00) and Leather (1300.00) than the other car for not a lot more.

Hope this helps...

Edit: Looks to be a Dealer installed 210 hp kit ($4800.00).
Factory installed JCW Kit included brakes and LSD. ($6300.00).

 

Yes littleone, it's the one in East GR. It looks and drives like new. I couldn't believe it.

What does everyone think about price? It appears to be at least 1K below book, but I'm not sure.

 

I think it is pretty good. I paid $13000 otd at the dealer in grandville but, it only had 62,000 miles on it and it is fully loaded except nav. Personally if it drives good and you have maintenence records I would go for it. Good luck and let us know if you get it.

 

there look to be some really promising options here...

I think the "List" link posted to the SuperCooper site is great, and I'd add just a few thoughts...

Items that I have replaced prior to the 74k mark

brake pads and rotors - usually 30-40k
wheel bearings - usually 50-80k (but not always)
suspension bushings - 60-80k (depending on driving conditions of course)
power steering pump fan - 50-80k (but not always)

Mostly I would second the thought already offered -- take the time, trouble, and money to have a skilled inspection. The seller may not know what they don't know, and bad faith will likely have nothing to do with it!

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

Thanks to everyone for your input it was very helpful. I am now the owner of a 2005 MINI Cooper S! Was able to pick up the one I was describing (and pictured in earlier posts) for $10,700. Seller had all service records and I was able to verify service history with two MINI dealers. Drives like a dream, though you would not have known it from the hail I drove through on the way home tonight. Now, onto the modding!

 

Congrats, one fine looking Cooper right there!!!!

 

Good job and enjoy it. I just recieved my alta performance package today for my mini. It includes 15% pulley, tensioner stop, belt, msd ignition coil pack and wires along with brisk plugs and hopefully I will be installing this weekend. I have heard very good things about the pulley.

 

great find! enjoy it!

 

Nice score! Looks like my '06 without the roof racks.