Looking to buy my first mini, found one I really like what do you think? What should I look for or be afraid of?

Thanks!

http://www.adiautosport.com/newandus...-CO-80231.aspx

 

Nice looking car. If you haven't already, check out the R53 Buyer's Guide from Motoring File

If you drive the car and can get the right price for you, take it to a dealer or experienced mechanic for a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) to have things checked out. You can also call a MINI dealer with the last seven digits of the VIN to get any/all dealer maintenance records.

Good luck! When you find the right car you'll know it, and there's nothing better.

 

Looks in good shape. Has the stock exhaust on it. No shots under the hood, I'd be curious if there are any mods under there. Looking at the headlights, that's a pre-facelift 04, so it won't have the revised gearing or coated supercharger. That isn't a dealbreaker by any means, just something to consider. A lot of changes were made to the R53 late in the production of the 04.

 

Looks nice but it clearly has had some parts re-painted. I would also be interested in seeing under the hood. There is no doubt that it is LOADED. For reference, I got my '05 with 52k on it for $14k. Good luck with your purchase!

 

Be afraid of radar traps, tickets and very large potholes!

 

I paid $12k for my 05' MCS w/ 58k. It does need a little paint on the bumpers, though.

 

[1st owner of a 05 MCS] The worst repairs I had to do on my mini were the stupid passengers side motor mount (3x) and the power steering pump. Bushings of course 2x but I used to be tracking the car a lot until I retired it from the track. Motor mount is about 200 where I live and power steering pump is about 600 parts. So take a good look at the motor mounts, bushings and make sure the ps pump is barely audible.