Finally found an R53 on craigslist with the colors/options that I would like. What do you guys think? And what should I look out for and know about when buying used.

2006 Mini Cooper S
-JCW package
-87000 miles
Price: 13500$

Link: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3635096738.html

 

Based solely on the information provided in the ad, this is a great deal.

Definitely do a carfax.

 

Check MotoringFile.com: they have buyer's guide linked in the upper right area of their homepage. The guide gives you a great idea of what to look for in each year.

The best advice is to take the prospective purchase to a MINI dealership or experienced independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It might run you $150 but you'll know much more about the car and have an idea of what repairs need to be made now or in the near future.

Good luck!

 

I am not seeing all the badging a true JCW has. There should be a badge on the valve cover with a number on it, I cant see it in the pics. I can tell you from the pics that the exhaust is not a JCW its bone stock. I almost believe that the only true JCW part on the car is the air intake. I would question a little more, sounds to me and from what I can see in the pics that you are not being told complete truth. As a matter of fact I think they are trying to gank you as to JCW status of this car.

 

Yeah not a JCW. The add does say though "with JCW parts". It doesn't say a true JCW so they aren't completely lying.

 

I'm partial to the color. Like others have mentioned, have a mechanic check the MINI out.

 

Lol I responded to the add and asked JCW specific questions yesterday and now the wording on the add is totally different, yesterday is was being called a JCW 200hp package(head,exhaust,supercharger etc.) and the price is lowered 1k.

 

Take it to Bay Bridge Motors or Bavarian Professionals for a pre purchase inspection.

 

I would not take it to Bay Bridge Motors, the seller already said it was looked at by them and he was told it was the JCW. The add should not have JCW in the name because the car is not a JCW. Just because some JCW parts are on it does not make it a JCW unless it has the complete package and badging w/certificate.

 

It's NOT a JCW. He's a lyer. Move on!

 

I wouldn't move on just yet. Use his lies against him and get it cheaper.

 

Ask for the documentation on it being a JCW. It has some parts, but not the whole kit. Pass since he is lying. If he lied on this what else then could he be lying about?

 

Along with the issues already noted....
It has the wrong supercharger, we have a 06 MCS JWC in the family and the SC is silver and if I remember right it has John Cooper Works written across it and a badge with a serial number...

 

I purchased a 2005 S with 77K miles in early 2012. The car was locally owned and well cared for. While its not a JCW car, I still love driving Twiggy. I paid $12500. for mine. They had just completed a full service on the car ie clutch, pressure plate, water pump and everything else associated with a full engine work over.
The pics look good and it appears to have been well kept. If you like it and you are happy with a clean carfax and dealer assessment, then get it. You won't have anymore fun then driving one of these little cars. This is coming from a dedicated Corvette owner who made the switch last year to a Mini!
Good luck and let us know the outcome.
Motor on.

 

All of the superchargers are silver. I think you mean the IC cover.

 

Oops my bad .... but thats what she looks like

 

Honestly did not look at the whole ad. Just that the car was in Fremont. Bay bridge motors knows their stuff. All they work on are Mini's and BMWs on the side. Bavarian professionals is reverse. If reseller swishing the truth ten it's suspect, but Jacques @ Bay Bridge would know the if ferenc between a more JCW and some add ons.
Regardless of what the OP gets, he / she needs to have it inpected.

 

Well they may be a good dealership. But I own a First generation JCW and I can tell with just the pictures provided in the ad that the car is not JCW period. It is simply a MCS that has a couple JCW parts on it. I know this also because the whole ad got changed and the price lowered when the seller was questioned, it went from being called a JCW 200hp package to a MCS with some JCW parts. Basically what I am saying is this is just a 06 MCS. Buyer beware!! ( If the buyer wants to PM me I can back up everything I have said and provide photos of what a JCW 200hp should visibly have.)

 

Highway miles....in that area its all traffic all the time, when I drive thru there I average 8 mph... Not clean highway miles. Traffic hours 7 am -10 am and 2:30 pm to 7 pm..... Just an FYI... Keep out for those highway miles....