So my acquaintance has agreed to sell me his car for $6500, should I bite? FYI I am in Miami, FL

2005 Mini Cooper S
Manual transmission
Premium and sport packages w/ leather
60k miles
Clean carfax and title
Newer tires and brakes
Good clutch
Slightly hazed headlights (solvable)
Slightly mushroomed strut tower supports
Otherwise in very good condition.

KBB is $6700, but wondering what people are realistically paying...

This would be my fourth R5X. Really miss having a MINI, and see this as my last chance to get a relatively low mileage 2005 R53

Thoughts?

 

Sounds like a good deal

 

Good price for the miles on it

 

Seems like a good deal to me. I would have jumped on that while I was looking, paid more that that for an 04 with less options but lower miles.

 

Even if you have to fix a few things , that's a good deal. Ther'es nothing like the R53....and there will never be again. Just sayin'.

 

A lot cheaper than what I paid for mine back in June...

 

I just paid $6,700 for an '06 with 73K, so that sounds like a good deal.

 

...the heart wants what the heart wants.

Motor on!

 

I bought mine almost 2 years ago with 68k for a lot more than yours. I'd go for it. It should sell for more unless it has some issues.

 

Thanks everyone - if something seems too good to be true, it often is.

The seller just got back to me with "sorry, the clutch or turbocharger is starting to slip". And rescinded the offer.

Oh well, looks like I'm still in Yarisland.

 

That sucks, at least your friend was honest about it.

 

It did sound too cheap, hence the problems. Clutches are spendy! '05's are supercharged, not turbo. Maybe it was an '07?? They have issues! You'll find one. Don't give up! Motor ON

 

or potentially ask him if he will take 1.5k-2k off for a replacement, and drive it for a while and get it replaced?

 

60K Miles and a slipping clutch?

If it is I would guess rear main seal leaking oil... on to clutch assembly more over it being worn out. (You do both at the same time anyway)

Unless the previous owner did a lot of hill holding with the clutch instead of the brake.

Than again, maybe he had a better offer... turbo slip? Is that like intake lube or exhaust bearings?

Motor on!

 

Of course there's no turbo but haven't heard of a turbo slipping. Blowing oil for sure

A bad driver can easily take a clutch out before 60k miles

 

Yeah I thought the "turbo" comment was funny.

Could be the RMS, not sure. I will keep looking... although the current lease deal on the F56 seems nice!

 

Its going to have to be fixed anyway, I mean, if he wants to sell it, it should be fixed,SO, offer him less. The 06 R-53 is the car you want. And with that milage, damn.

 

I agree completely! Miles are low and it's nicely-optioned.

He knows it's broken and probably doesn't want the hassle of fixing it (or getting it fixed), which means money out-of-pocket and still not a bonafide sale price to know if the repair was worth it to get his money back. You, on the other hand, offer him $1,500 less: he's done with it, you get it fixed yourself (or DIY) knowing it was done right. Win-win, if you ask me.

 

So, he just "withdrew it from sale" pending the repair... I think he just wants to keep it. Can't blame him! Guess I'll have to keep fishing. My wife thinks I should look at a newer MINI so it won't have as many issues. (e.g. R56 Justa).

 

Well that's a bummer, the yaris is the least exciting car I've ever driven. I hope you can find another r53.

 

Tell me about it. Also one of the most uncomfortable. At least it's a stick and gets insanely good fuel economy.