Hi, I have been lurking for a while, and also have been searching for R53 to buy. This popped up on craigslist recently. It has clean carfax, one owner, and lots of maintenance. What is your opinion on the price?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5836234690.html

 

I think this started off 5 or 6 weeks ago, with an asking price of $13,500 - I saw it listed a couple of weeks later for $12,500. I'd be surprised if the seller got inquiries at either price! I had been looking for an 05/06 for a year or so and didn't inquire about it.

I would pay $7,500 to $8,000 for this if I was still looking . . but I picked up a pristine 2004 MCS with a dealer fitted JCW kit and 84k on it for $6,250.

From the build report on the one you're looking at, it was a European delivery. Looks to be in great condition!

But I'd suggest this one as a far better option!!

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/5834972669.html

 

I did see that one, it didn't look good to me because of the shape the trunk is in. Also, I've checked carfax on it and it is from the east coast, so I'm worried about corrosion.

 

According to the owner he removed the rear seat, but left all of the connections there for a rear seat to be put back in. He no longer has the rear seat . . but I happen to have a spare one . . so don't let the lack of a rear seat put you off. The low mileage would draw me to it, together with the factory LSD and the JCW suspension

 

Perhaps I'll go take a look at the car. I would like one with a pristine interior, I wonder how much it would cost to replace the scratched up rear trunk panels.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hwesteuro.html

Northwest Euro is your man for that - he breaks mainly 2005 and 2006 Mini's . . and is based in Kirkland. Really nice guy too

 

Definitely seems high to me, there's much better deals out there. I got mine with 54,000mi and all perfect in and out, just needed breaks and tires. He was asking $6,500, I talked him down to $5,200.

 

Who takes the back seat out but doesn't thrash the car on the track?

 

I have no dog in this fight but, IMHO, that Dinan S2 car is the one to concentrate on. It's well-equipped, well-cared-for and, with $$$$ of extras, worth the money. It's a car you can just get in, drive and try to wipe the smile off your face. If you buy a stripped down car, you'll spend the difference you saved in a heartbeat.

 

Perhaps you're right, but I don't want pay over $9k for it.

 

A master negotiator would offer no more than $9k and if they say no, walk away. I'm not one to talk. I'm more of a master shopaholic. But that's what a master negotiator would do.

 

He's asking $11k right now? Offer $8k if you really want it .. no more, no less. But I think you can do a better deal on another car.

 

I do! I can haul 4 foot pieces of plywood for various projects. Since mine is a daily driver, I'd prefer not to thrash it; I've got another car (Caterham) for that

 

That was a response for Dennis B.

 

Between $4,500 on the low end to $8,000 on the high end. No more if you go over 8k you are over paying.

 

Oh, OK. I always put wood and potted trees and sometimes bikes on my roof rack.

I guess I'm saying you shouldn't pay a lot for a car with many speed mods unless you can verify how it has been driven. A compression test might be enough to detect if there's a disconnect between the odometer reading and the actual wear on the engine. Along with maybe a professional mechanic look over.

 

I will assume the OP is the seller of this vehicle.....

It is a terrible deal, I bought a 2005 last year in excellent condition with equal features (however the car was un-modded) for 11k with only 25 Thousand miles.....

 

Haha, I assure you I am not the seller.

I'm continuing my search, no good candidates locally yet

 

That was my thought....
Often an owner finds a way to post their add in a round about way to try to get folks too look at it...perhaps trying to get someone excited enough to "steal" it out from under the the person trying to ask questions....
If he says he isn't....fine...but I do find it interesting that the op was not afraid if the car getting snatched up by a 3rd party....

Suggestions....ask around....while a fair number of cars ARE ready for the junk heap, there are some "toys" that were weekend only cars that appear from time to time.... cabriolet are preyty common..hardtops more rare....but not uncommon . Just keep looking.

 

Does have some Dinan stuff and a very clean R53 with R90 wheels. I would try to look for the JCW tuning kit and other rare options for that money. Good luck on the search.

 

This is a far better deal:

http://www.freestylemotorspdx.com/in...s-Clackamas-OR

I have not done a Carfax on this

 

This car has a dealer fit JCW Tuning Kit.

 

Yes it does - which is exactly why I've put it up here as a good deal

 

I don't believe you....

 

touché, I really don't know how to prove it to you...