I am looking for a 2nd car used for track events like autox and hpde. No shocker why I would look at Mini's.

Right now I am eyeballing a 2006 non S manual with 145k. Seems pretty solid but the mileage scares me a little.

Any signs I should look for? Also am I crazy for looking at this for 3k with such high mileage?

 

You should be able to get a good idea from it's general condition. I have an '06 non-S with 138000 miles on it, yet it looks like it is not more than 4 or 5 years old. That's because I am totally **** about keeping it clean, and keeping up on the maintenance.

Check the lower control arm bushings because if they haven't been changed already, they will need to be. Pull the the dipstick and check the oil. Does it look/smell like it's been changed regularly, or been in there for 50000 miles? Are all 4 tires the same brand? Can you check for stored codes? You know, just the general indicators of whether or not the previous owners gave a crap about the cars condition.

 

Pull the spark plugs and check them. Ask me how I know.

 

I would hold out for a Cooper S and you will end up spending a fortune to try and get a non S close to as fast as an S stock and still not have it.

 

https://www.copart.com/lot/24884267/

 

Concur. 2005/2006 S is the "Way" to go! Buy the best condition, lowest mileage one you can find/afford. If you want to track/AX, try and find one w/o a sunroof (80 lb. lighter) and with LSD.

 

wth donated with 25k miles?

 

It has some nice options... looks like OZ Ultraleggerra wheels, a JCW airbox, and maybe a Milltek or Stratmosphere exhaust. Wonder if it runs?

 

A few months ago, I got my '06S with 151K miles on the clock and it feels and drives like brand new.
Look out for leaks, check for discoloration on the coolant overflow tank (if its not white, its time to change it), and look out for any cracked gaskets.

Find a good S, don't bother getting a regular Cooper and upgrading parts. It's much cheaper on the long-run.

 

I bought an 04S 40th with 160k. I now have 165k and it runs like a champ. i've kept everything I replace OEM, suspension motor mounts, etc. O5/06 are the sweet spots for R53. Happy hunting.