Tale of two cars, same price, but I'm on the fence.

I've had my eye on the '05 for a few weeks, VIN: WMWRE33425TD95734
Pros-
It is the exact color I want.
Slick top (that is a plus)
Chrono Pkg
HK Stereo
Decent wheels
Mileage is 104k
Cons
it is at a 'dealer' about 2.5 hours away.
Out of State title/tax/inspection fees

This week an '03 JCW popped up on C/L
Pros -
In state - 45min away
Private seller
JCW - dash, shift ****, ebrake handle, exhaust (from pics)
HK Stereo
One owner
Looks to be in great condition

Cons -
~150k miles
Owner says it is 'using oil'
Electric Blue (I can live with it)

I'm going to take a look at the '03, but I'm torn as I really want Grey/Black and the Chrono pkg. I'm also planning on some mods so maybe the JCW kit isn't that big a deal since it was a dealer installed option.

 

The 05 sounds like a better car. Also has the better gearing and an LSD as the 03 didn't have LSD.

 

Way, I'm curious: I know the '05-'06 have better gearing, but do they all also have LSD? If not, what tells you this one does?

I agree though, the '05 sounds like a better car. The extra miles you have to travel (plus any added fees) will be nothing in the bigger picture of having the car you want in the color you want.

 

LSD option from Mini started in 05 and the VIN would say if the car had. I am thinking Way thought the 05 was a JCW.

IMO the 05 with a pulley is better than a 03 JCW that is burning oil.

 

Another vote for the '05.

 

Then there are these other options...

Dinan '06
https://salina.craigslist.org/cto/6171269834.html

The dent in the back, and the lack of concern about cleaning it out to take pictures makes me nervous.

OR
another 05 with mods
https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/6193769892.html
WMWRE335X5TL14260
I like the upgrades, but dead AC going into July has me not excited - this will not be a daily driver, but I like my AC.

 

Post VIN's so we can see what options they have.

Pass on 03 jcw unless you can figure out why it's burning oil easily and it's a simple repair.

I'd look at all other 05's and see what has the best service history. The last one with the 15% pulley sounds like it'd be my favorite just by the ad. Take an AC recharge kit with you. I know it's not great, but it can tell you if there's charge in it. If there is and it's not blowing cold, could just be AC coil which is a fairly easy fix for ~$50.

 

I posted the only VIN I have on these cars.

 

The dead AC may be as simple as the $5 resistor for the fan. There is a sticky here in the Stock Problems/Issues section. Allot of Mini owners have no idea about this fix.

If it is the fan resistor, the AC went high pressure due to the heat and dumped all the freon. The system is still sealed so the dryer should still be good. Without a bottle on the infill port the compressor will not even run as the low pressure cut out will not allow.

 

Thanks, I asked for the vin on that car and some additional pictures. I'm planning on doing something in the next two weeks.

I really appreciate the feedback.