I am looking at this one for my next project, want an R53, but I am thinking this should be in the 8K range.

http://www.fentonmotorsofamarillo.co...tx-id-19207705

 

The site doesn't list a price, but to call for pricing. At below 30K miles, it is very low milage. I never buy at a dealer.

 

What's the price?

It has very low mileage and according to the VIN it's a highly optioned factory JCW with an LSD. It also has BBS R90 wheels, aero kit, JCW rear spoiler, chrono pack, lounge leather seats, HK stereo, and more.

It looks really clean from the pics. Not sure it's worth what they're asking, but it depends what you're looking for and you can always negotiate.

 

Well it certainly has every option checked in the book...JCW aero exterior package, driving lights, aero grille, panther+heated seats, sunroof, floor mats, nice wheels.

 

Nicely optioned, someone paid up back in the day.

 

What the other guys said. VIN says JCW, Chrono, LSD, great shape, low mileage, good year, no rust... Plus dealer markup. Does it come with a warranty?

 

Its priced at $13,896

 

....because it's a dealer selling it. They probably gave someone $8000 or less for it, and now they are trying to make a huge profit. That's what dealers do.......if you want a better deal on one, find a private party selling one.

 

Wife gave me the go ahead on this, you would be surprised.. not a lot of Minis for sale in West Texas. This is a clean car, I am gonna go take a look at it. I think it is worth a bit more because of the options, what do you think is a good top price to pay for this. I was thinking $9000

 

I think you'll be hard pressed to negotiate down 35%. That's quite a stretch. You MIGHT be able to get them down around $11.5-12k. Depends on how long they've had it, though... If they're desperate to get rid of it then you might get lucky.

 

Don't know on the warranty, based on age I highly doubt it. I am gonna go look at it here in a bit. I know to check for coolant tank and mushrooming. Any other areas I need to be wary of?

 

Just think about it this way....what other 11yr old "fun to drive" sports cars are out there for $13,000? I would never pay that much for a mini.....I would be looking at something with a V8 and 300+ HP. (nice used early 2000 Corvette?)

For comparison....I paid $7,500 for my 2003 JCW R53 in September of 2011.....and it had around 65,000 miles on it.

There are much better deals out there...you just have to take some time looking for them.

 

Recently put on market, less wiggle room. Seems like a winner with that mileage.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistor...&partner=VAS_0

 

Besides all the usual used car stuff, check the passenger side motor mount. The mount on my '05 went at 17K, but the car was about 7 years old at the time so I think it was due to age. Other MINI things to check for are leaks around the crank position sensor and thermostat, rust under the door seals at the sills, lower control arm bushings, and that the battery box isn't full of water.

Make sure it has two working remote keys as they cost anywhere from $200-$350 depending on which dealer you buy them from. Also, they are MINI dealer only items so don't let them tell you they can be purchased from a local locksmith or on the internet for less than $100.

Driving light covers are about $40 if they are missing.

Here's a buyers guide for first gen MINI's:
http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

Good luck with the negotiations!

 

Thank You

 

Are you looking in the classifieds here right now? There's a fair number of clean, low mileage R53s. (Even JCWs)

 

it probably has brake ducts

 

They overpriced it way too high, and it will sit unsold. You can wait for the price to drop, or approach them with an offer after a few months.

 

Agree with this as there are two low mileage JCWs in the Marketplace here now. One is in New Mexico and pretty sure it is at $10,500

 

Look at it this way: can you duplicate this car for less? Probably not.

I see Sport, Premium, Chrono, Cold Weather, Chromeline packages plus English Panther leather and Harman-Kardon. I also see the full aero kit, driving light kit, R90 wheels, and Bluetooth kit. All located in an 11 year old car with less than 30k miles. (For reference, my '05 MCS currently has 171k miles on it.)

If I was trying to buy it I would attempt to negotiate, but I wouldn't reasonably expect to get the price down below $12,000.

 

Get it up on a lift (make sure they remove plastic panel under engine) and check underside of engine for oil leaks.

 

+1 with KevinR, I think it has the convenience package also, appears to have auto headlight position in picture of stalk. One like this sold on this forum a little while ago. Think he had it down to around 12K. One equipped like this on ebay sold for 14.5K (he had it listed for awhile).

 

They all leak oil eventually, this would not dissuade me from buying. The fact that it is from a dealer will give you a clue that you are about to get raped.

 

Agreed, but it's certainly a bargaining chip in the buyer's hand...

Most used car dealers are not familiar with the R53's quirks, therefore, a standard oil leak (from known sources) can be portrayed as a more serious matter than it really is...

 

the price that matters is what it sells for ......

everything else is speculation