Good Morning Everyone!

After years and years out of the mini scene, Im looking to hop back into an R53.

This one on craigslist caught my eye.

I went and checked it out this past weekend and the owner was very knowledgeable.

Its got a few cosmetic issues, clear coat peeling on roof, front bumper is shot (Rock chips galore) and the rear hatch is pretty dented.

Mechanically wise this thing has been pretty built from the bottom up and has plenty of get up and go.

Looking to mainly use it for fun driving and track days. So the aesthetics arent too concerning.

Price though seems high, even given the mods.

Thoughts ?

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/6686815950.html

 

IF...it's still for sale, the owner posts on this site.
downshift1

I'd say with the modifications, the price is very fair.

Mike

 

I did find his posts after posting this!

 

I'd say it's high. It's had a lot of repairs of things that are *supposed* to last longer than 136k miles. Given that and the fact that all those mods have been done, it's probably not a grocery getter or commuter, it's likely been driven hard for many of the miles that it has on it. People don't spend endless thousands on performance mods not to use them. Not that that excludes it on it's own, but it makes me wonder what else is nearing the end of it's life. I would pass, personally.

 

Jtrem -

Here's another one in SoCal. More money, not as much car.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sf...692268321.html

Sorry, do not agree with nasomi's assesment. The "repairers" and work done are from a person that likes to work on, modify his car. Not just drive it and fix things when they go bad.
I'd be very interested if I didn't already have a nice 2005 S, JCW.

Mike

 

I agree with you.

I modify my cars and do preventative maintenance. Helps me sleep easier at night.

Well the mods are mostly for fun. Who cares if the car has been driven hard as long as it was built right it will handle the abuse.

15k is a little on the heavy side. I found one just out of state for 10k almost identical specs and less miles.

I will probably go with that one.

 

Well if you are still looking i happened across this mini on my local Craigslist https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/...697370778.html Now if it is a true GP it might be worth looking at.

 

That looks to be a JCW, not a GP. The price is too low for a GP and too high for a JCW. I bet it is a fake/scam ad.

 

Agreed.
I just sent the owner a questioning e-mail on the subject.

Mike

 

Yeah, that is super suspect. Even has out of state plates.

 

I don't trust craigslist and the sellers until i see it in person. It is how i bought my r53, but i talked the seller down a lot due to pre-existing issues that he neglected to tell me about. Craigslist can be a crap shoot most of the time but you do find some good items.

 

I wish you were closer as I have 2 MINI for sale. An 05 JCW that's perfect and an 06 GP.

Whatever you find get it inspected so you don't get hit with surprise repairs.

 

I don't shy away from buying out of state. My uncle/aunt live in Brookwood so probably not far from you.

Let me know.

 

It's definitely not a GP. Type code in the VIN is RE3 (Cooper S), not RE9 (GP). Folks selling these get confused on this all the time, equating a JCW with a GP. Many aren't aware of the GP existing as a separate model at all.