So I've got this 06 cooper s not too far from me listed for $6995 and was wondering if people could tell me if it was too high, just right, or what. I'm looking to make it my daily driver so there's that. 81.5k miles on it, carfax says 2 owners, no accidents. Service records aren't anything to write home about on there but has 16 on carfax. It's from a "dealer" but it's one of those private lot ones, not the big brand affiliated ones. Called in to ask about seeing it and was told to come back later as it's going to be "serviced" with an oil change miraculously scheduled apparently at the same day I intended to check it out. Pictures look ok but they're just pictures. I'll try to include engine bay and interior shots, exterior looks clean.

 

Send it out to a Mini specialist for a pre-purchase inspection. Ask specifically for him to check on every one of the common problems and let you know whether it exists on this car. And make sure it’ll pass state inspection if that’s a thing. It likely has a problem here and there. That won’t rule the car out, just give you information about what you might need to take care of in the future. And it might give you negotiating leverage as well. The dealer might say, ah we looked at it and it looks good and comes with our 30-day warranty. Don’t accept that. Say this Is a car with a lot of known problems and you need a specialist to look at it, or it’s no deal.

As as for the price, it sound good. Hard to say since locality matters. I usually use kbb.com for reference.

 

KBB says it's overpriced $1-1.5k when i pop in the miles and options, and that's with the option set to dealership cost. Don't know if I should go by kbb dealer price or private seller price. I don't really give these lot dealerships the same kind of benefit of the doubt I give the bigger ones.

 

What general area/region are you in?

I’m in the Midwest (Indiana) and I bought an 06 about a year ago (private party) after shopping pretty extensively. Paid under $4k for mine with about the same mileage but it had some cosmetic issues.

If you are someplace where roads get salted in the winter, check for rust bubbles on the rear hatch and around the tail lights. Nearly all the cars I looked at had some degree of rust starting back in that area.....and Indiana doesn’t salt THAT much.

personallly, I think the car is priced $1500-$2000 too high even for a small car lot compared to what I’m seeing here (I still look pretty often). My advice is to find a private seller who can show maintenance records on a car they’ve owned for a while. Just fixing the typical wear items on a gen1 MINI like this (suspension refresh, engine mount, coolant tank, tensioner/belt, plugs, etc) can very easily top $1k in just parts very quickly.

 

I agree it’s a little high. I bought an 06 r52 s with 65000 for $6500 here in Texas. The interior looks a little rough. I’d keep shopping unless they come down considerably, which used car lots are not prone to do. I look on car gurus.

 

I live in the north east area so lots of salt dropped on the ground around winter time. I'd like to be patient and wait for that "just right" car to come around with a price I can afford but it seems foolish to hope for one to pop up with full maintenance records, with one or two owners. Especially with a car that old. I'll be using someone else's car to drive to work daily soon so I'd like to get into my own car as soon as I can but I also know being rushed often leads to bad purchases or regrets.

 

As others have stated...priced too high.......

And with spotty records....

I would...as suggested.....bring to a MINI dealer to inspect. THEY know what to look for.

I have learned SO much since owning my 2006. Watched it being worked on. Talked with service manager, technicians.

I am VERY fortunate to have MINI of PEABODY very close by.

They are the BEST !!!!

Good Luck and don't rush.

I know you are excited....most fun on 4 wheels anyone could have

 

I agree with everyone else --- overpriced.

I found my '06 JCW last year after searching for 6 months --- I had to have a non-sunroof slicktop so that made it frustrating as they're harder to find, I also narrowed my scope to the 05/06 year models with a strong preference for JCW, which also added difficulty.

The car I bought was found here on the NAM classifieds. I drove down to middle Florida to get it. So if you have the capacity, be willing to travel to find a good one because if you end up with a "bad one" you'll be in a world of hurt. These cars do not like to be neglected and one that has been abused and in need of immediate normal maintenance items can easily add another $3,000 on top of the purchase price just to get it in good running condition.

Read all the buyers guides here on NAM and know what to look for when you go to test drive one.

Have an easy check list written down and inspect point-by-point

Knowledge will save you money and heartache!

Like I said,
I found mine here on NAM, but I was also constantly combing through CarGurus,
and of course CL!

Dunno exactly where you are in the NE,
but here's a few I came up with on a quick scan of CL up in that general area:

:

2005 MCS - 143k for $3,750
looks like royal grey, pretty damn rare (or izzit dark silver?)
https://southjersey.craigslist.org/c...854637713.html

:

2006 MCS - 135k for $4,500
looks like space blue, somewhat rare
(might be a Checkmate?)
https://smd.craigslist.org/cto/d/cha...837409730.html

:

2005 MCS - 21k !!! for $7,500
salvage title but looks cherry!
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/d...853919364.html

:

 

I appreciate all the help everyone!

Yeah I need to tell myself to be patient, and I've been watching videos and reading posts about things to look for. Trouble is I have such limited knowledge about cars that when someone goes "Check this part to see if it's worn or going bad" and all I can wonder is "I wonder what a bad one or good one looks like compared to each other." I think I'll just have to rely on some BMW/Mini or a Mini familiar(?) mechanic where the car is located to check it aside from the usual common sense items a person can look at. I was thinking about getting an OBD II reader but I figure if I take it to a mechanic I won't need one.

 

Just found another example nearby. While it's only listed for $300 less than the original post, and 700 above highest possible KBB value, it has roughly 10k miles less and seems to have been maintained. Seller says he has service records from first, and second, he is the third owner. It's got all the options I wanted in an r53, including the LSD so this might be the one.

 

I would also be very hesitant on buying a car after the 2nd owner, just because you have to wonder why it keeps getting sold.
Just my thoughts.
Also search on cargurus.com their listings give you ratings if good deal or not.

 

If you have all the service records from new, the number of owners is not a big deal, some people just don't keep cars for long.

As for the 2005 for $7500 in the list above, WAY overpriced in my opinion. Though it looks great, "front quarter panel damage" is kind if misleading. There isn't really a "front quarter panel" just the clam shell bonnet and then suspension bits. The front end of that car was extensively damaged. I would assume that there was a bit of straightening done to the front end of that car. I suppose you can call the A-panel (the panel below the a-pillar) the quarter panel which I would also think that there would be some sill damage and straightening done there. Don't get that one unless you can get it for less than $3000 because at this point, you are stuck with it until it's parted out or goes to the scrap yard.

I'd walk away from your initial listed one as well. You can get a much better deal and a better car. Good luck with the search.

 

The one I'm looking at now is an 05 S listed at $6700 with just around 80k mi. There's very detailed service records it seems from first 2 owners and parts receipts from current who did work themselves, but it also had something happen to the hood/bonnet. Someone backed into it while it was parked. Pictures from after show a dent probably the size of a quarter of a watermelon but wheel doesn't seem like it got bent in. Hood and plastic fender piece was replaced by insurance at a shop. Cosmetically I'm told there's small scrapes on the rear and corner of the front bumpers. Interior looks completely clean. Not throwing any codes. It's got all the options I'd want in one inc the diff, heated seats, xenon lights, auto climate, and chrono pack. Any opinions on this one?

 

Just an add-on, what maintenance items should i most definitely look to see have been done by 80k miles and what items am I definitely going to have to do immediately and also by the time/when I hit 100k?

Of note is the fact that I'm a total mechanics blank slate and I usually pay to even just get my oil changed since I lack tools, lifts, and even garage space to do anything meaningful. Can't even put the car in there if I wanted to since it's filled with things that can't be stored anywhere else. All this will 99% chance go to a mechanic, not the dealer but still expensive, so trying to get an idea of how much the thing might cost be in the next few years.

 

Think that price is WAAAY high. Bought my 06 R53 about 2.5 yrs ago for $5500 from a dealer, ONE owner car with FULL CarFax maintenance records. $7K is too much. There is an 05 that I'm looking at for my son here in Atlanta for $4500 at a dealer. I don't know the mileage yet,but it's fully optioned. Seems like it's been setup already. As far as maintenance items, theses cars Leak like pouring water through Swiss cheese.

Crank Sensor Seal
Oil Cooler Seal
Oil Filter Seal
Oil Pan Seal
Dip Stick Seal
Valve Cover Seal
Timing Chain Tensioner Seals
Power Steering Reservoir Hoses
Control Arm Bushings
Inner Ball Joints
Super Charger Service

These are just a few things off the top of my head. I'm sure other people will chime in. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

roughly how much would be fair for a car like the one I noted? There are cheaper minis around me but they are either newer non-s with 100k+ miles or r53s with little or no maintenance history. I understand value is somewhat subjective but a ball park opinion from people would be really helpful. It’s had crank pulley replaced but don’t know about the seals, oil pan(?) gasket replaced as well. Not sure if they did a supercharger service when installing the 15% pulley. Also don’t know/don’t think the clutch has been done. Plus a few other things by current owner. Previous owners had whatever the dealership had scheduled I think during their ownership.

KBB says $4772 is fair price for a “very good” condition car which has little to no body work, no engine leaks and over 75% tread and most service records. Though a replaced hood probably counts as more than little to no work. Next step down is good and that’s $4468. Maybe somewhere in between?

 

If I were being objective as to what I would pay, I would top out at $5500. The engines in these cars are built like tanks, higher mileage doesn't scare me. The maintenance will need to be taken care of regardless. Whatever car you get, take it to someone who knows these cars and have them check it out. When I got my car it had 110K miles. Most of the items that I had in my list HAD to be done, when I started getting prices for a few of the leaks, (Crank Sensor, Valve Cover, Oil Filter Gasket) $1900, this price was from an Indy shop, not even a StealerShip, I started buying tools to do all the work myself. I know from my maintenance records that my Clutch was replaced at 69K miles, it has double the miles now, clutch is still strong. With your situation, two things come to mind. 1) maybe you might get lucky and not have a lot to do with the car you get. 2) You learn to Wrench your car and save a ton of money. I love my car, but I get pissed sometimes when it's down, like now; Exhaust Manifold crapped out, just got a New to ME one in the mail yesterday. This is a fun to drive everyday car, but it has its gremlins, ( My Blower Motor just went). The main thing I would have someone check, 'compression test, block test to make sure heads and piston rings are good.' Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

I think this is called a leak down test.

+1 as a pre purchase evaluation

 

IF...you come across a car that looks like it's in good condition, don't be afraid to spend a little more than some book says or...

I found my 05 JCW for a "bit" over what the books said I should pay... I'm the third owner. But, the day I drove it home, it had just over 18,000 miles and it has some of those records everyone is talking about.
No oil leaks, the normally visible rubber is in good shape, all body seams are "factory", all of the Silver panels match (no or VERY good paint matching)
While I did not have anyone but myself give it a good going over and lots of questions, I bought it. If I were to have ordered this car, it's only missing two things from my list.

All this is to say, there IS nice cars are out there. If you have the time, be patient. If you come across a good one, don't be afraid to over spend a little.
In your case, I'd also do what has been suggested, and have a Mini dealer or other BMW affiliated shop give the car a good going over.

Good luck.

Mike

 

Thanks. I think it's because I don't really want to drive hundreds of miles for one and the "chances" of finding a good one again within an hour of me seems so slim. I'll have to try to be rational about it I know. If it really was maintained as ridiculously well as it seems to have been short of that "accident" when it was parked that required replacement of the hood, I don't mind spending a little bit more. I just don't want to be dumb and spend like $1-2k more than what I should. Especially since it seems with these cars it's not really a matter of "will it break" but when and having owned an early 2000s audi before I know those repair bills can be insane even for the simplest of things due to german over engineering.

 

I think you can do better on price. I bought my 06 R53 MT in December. All the options except LSD, 79k miles, new P-zeros, for $4950. No body damage, no accidents. Not saying to keep looking, just know that you should be able to get them to move quite a bit on price (I bought mine off an independent used lot as well). What I've seen on pricing is that first gen Minis are all over the map.

I would second all the recommendations to get a pre purchase inspection. I wouldn't necessarily suggest a dealership. My dealership did a horrible job on the PPI. Find a reputable independent mechanic with Mini expertise. Spend a lot of time doing that research first. If you aren't set up to do the work yourself, you're going to need a good mechanic you can trust, and who isn't going to overcharge you.

Have the mechanic give you pricing to fix the problems, so you can factor that into your purchase decision. I spent about $2200 in parts and labor on my car as soon as I bought it, but I know all the potential problems are solved, and it's ready to be enjoyed.

 

Off the top of my head, at 80k, it will need (unless already done):

• Control arm bushings
• Ball joints
• New struts
• One or more gaskets-oil pan, rear main, crank position sensor
• Possibly power steering hoses
• Possibly Water pump
• Supercharger service
• Oil and coolant change
• Serpentine belt
• Clutch?
• Probably new strut mounts
• You'll want to check strut towers for mushrooming, and address that if present
• Low speed fan resistor
• Power steering pump/fan
• Crank pulley

What you DON'T want to do is miss some of the big ticket items, and find yourself having to drop $2-3k on top of purchase price to make it reliable.