Hey guys, I am very interested and ready to purchase a 2006 GP. I have had a 02 R53 for 6+ years and love it, but it’s rusty and was my first car and want to get the best of the first gen as they are still my favorite.
I want to hear your guys 2 cents on this one. I’ve been in a lot of contact with the owner of the shop and gotten a lot of photos. But a quick search of the vin in google appears to have revealed a not to good past.
below is the link to the BaT it was posted at a number of years ago. So I am just not to sure if this one is worth it.
they want $25k for it.

vin
WMWRE93516YB72276

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2006-mini-copper-s-jcw-gp/

 

This is the website by the way. Looks like all the badges and numbers have been replaced.

https://www.crookedrivergarage.com/used-car-inventory

 

Mine is not a GP, so I'll just comment from what you've shared...

Viewing the BaT auction 3.5 yrs ago and googling the VIN brought up this MINI specialist shop in Ohio with the subject car shown (2nd car down) advertised at $27.4k: Crooked River Garage. No Carfax report on that (or other cars listed) on their website. Did they furnish one by email and if so, what prior history concerns you? I see it had 22.6k miles back then and 31.6k miles now, so 9k miles driven by subsequent owner(s) since then.

Edit: I was typing while you posted #2...

 

Yes so they told me they would take 25k for it. So it’s really just trying to decide if I should hop on this one, or hold of and wait for another. Mileage is not to big of concern for me as I definitely will drive it. Not necessarily a full on daily driver… but it won’t just sit in the garage for years.

Is it worth getting this one or holding off and waiting for another????

the stuff that worried me a little was how many owners it’s had, the work that was done from the engine overheat issue (looks like it is not a problem if 9-10k miles were put on) and it not being 100% original.

then again this isn’t something I would sell anytime soon as it’s definitely a dream car

 

I spent some time viewing the 2018 BaT auction comments and imaged (not linked) Carfax report. Many viewers (and bidders) were put off by lack of seller engagement on questions asked but not answered. Carfax did show multiple owners but also low mileage driven by some of those (particularly in the rust belt). The current listing by a specialty MINI shop/dealer has a website which suggests a business model I might like to do business with if I lived in that area. Perhaps others here will chime in with their direct experience with CRG. In any case, agreeing to buy sight unseen is risky and doesn't much appeal to me. If there is no (or very little) rust or corrosion and no indicated history of vehicle damage, perhaps try negotiating further to a price that compels. Also noting, posting that here might compel someone else viewing this topic to do so.

 

I’m aware others will see it and be interested. It’s not going to break my heart if it sells but I live in WI so it’s a good ways away from me but that’s ok. It’ll be a fun little adventure.

im just trying to decide if it’s a good investment or not. Or if I should wait for one to pop up with higher mileage.

 

I own a GP and fully understand why they can be sold many times. They are louder in the interior because of less sound deadening, they are bit stiffer than some folks like, the radio sound is not as good due to no rear speakers but if you can live with that they are truly a joy to drive. You cannot drive one and not have big grin on your face when your drive is over. The car looks to be extremely clean inside and out but there aren’t any photos of the under carriage. I noticed that the wheel well trim has been painted the body color which I personally like and the standard GP toggle switch bank of four has been replaced with the full six switches. If’n this car was to be on BaT today I would think it would bring at least 25K and then all the extra charges. For what it’s worth CRG is a highly thought of garage for MINI’s and other cars. Check out what GP’s have sold for in the last six months on BaT and Cars & Bids and you’ll see that this car is fairly priced.

 

^^^ Concur with overall impressions (without eyes-on) for this example. I'd say, proceed but with caution nonetheless...

 

Thanks for the input, it seems like CRG is a decent place and the owner I’ve been talking with is really responsive and everything. I’ll try and get as much info as I can before making a final decision so hopefully it’s a worthwhile investment.

 

With only 415 sold in the U.S. market and, being a "Cult Car" with First Gen MINI enthusiasts, it's worth pursuing but, as others say, with caution. I'd not be concerned about minor mods since most of us like to put our personal touches on our vehicles.

 

FWIW. I bought a 2006 MCS from CRG in March. I bought it sight unseen, flew from SC to Ohio, they picked me up at the airport and drove me to the garage. For the most part it was exactly as described (it had some hail damage and had been smoked in). I drove it home to SC and had a local shop that specializes in MINIs check it out. They said it was clean with the exception of a few things. I sent CRG the write up and they agreed to pay me for most of what needed to be done and mailed me a check. I would definitely buy from them again, they just listed a 06 JCW checkmate that is very tempting.