I am interested in getting a Mini for autocrossing and track use and found an 04 Cooper S with works kit for around $23,000. It has 14,189 miles on it. Is this a good deal?? I priced a new 06 works car and it came in at $29,850.
I do have a few questions. Would the 2004 Works Mini come with the digital speedo in the center, because looking toward the center dash would take some getting used to. I have a 2005 Boxster and it has a digital speedo in the center of the dash and I never ever look at the alalog one on the left of the dash.
Would this 2004 works model come with the limited slip differential option or is that new for 2005-2006?? If not would I be able to retro-fit the limited slip onto this car.
Thanks for your time.
cheers

 

the 2004 would have a digital speedo in the tach

the 2004 doesn't have a LSD, and retrofitting is very expensive ($2k+)

Without the LSD, the works car will spin its outside wheel on turns, and isn't as much fun as having LSD in my opinion

The price is fair, but 2005/2006 is better in my opinion for the following reasons...

2005/2006 has better gearing (some say a stock 2005 cooper s is almost as fast as a 2002 to 2004 works car due to the gearing)

2005/2006 has an available LSD

I traded in my 2004 works car, and bought a 2005 works car with LSD, took the financial hit. I figured I didn't want to spend $2k+ for a LSD install just to void my transmission warranty

Now, if your looking for a bargin, get a 2005 used works car with LSD.. that would make a fun track car. Or if your price point is 22k, then just get 2006 cooper s with lsd, skip the sunroof 55lb achor and get with 16 inch wheels for winter use. Buy some lightweight 15 inch wheels for track and get 225/45-15 R compound, race pads and fluids and get out on the track and enjoy...

 

I second this....