My son is 16, saving to buy his first car, a Mini S, preferably 04-06 in the $8,000 to $10,000 price range ($8,000 saved so far cutting yards and other odd jobs). Any advice on what to avoid or look for and what extended warranty is recommended?
First off welcome The 04-06 is known as a R53 as should suit your son just great You mention the interest is in a S. Should that change into a 'Justa' (no supercharger) there were some problems with the automatic transmissions in the Justa's Sure some of the guys can backfill the info
Wow! That's a lot of lawn mowing! :crazy: When he narrows it down to a few cars, post the details and I'm sure you'll get good advice!
Think you will be hard pressed to find a well equipped, unmolested, low mileage 05-06 S for 8 to 10 grand.... Good luck!
Avoid the CVT auto transmission like the plague. When it breaks (and it will break) it will cost about $8,000 to fix. That's the only red flag that I know of. Good luck!
For that price range you are looking at 2004 MINI Cooper S with 105k miles or more. You can do a quick search on Autotrader to get a feel for pricing ranges. It's not absolute and there are deals to be hand. Just have to watch out. A few things to point out about the S model: Insurance will be higher than a Justa and it requires high octaine (91/93) fuel. Parts and maintenance aren't super cheap either. It shouldn't break the bank but its not a 350 Chevy pick-up where you can get all your replacement parts at Autozone cheap either. Things for your son to consider if he is covering those costs. Like Rae said. When you you closer of what you want it will be easier for us (well not me I don't much about R53s...) to let you know the things to look for to make sure you get a winner. Welcome and good luck. :biggrin5:
Here's a link to the buying guide from Motoringfile for the r50(justa) & r53(S). MotoringFile » MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide Hope it helps!
Join a local MINI club, then get involved. There is always someone selling or upgrading their car. Take your time, you will find what you are looking for. And keep mowing lawns you will need some mods for your R53.
Yeah... my son wants the same thing... we have another year or so to shop. Occasionally you'll find a private sale MINI where the owner has no idea how high the resale value is on them (maybe because their only reference point is what they were offered in trade by a stealer). But most of the 05/06 MCS's with reasonable mileage in these parts are going for $13-$15K... sadly. Also sad that my son doesn't believe in working. Wanna trade? :wink: