If you are around Carson City, you can look up the Sierra Nevada Mini Cooper Club. They are a great group of enthusiasts with a lot of connections around that area on used Minis. Also the MINI of Reno is a wonderful dealership and I have personally bought two MINIs from them with great experiences each time. One deal was struck after 7-8 visits and lengthy negotiations lol but they were more than willing to work with my stubborn self Good luck and welcome to M/A!
I have not seen any 2nd or 3rd gens pass me. :ihih: In fact I only see them behind me as I pull away. :lol: As for gas mileage.... Who cares about MPG when you are having fun.
I just test drove one at park auto auto sales red o3 with 91k asking 8300 is that a good price .no sun roof.no dents only one scratch.
Not really, but then you're dealing with a dealership. I only buy from private sellers. Cars that can't be sold on the private market are traded in - that's what dealers then try to peddle at inflated prices to make the rest of their lot look good. I paid $8k for an 84k mile '05 R53 a year ago, loaded with $$$$ in mostly desirable aftermarket parts (big brake kit, camber plate, rims, Koni FSD shocks and lowering springs, upgraded anti roll bars, 15% pulley, clearbra on paint, etc), not a stone chip or scratch on the car. One owner, Mini club founder of St. Louis. If that car offered to you is stock, I'd never pay more than $7 for an 03 plain S, even if mint mint mint. The miles are simply too high for that price. It will probably need the usual clutch, super charger service, power steering fan, etc - all that adds up. No sunroof may also mean the car was abused in autocross or other hard use, something that may be confirmed if the car sits on custom springs and has heavy camber. Pre 2005 cars also had some issues like strut tower mushrooming (check those out in detail) and other quirks that were sorted out by 2005 when the car was updated. Watch and study this very detailed video about what to look for when buying a used R53: https://youtu.be/QUhzyfb3cxg
I think it is going to a great home. He's got a few other very well kept older cars. Not planning on another MINI right now. After 40 years of the Army we are getting ready to retire in the next 6-12 months. Part of the preparation is reducing the number of vehicles. What will be left is my 2012 Tacoma and a new 2016 Audi S3, which I ordered last month. We plan on traveling and don't need to have the expense of cars sitting idle. That's not to say there won't be another MINI. Never say never!
Here is a quick update from my original post. I bought a 06 mini s from gramps on this forum. All i had to go on was pics and his word. When you send a big check to someone you dont know for something you've never seen is a little scary. But i couldn't have ask for it to turn out any better . Well the shipping could have gone better .. but that had nothing to do with gramps . I've had the car now for 11 months and 6k miles and have had no problems at all the car has been great and a blast to drive. I want to thank gramps for his honesty and putting up with all the complications with a long distance sale when he could have just sold it locally with less hassle . Thanks again gramps