So my obsession with a Mini Cooper S has reached the stage of putting money aside, listing the motorcycle for sale and digging through the couch cushions for loose change. In my budget range ($5 - $7K) I am not getting anything brand-new, but I should have some leeway to be selective.
So what should a put a priority on? Low miles? Option packages? Certain years? Specific trim level? The only thing that I won't compromise on is rust. I will fly cross-country and drive it home, but I won't buy something from the Rust Belt. I know where they start to rust and will be checking those areas first.
yamaha
UltimaDork
4/30/14 1:10 p.m.
Theres a bracket from the engine to the pass side front......if its crushed, the car has been abused to berkeley.
Also, those are one of the few cars I wouldn't buy out of warranty, so YMMV
If you're looking at R53s, try for an '05 or '05, although to be frank, in your price range, that will make it challenging.
Watch for rust along the bottoms of the doors under the moulding strip.
Watch for mushroomed front strut towers.
If you can get any kind of maintenance history, that's a total bonus. The factory idiot lights suggest a rather lengthy interval, and someone who has ignored those and done more frequent fluid changes is preferred.
Check to see if the little fan under the car near the oil pan is working.
You'll find plenty of nay-sayers, but my family has two, and knock on wood they've been great little cars.
Best of luck.
