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Year: 2006 Make: MINI Model: Hardtop Price: $1 Mileage: 100 Color: red Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing Location (Region): Midwestern
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Originally Posted by Jonny
The aero is the lipstick, just needs a window mechanism, and a little spit shine. Or maybe more. Not much info there. I’d pay $2750 for that $3500 car if it was mechanically sound.
Would you pay the ask of $3500 because it is worth $5000??
That car...even without the "Aero" kit and the $100 window regulator with a quick afternoon and basic tools/youtube is worth the asking price.... really.
A functional sports car with 75k-miles for $3500.... C'mon.
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Last edited by mountainhorse; 04-07-2021 at 05:26 PM.
Don’t forget the $8 rattle can of bumper paint to finish off the aero trim. They’re going down the Bat hole. Seriously, who knows if or what other things are needed here, but if you got it for $3k and it only needed $1k for engine/suspension refresh, you got nice low mile MCS with quite a few years of fun before you want to get more serious mechanically...$4k sounds righteous, or it could be a basket case worse than this non descript listing could possibly tell you.
“Would you pay the ask of $3500 because it is worth $5000??” Hell yeah, if that description was 100% accurate, but I guess we’ll never know. Too bad most of these posts aren’t investigated by more buyers here, but I always post a link to this thread on FB whenever I see someone in the US looking. Surprised they don’t google and find this forum, more like they find us after they’ve already bought one, still a good thing.
I just re-read my post... and it could have been read as rude... Sorry...Didn't mean it to come off that way if I did.
It could be a complete piece of crap that is true....
Most of these don't go to people that post on here... but I have a feeling that MANY 'lurkers' have snagged a great deal from this very thread... Most of us post on here because we are treasure hunters and only post similar to what we would like to have (but not the treasure we'll buy ) .... or if it is a 'dream' but not in our reach... or less than we want... I still think it's a great thread.
Keep on Motoring everyone... and have fun.... Tough day here, but the sunset and a beer will fix that !!
This thread almost makes you feel bad for spontaneous buyers (of 14 year old cars) that unknowingly end up in a money pit on wheels, or even more painful, over paying. This is my first Mini, but owner of many different sports cars, mostly European. I learned long ago that forums are about the smartest and easiest ways of finding important information and finding fellow enthusiasts that know more than I about the car I just bought. The years have turned me into a slightly OCD owner, who likes to avoid spontaneous breakdowns. So when I decided to look for a Mini, after I sold a newly bought Veloster Turbo (factory Matte grey, had to have it, but torsion rear suspension turned me off in the long run) I lurked on this forum for about two years before I pulled the trigger. Gathering info on model years, common issues, options, used pricing etc. and it was definitely time well spent here.
It wasn’t until I scored the deal of a lifetime, that I instantly got addicted to finding other basement bargains. I really didn’t think at first that owners (especially of JCWs) would be unaware of what they’re worth, or how special these cars are. I truly believe, at their current and increasing price point, that they will be in the “money well spent” category for performance and sheer thrill of a screaming supercharger. Of all the vehicles I’ve owned, this one is in the top 3 and when I get done with it, might even claim the number one spot, for a price less than a 2010 Corolla
Here’s to more deals, thrills and spills, on this infinity thread!
^^^ Agreed on the valued resource of enthusiast forums such as this. Ironically now though and likely Covid-19 supply chain related, private party resales of cars of interest to me have all but dried up. Here in AZ, my CL search query for "mini cooper*" with filters; < 50k miles and private party within 500 mile radius currently yields just 7 hits. Of those reflecting all model years and various configurations include (2) classic Mini cars - none which appeal to my search parameters. BaT bidding activity and final results seem aligned with that limited supply anomaly.
I'm looking for best combo of my desired model and condition which excludes all 3rd gen configs. No interest in justa, auto box, cabrio or much anything or than R53/R56 hatches. At my advancing age, no interest in "project cars". I'm fussy and willing to pay more to obtain that. Year-over-year trend away from manual gearbox to preference for Steptronic further limits what's available on resale. Factor that further with what's happening in my region (likely elsewhere) with Carvana dominating resale market with cars obtained at auction below published wholesale values, yet advertised high at "non-negotiable" pricing subject to prevailing taxes and doc fees. I won't do that, so my online search continues daily...
In the 8 to 19 year old car range (R53/56 Aisin equipped Hatch Mini)
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I’d imagine that there is a very limited pool of sub 50k-mile 53/56 MINI’s out there globally ... for sale or not.
But, as witnessed in this thread... there are plenty of exceptional 53/56 MINI’s out there to be had... some have higher prices ... others are priced below their value... but they are still out there.
For me and my needs.... and seeing many of these cars go north of 200k miles with just ‘good maintenance’ I’m not at all concerned with the 100-130k mile offerings ... and feel they represent the best value in this segment/brand/model.
Another indication of this, for me, is my 55k-mile R53 needing as much age-related service as the 110k identical unit sitting next to it in the garage.
It IS true however, that as time marches on ... these cars will get more miles on them... hopefully 😉
IMO, evaluating "condition" is highly subjective with combo effects of cumulative years, miles, weather exposure and normal usage all taking their toll in the euphemism often referred to as "patina". My own tolerance with prior owner wear 'n tear is relatively low. But then, that's just me.
Reminds me of these Tanya Tucker song lyrics; Delta Dawn, what's that flower you have on Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
Yep ... just like in life ... it hard to find a 50 year old (man or woman) that looks like they’re 25... they’re out there though.
I have a 110k mike R56 that Shows and drives better than 99% of of the >20k-mile 56’s out there for condition, cosmetics and features. Has to do with the owner. (Or in my case, the PO)
It IS nice to find those under valued, under priced low-mile cars as long as they are in good condition... some are, some are not ...
Like the 22k-mile option-loaded slicktop R53-JCW I looked at in Reno last week for $4500 ... it was probably the worst car I’ve looked at ... dents, pets, never garaged, curb damage all around, leaking CV boots ... and timing chain rattle... owner went on and on about “If were cleaned up a bit ... he could sell it online, BAT, for $20,000”...
He got angry and accused me of trying to rip him off ... even though all I did was point out the issues, costs and that I wasn’t interested in the car... I never even made an offer 😐
He sent me photos from 10 years ago when he bought it without telling me they did not represent the current condition.... what a waste of my time.... and a nice, loaded slicktop JCW.
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Last edited by mountainhorse; 04-08-2021 at 03:00 PM.
Unless it was a DD only 3 seasons per year, but probably 4, that would be a shame, it’s got some of the best options, RG, S gauges, English leather, Anthracite interior, JCW strut bar etc. Can’t quite read the receipts, but if they include clutch or SC service, you’re half way there for $5500
Although that 06 dub-ya is a ‘rust belt’ car ... it looks darn clean for the money and will give someone a helluva fun ride for low cash
any running 06 JCW that looks fair on inspection is worth $5500 !!
IMO ..
When you start into the $8000 -$10000 RANGE on an 06 JCW .. that’s when you get a recent ‘major service’ and get to gripe about minor dings or some paint scratches ...
^^^ Agreed - origin of cars with potential for rust must be factored. Since most cars advertised are retailers (including Carvana seemingly dominating that sector) with inventory obtained at sub-wholesale auction prices, I always review linked Carfax reports to determine where that car spent majority of time and miles. Sadly, many being sold in the SW originated and/or spent most of its life in the rust belt. With that, those cars as indicated from the annual mileage reported weren't "summer" cars but instead likely routinely subjected to winter weather and corrosive salts as daily drivers.
Another Covid-19 related supply/demand aspect was reported on national news this past weekend, i.e., reductions in rental car inventory. Most major rental agencies "retire" cars in their fleet at a given age / mileage and with replacements now difficult to obtain, those shortages resulted. Likewise, private party buyers whom normally trade in their cars for new(er) replacements seem are keeping those due to lack of dealer inventory. As I stated a few days ago, resales by private party have all but dried up in this region.
Unless it was a DD only 3 seasons per year, but probably 4, that would be a shame, it’s got some of the best options, RG, S gauges, English leather, Anthracite interior, JCW strut bar etc. Can’t quite read the receipts, but if they include clutch or SC service, you’re half way there for $5500
Originally Posted by mountainhorse
Although that 06 dub-ya is a ‘rust belt’ car ... it looks darn clean for the money and will give someone a helluva fun ride for low cash
any running 06 JCW that looks fair on inspection is worth $5500 !!
IMO ..
When you start into the $8000 -$10000 RANGE on an 06 JCW .. that’s when you get a recent ‘major service’ and get to gripe about minor dings or some paint scratches ...
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I can agree that not all cars there have issue. I bought my first R53 in Syracuse and has rust, a lot of rust. This one show signs, at least I think it does.
So yeah, not a bad price. But to repair that is not free and probably on both sides and hatch handle and brake lines and chassis and bottom of doors and..... Ask me how I know
I’m blessed to live in Cali 🤙 where the bolts on most undercarriages still have their cad-plating !!
🙂
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Yeah we know...no salt, no rust, just earthquakes, landslides, fires, and one crazy governor lol. I’m heading that way, my brother in marina del Rey is heading for Vegas...and so am I. VIVA LAS VEGAS! My JCW is gonna love it haha.
oh dear lord thank you for not letting this be a jcw!
but still very tempting considering it's monochrome green (which i love), and i've got an '06 dealer jcw car here i could use as a parts donor! (kidding).
04-07-2021, 05:13 PM
) .... or if it is a 'dream' but not in our reach... or less than we want... I still think it's a great thread.
