Looking for a fun little car to accompany you on your adventures? This 2005 MINI Cooper S might scratch the itch. It’s available in Florida and can be yours for a bid over the current $990, which has arrived after nine bids. Well, wait, that’s not really true. The reserve is not met, and it’s not likely to be soon if people keep inching their bids up by ten and twenty bucks, as has been done. But there are nine days to go in the auction, so a leap or two will take place by the time the sale closes. Maybe you’ll be the lucky new owner. But know what you’re getting into before taking the leap.
I own one of these, bought used from a neighbor in 2012 with 14,000 garage-kept miles on it. I love it. It’s got a rumpty-rump jump when I start it up, like a tiny NASCAR. It’s cool to look out at the classic-styled door handles when driving, and glance the fuel door in the side-view mirror. Like all of its generation, it truly has an “S” (for “Supercharger”) under the hood, not a turbo, as the more recent “S” models do. And it’s plenty quick with that forced-air induction and light weight.
My car is red with a black vinyl top just like the original Mini Cooper my mom drove when I was a kid. It now has about 56,000, and I’ve spent thousands of dollars keeping it mechanically fit. Cooling issues, brakes, and more have needed attention. What does this mean for you? Beware of a shiny exterior which might clothe the heart of a beast. The MINI in question here has over 76,000 miles. Please don’t forget, also, that this is a BMW. That means that parts prices are at premium levels.
I say none of this to scare you off though. I love my MINI and will likely replace it with another low-mileage one when I finally can’t stand to spend another dollar on it. The size is perfect. The accessories are plenty. The six-speed is silky to shift and allows you (me) to keep the car revving. The gauges remind me of days gone by when cars had proper chrome on the dash. There’s nothing to not like on this car that’s listed for sale here on ebay. But remember, this is not an unkillable Hondayota. It’s a finicky, expensive little luxury. If this one goes for $3,500 bucks (unlikely), you’re in the bargain bin section. If it touches $6K or upwards, you’re at market. What do you think about this cute little guy?
This Mini falls into the best years of the new MINI. 2002-2006 are the best years because they have the BMW Motor. After 2006 the change to the Peugeot motor was not good. Those motors are basically unrepairable. I have a first year 2002 Cooper S with the rare Dinan package. The supercharger is tricked up along withe fuel pressure regulation. It get a whopping 207 HP over the 160hp in the standard S motor. Mine has 153K and it goes great. It’s almost too fast for me. A mechanic friend who worked on these all the time guided me. He won’t touch one (for himself) over 2006.
Any used car will need to have a $ infusion. Why not this one? If you have never drove one, you are in for a treat. They ride so close to the ground, they always feel faster than what you are actually going. I would bid on this car, but don’t need another one!
These supercharged Minis have the Tritec engine, jointly developed by Chrysler and Rover and built in Brazil. Though Rover was owned by BMW at the time the Tritec is not a BMW engine, but it is a good one especially compared to the Prince engine that followed it in 2007. The Mini didn’t get actual BMW engines until the 2014 models.
Nice condition R53. This one also has the preferred Chrono Package (sans Nav screen) with tach and speedo mounted above the steering column. Miles aren’t too scary at 76k, mine has 145k. These are really fun and have a big aftermarket parts and mod community.
Thanks for looking at this R53 Mini…
This car qualifies for a platinum lifetime warranty through Carcheck.
The fee is about $30 per month never expires or no mile limitations.
I have the same warranty on my 2010 Rover Sport, they paid out to date over a 3 year spam $55k keep the car running better then new.
If you buy the Mini, I can set you up with the warranty,,
Good luck
Do you work for that company?
Never heard of that after market warranty most of those companies will find any excuse not to pay for a qualified repair.
These things are all over the place on price there is one on honor in Idaho for under $1000 bucks says it needs a engine and if what David claims in the comments above is true you might be able to get a engine replacement cheap
Sorry didn’t catch auto correct before hitting send the website is HiBid
Best years for a Mini if it has 3 pedals. The CVT auto trans was s,o bad BMW lost a class action lawsuit over it. The motor is sweet though, even the non-supercharged versions pulled that car around nicely.
I have a car guy friend who has had 2 of them for everyday drivers and he swears by them. I would consider one if I had the opportunity.
Troy
You are correct, most companies are not legit.
American Auto Shield/Carchex is.
No, I do not work for them just had great experience with them.
iconicpremier.world is my collection..Retired
I have an R53 (2005) since day one. Mine has the 6-speed auto with paddle shifters and currently sits at 54k garage kept miles. It’s also jet black, which was the last year for that color code. If you offered me $10k, I wouldn’t take it. I’ll be buried in that car one day, if my wife doesn’t read my will before I die!