Well, I have been hunting far and wide for a new Mini. Started with NAM. The guy in Fargo, ND never replied, and that was one sweet-looking '02 MCS he had. Then I was into getting an '03 MCS in Raleigh, NC, but that Mini was set up strictly for racing (Dan at Grassroots Garage said it looked like it had a methanol injection kit on top of the other mods). It also had GReddy gauges like my '02 MCS had, which made it even more attractive. NADA said the '03 MCS came from FL. But, no one knew about it on Sunshine Minis or Tar Heel Minis. So, I changed my mind. I did also consider an '04 MCS in dark silver right in this area on NAM, but it had no mods.
Then I decided that perhaps it was better to get another regular MCS and start over my way. So, I started looking on Craig's List last week. I combed the listings in VA, NC, DC, MD, and even PA. Then a listing popped up for an
'06 MCS in Astro Black Metallic at Green Gifford . The NADA report gave the Mini a rating of 92 with no previous issues. It was sold from CF and has remained in the area the whole time (of course, except for those road trips).
I went to do the initial inspection on Thursday. The paint job is in very good condition. There are a couple of rock dings from highway driving on the bonnet. There are a couple of spots on the outer edge of the driver's headlight assembly. I'm not sure if they are rubber
; they have a profound edge on them. There are no visible door dents down either side; my '02 MCS had three of them. There were a couple of tap spots from a license plate on the rear bumper; the dealership touched them up.
The interior is in immaculate condition. There are just a couple of scuff marks in the dash panels. The appearance of the black trim for the dash and inner door rings is different and certainly appealing. The engine compartment is generally clean, and the reservoir tanks are in good condition. The rims have a little scuffing from curb checks (my friend Jerry was guilty of that when he had my '02 MCS; I'm guilty of that, too).
So, I went back last night. I could not get the dealer lower than $16K. With 40K miles, it books for $17.7K private party and $20K via dealership on KBB. NADA puts the '06 MCS at $19.75K at the top end. The deal was just too good to pass up. I've seen regular '06 Minis go for this price.
All in all, I'm happy with my choice. I did not think I would find one so close to home. I just wanted to get the climate control, heated seats, and sun roof. My '06 MCS has all three packages!
I always wanted the fog lights; now I have them. DSC and Xenon headlights w/washers are a nice bonus. There is no CD changer, but I still have mine from the '02 MCS.
Some stuff will migrate from my old Mini. I'm actually digging the rims; I'm not sure if I will change them. The rack on top will come off soon; it's just not my thing. I'll definitely post changes as they come.
P.S. I'll get some of my own photos up soon.
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