Prospective new owner
#1
Prospective new owner
Hi everyone,
I'm looking into buying a R53 or R56 MCS within the next few weeks. Can't make up my mind between R53/R56 so it might come down to standard equipment and options.
Looking to spend under $12k here in SF Bay Area, that gives 02-06 under 100K miles or 07+ with 100-120K miles.
I would appreciate advice on what's best to do. My previous cars were a Miata and a Mazda 3.
Thanks for all the great information I've already found here!
I'm looking into buying a R53 or R56 MCS within the next few weeks. Can't make up my mind between R53/R56 so it might come down to standard equipment and options.
Looking to spend under $12k here in SF Bay Area, that gives 02-06 under 100K miles or 07+ with 100-120K miles.
I would appreciate advice on what's best to do. My previous cars were a Miata and a Mazda 3.
Thanks for all the great information I've already found here!
#2
Here is some good reading and info for you to read http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/11/...-s-r53-vs-r56/
http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/11/...-s-r53-vs-r56/
#3
#4
Thanks Braminator.
I was pretty much on board with this "steer clear from anything before 2004 when looking at used MINIs". Mostly looking at 05s and 06s. But there are some 07s in the mix and that's precisely where I'm not sure about what I want to do.
Maintenance and mods seem easier on a R53 but the R56 seems more refined. Right now I have 2 in mind:
- 2005 dark grey, 93K miles, manual, very well equipped (GPS, heated seats, electric everything) and reasonably good maintenance records. $10,000
- 2007 light grey, 93K miles, manual. Not as well equipped as the 05 but in excellent condition with all major maintenance done and new tires. $11,000
I was pretty much on board with this "steer clear from anything before 2004 when looking at used MINIs". Mostly looking at 05s and 06s. But there are some 07s in the mix and that's precisely where I'm not sure about what I want to do.
Maintenance and mods seem easier on a R53 but the R56 seems more refined. Right now I have 2 in mind:
- 2005 dark grey, 93K miles, manual, very well equipped (GPS, heated seats, electric everything) and reasonably good maintenance records. $10,000
- 2007 light grey, 93K miles, manual. Not as well equipped as the 05 but in excellent condition with all major maintenance done and new tires. $11,000
#5
#7
Here is a great list by another NAM member
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...CJnT9MMP#gid=0
1.Carbon build up
2.Timing chain issues
3.Cold start issues
4.HPFP high pressure fuel pump.
5.Water pump
6.Turbo oil line leaks
7.Clutch
Here are lots of threads for your reading pleasure. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ms-issues-188/
This is not to say R53's dont have issues too.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...CJnT9MMP#gid=0
1.Carbon build up
2.Timing chain issues
3.Cold start issues
4.HPFP high pressure fuel pump.
5.Water pump
6.Turbo oil line leaks
7.Clutch
Here are lots of threads for your reading pleasure. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ms-issues-188/
This is not to say R53's dont have issues too.
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#10
#11
The car has really good maintenance records (at the best places in the Bay Area) and the following already done:
Engine: GRS intercooler, Mini Madness JCW intake high flow filter, GP tuned chip, Powerflex motor mounts
Suspension: Koni adjustable coil overs, H-Sport front & rear competition adjustable sway bars, H-Sport camber plates, H-Sport control arms, M7 strut tower plates, Powerflex bushings
Brakes and Wheels: Wilwood 11+" brake kit with two sets of brake pads, rear brake bad upgrade, ATE brake fluid, Rota 17" lightweight wheels with stud conversion, Hankook tires
Unless it makes weird sounds or handles funny I'm probably going to buy it. I'm super excited since I turned down another JCW that had no maintenance records whatsoever.
Engine: GRS intercooler, Mini Madness JCW intake high flow filter, GP tuned chip, Powerflex motor mounts
Suspension: Koni adjustable coil overs, H-Sport front & rear competition adjustable sway bars, H-Sport camber plates, H-Sport control arms, M7 strut tower plates, Powerflex bushings
Brakes and Wheels: Wilwood 11+" brake kit with two sets of brake pads, rear brake bad upgrade, ATE brake fluid, Rota 17" lightweight wheels with stud conversion, Hankook tires
Unless it makes weird sounds or handles funny I'm probably going to buy it. I'm super excited since I turned down another JCW that had no maintenance records whatsoever.
#12
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