Trying to get an idea of what to look out for when buying the above mentioned. What are the down falls of the year? Does anyone know how to repair a sagging headliner do to water leaking in at antenna? TIA for the 411.
Here's a guide: MINI R5 /R53 Buyers Guide - MotoringFile The '05-'06 facelift cars are often considered the best for the 1st generation. Check to make sure the water isn't leaking in from one of the sunroof drains if it has a sunroof. Loose drain tubes are a known problem and it would suck to replace the antenna mount and have the headliner get damaged again because it wasn't only the antenna mount leaking.
If it has a roof leak you should check under the carpeting to see if the BCM ( body control module) is wet. If it is, I would walk away.
As for the headliner, recover or replace is your best option. You can get a replacement from someone parting out a car, post on the various MINI Facebook groups. MINI Exchange is a good source. To recover, you can get real headliner fabric and glue here: Your Auto Trim Store That's where I get stuff for all my interior projects.