Justa guess, but it sure sounds like something is bent in the front end. No idea what it could be. I think I'd move on to a better MINI. Did you sell your R56?
Nope, still have the r56... Although it'll most likely move on in march if the f56 pans out. This whole r50 thing only came up as it was my original cooper being resold again. Was this just any cooper, I'd have zero interest in it. If my '06 is trashed (as it is likely...), I will one day be in the market for a superb r53 (checkmate edition ideally)... But not for some time will I be pulling that trigger.
I'd also bee looking at the strut top for mushrooming. And to see if the rubber in has been torn possibly causing the out of alignment you are feeling.
The fact the door ALSO seems tight is worrisome.... Makes me think the car was curbed....
The "hard to turn" might be from a dry/worn u-joint on the steering column... Kinda common actually....
I would have a mechanic that knows mini's look closely at the car...see if it is worth getting..
Thanks for the thoughts all. Trying my best to not let my sentimental attachment cloud judgement as my gut says it might be time to let it go. The dealer claims his "mechanic" will be taking a look at it monday and that I"m to call back on tuesday… I'm kinda waiting to see what he says is the "problem" and then go from there. Sadly, I don't know of any mechanics in that area that "knows minis". May have to do some calling around if things look promising after tuesday's call.
Can one inspect the u-joint in steering column without removing a lot of components? is there a "test" to confirm if this may be a culprit?
I'll search the inter webs for a refresher on "mushrooming" and what it looks like in a R50… been a while since I was studying minis enough to be certain.
like i said, I'm gonna see what the dealer says and go from there…
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