Most liked posts in thread: MINI releases the new old R53 2004 Edition!!!

Need more info!

 

That MINI will not be sitting there very long.

 

bummer, I only buy 2005 models ;-)

 

Saving you from having to search, here is the link:

https://www.magminiofdublin.com/used/MINI/2004-MINI-Cooper+S-526041d30a0e0a6b5f69b8386c53a129.htm#&gid=1&pid=22

 

QUICK SPECS
Engine 1.6L I-4 Cyl 6-SPEED MANUAL GETRAGFRONT-WHEEL DRIVE Exterior Color Blue Interior ColorLAPIS BLUE Mileage 75,583 Miles Stock # MI5605T1 VIN WMWRE33474TD79737
Comments
Here's the MINI you've been waiting for - Perfect for that student driver or just a second car to drift in. Few cars come as close to conveying the pure joy of driving like a MINI..

Oh Really.....:lol:

 

And to think that description came from someone at a MINI dealership... :mad2:

 

Can a MINI drift with a student driver you ask????

https://youtu.be/OfJfOi58HBw

 

Sweet car. In 1997, I went to a Chevy dealer to get a part for my work truck, and they had a 1990 Miata, loaded, with the optional hard top -- and 24,000 miles on it. They told me it was sold, but the buyer (a young guy) was trying to finance it -- a 7-year old car... finance??? I got my checkbook out and wrote out a check, and told the salesman to call me if the deal fell through. As I was getting into my truck, the salesman came running out and told me the sales manager was ready to close a deal right now. Poor young guy got thrown under the bus, but I got the car. This thing was a seven-year-old new car.

CD

 

That car has 75K miles, and I'm not so sure it would be good for a student. It's about when my R52 began needing major repairs one after another (power steering pump, valve job, suspension, etc).

 

75k, even if maintained properly means

- time for new brakes
- super charger service overdue and nobody EVER does that even if they tell you they did (speaking from experience)
- dipstick and CPS sensors are leaking
- new tensioner belts and idler pulley are overdue
- new engine mounts a good idea
- ball joints are tired
- lower suspension arm bushings are worn
- overall after 13 years, it will need of a major interior detail and paint correction
- coolant hoses are getting up in age
- exhaust may have seen better days depending on climate it was used in
- fuel filter will be pretty clogged
- fuel pump will be past its prime
- shock towers could be mushroomed

and the list goes on. for $5-6k, a great project car, but only if you have 2 months time to spend in the garage and the motivation to make it a nice driving car. 2 years ago, I bought a 28k mile Florida 2005 R53 as first car for my son. Still had to do a lot of what is listed there to get the car to be as reliable as it can be.

 

maybe it drifts because the tires are worn out.

 

All things are relative, and relatively speaking, an R53 in great condition is a great buy. It is a one owner car, so service records may be complete and available. We already know the paint and interior are in good shape -- no need for "paint correction," whatever that means, or an interior detail, which the selling dealership already did. Leaks are only leaks, if there are actually leaks. Mushroomed shock towers are pretty easy to see.

All of the gloom and doom predictions are pure speculation. For a hundred-fifty bucks, you can get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done, and know a lot more.

Not to mention, I wouldn't buy and R53 CooperS for my teenaged son, if he didn't know jack about cars in general, and MINIs in particular. I'd buy a car like this for me, as a weekend joy ride car. Get the kid a Honda Civic.

CD

 

He'll say, "Aw shucks, Dad".
Honda Civic Type R

 

It might be quick but to me its something only a mother could love.