1st Gen R53 Cooper S Need advice and opinions on possible 03 MCS

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by ole97texas, Jul 2, 2011.

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  1. ole97texas

    ole97texas New Member

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    #1 ole97texas, Jul 2, 2011
    Need advice and opinions on possible 03 MCS purchase by my 16 year old son. He has saved up for over 3 years cutting grass and doing odd jobs. Individual seller has agreed to $8,300, down from $9,999. Gray with 86k, 5 previous owners, and super clean. I noticed a new dipstick, new chrome wheels & run flat tires, aftermarket breather and exhaust system, and a strong vanilla air freshener hanging from mirror. While test driving, the exhaust system was thumping the underside of the car with every bump. Very annoying but the seller said there was nothing that could be done and that he turned up the volume on the radio. Took it to a reputable repair shop and the owner did a quick look-over on the rack. He said radiator is beginning to show signs of seepage, probably a pin hole. Front brakes have approximately 1K left on the pads. He pointed out the hood had been repainted. He saw some slight rusting underneath the car and said some rusting bolts could make repairs difficult. Car was purchased in Connecticut and spent first three years there before migrating to Texas. Should he close the deal or keep looking?
     
  2. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    #2 Mr. Jim, Jul 2, 2011
    I'd say keep looking, if the present owner fixed problems by turning up the radio, who knows what else he has "fixed" that way. 5 owners is s lot of unknown history. Just my two cents.
     
  3. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

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    #3 Ofioliti, Jul 2, 2011
    I agree. Your son (or you!) may be looking at some $ repairs soon.
     
  4. Johngo

    Johngo New Member
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    #4 Johngo, Jul 2, 2011
    Carfax report might be telling as well... I'd be leery.

    Good luck, tho.
     
  5. Rae

    Rae Club Coordinator

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    #5 Rae, Jul 2, 2011
    Funny thing about the MINI dipsticks, if you're not careful when pulling them out, they can snap pretty easily. That's probably the reason for the new one. Aftermarket CAIs are really common but the rattling exhaust sounds suspect. Also brakes run around $250, here at least. A new radiator looks around $400, not including installation. If you could get it for $8,000 and save the rest for much needed repairs, maybe.
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #6 Nathan, Jul 2, 2011
    5 owners already. one has to ask why. Were the others looking to dump a problem car?

    The exhaust might just be hitting due to a worn out exhaust hanger. For the most part those are inexpensive and an easy fix. Rusted bolts are par for the course for vehicles that have lived in regions that see salt on the roads. A decent tech would soak them before trying to remove but it's not something I'd be overly worried about.

    I'd call MINI 800-ASK-MINI with the last 7 characters of the VIN and ask more about this car.
     
  7. Rae

    Rae Club Coordinator

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    #7 Rae, Jul 2, 2011
    good advice Nathan!
     
  8. SNEEEZY - Erika

    SNEEEZY - Erika M/A Wrenchin' Babe!
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    #8 SNEEEZY - Erika, Jul 2, 2011
    R-U-N!
     
  9. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

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    #9 Way Motor Works, Jul 3, 2011
    Sounds like your going to have to put some money into it pretty soon. So I'd say plan on $2k more, which could be added to what you already are planning on spending and get a much nicer car. Wish you were closer I've got a decent 02 MCS for $7500 right now.
     

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