Totaled My Mini; General Idea; Need HELP

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by xdpanda42, Dec 1, 2013.

  1. xdpanda42

    xdpanda42 New Member

    Dec 1, 2013
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    Hey Guys I'm Sam(Samantha) and I just totaled my MINI Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. He was a 2008 Automatic Mini Cooper with the sports package and its breaking my heart he's not with me anymore!
    On my endeavor over the holidays I have been looking for a Mini Cooper S 6-spd Manual any year just something under 12,000. along the way I have found a few steals like a 2006 MINI(not s) 6spd with 138,000miles for $6,000(broken drivers seat + wheel bearing that is messed up). Not sure if I should spend time on it or keep looking for a newer model. I am looking to do some modification for racing him and I wasn't sure if there is a specific model I needed to look for. Plus if you guys have any tips or insight on a great deal for a MINI I am willing to travel.
    Really excited to be apart of such an enthusiastic forum(from what I have read)!!
     
  2. travellering

    travellering New Member

    Nov 16, 2009
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    Welcome Sam, and sorry to hear about your misfortune.
    I can't provide much information on which is the best MINI for racing mods, but it would probably depends on your intended use. If it's spec series type racing, then the newer the better. For other purposes(track days, dragstrip, autoX) the R53 supercharged minis have had the longest for aftermarket development and I believe offer the lightest starting point outside of a classic mini.
    Good luck with the hunt, and again, welcome!
     
  3. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
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    6k for an R53 with a bad wheel bearing, and messed up seat...That seems like a good deal. Wheel bearings are relatively cheap to change, not sure on the seat depending what's broken. I would go for it if it were me, baring any other issues the seller might not have mentioned.
     
  4. xdpanda42

    xdpanda42 New Member

    Dec 1, 2013
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    Well it's a dealership who wants to get rid of it before it goes to auction so it's just good timing tbh. There master mechanic is suppose to look at it for us tomorrow so we have a good idea what we need to tackle first. What makes it a R53?? @jeffster06
     
  5. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

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  6. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

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    An 06 is pretty much the R53 to get as well, besides the GP I would definitely consider it of they're gonna have a tech look it over.
     
  7. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Apr 23, 2009
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    #7 Steve, Dec 1, 2013
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2013
    Her first post says the $6K deal is a "not s", so it's an R50.

    Some of us love the R50, I'm still in love with mine and I've had it more than 11 years now. It's exactly as modifiable as the S in terms of suspension and handling, generally even uses the exact same parts, but if you want the added power from a supercharger or turbo you need to look elsewhere.
     
  8. xdpanda42

    xdpanda42 New Member

    Dec 1, 2013
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    Thanks for that every one! ;D
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Jul 31, 2009
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    I would get a S. The R50 is a great car but like Steve said the S has the power. I have a 2002 S (R53). Some would say the R53 is the cream of the crop.:D I'm sure DaveO will back me up.
    The R53, as far as power, is the easiest to mod. As Steve said the R50 and R53 are the same for handling.
    What really makes a car fast is the driver. So take time to work on your driving skills no matter what you buy.
    All Minis are great cars. Good luck finding another Mini

    Of course the R53 is the pick of the litter! Sorry I can't help myself :eek:
     
  10. xdpanda42

    xdpanda42 New Member

    Dec 1, 2013
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    Agreed, but my friends were advising me to get 2006 350z and they said it was because the motor was the best to modify... I couldn't imagine driving anything but a mini so that's why I thought I would get some more info on it. Tbh the search is long and tiering... Found 03 for 2950 but it just stopped working and I need a working car ASAP. Thanks for the help!
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    May 4, 2009
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    Classic mini or an 05-06 R53 are the only Mini's I will ever buy. MINI stopped making Modern MINI's at the end of 06. Now all they make is MINI BMW decimal series .05's
     
  12. Rawhyde

    Rawhyde Active Member

    Apr 7, 2012
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    Like I said earlier, consider buying an inexpensive beater for transportation and spending the time to find the right MINI. I have a MINI that I am really proud of. It might not be up to the standards or tastes of our fellow forum mates, but the only thing I'd change about mine is I'd roll the miles back if I could.

    I drive a Soulless honda civic daily. Trust me, a few weeks in that pile of garbage makes me really appreciate my MINI.
     
  13. minintrigue

    minintrigue Active Member

    Sep 30, 2009
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    For what its worth, I just recently sold a 2006 MCS JCW with 88,000 miles for just over 10k. It wasmy baby and a 6 speed. It needed nothing.
     

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