Most liked posts in thread: WTB: Mini Cooper 'S' or JCW

  1. danssk

    danssk New Member

    Oct 4, 2012
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    #5 danssk, Oct 23, 2012
    Jim,
    Aren't you Jon's friend with the 2012 JCW.? If so, he's got you brainwashed.
    Look for an R-53 S or JCW with no history and low milage. You'll buy it cheaper and be a happier camper. I tried to get Jon to do that when they lemon-lawed his last MINI but his wife yanked his chain and wouldn't let him
    Wolfman Dan
     
  2. spoolenturbo

    spoolenturbo New Member

    Oct 21, 2012
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    #12 spoolenturbo, Oct 27, 2012
    Well went today to pick up the R53 MC40 need to wait until Monday to take it home... :( :(`
    Owners Wife didn't trust my funds I guess... So have to clear w/ Credit Union and drive another hour one way to pick up the Mini. :/

    Did drive the car, clutch feels new almost. Engages very smooth, trans shifting was very direct. Zero squeaks or odd noises, tracked very straight. Just some very minor TLC / nit-pick items. Has the 40 year plaque 675/1000.

    Has the magnetic door vinyl #37 in great shape. The decals on the car itself have tiny cracks from the years. Found a place to buy new ones... :)

    So MONDAY I will post back with a different topic in the General section with a better update. And Tuesday will have a photoshoot with my 35mm.... :)

    Thanks for all the good wishes fellow MINI freaks... :p

    - Jim
     
  3. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #11 Dave.0, Oct 24, 2012
    Good luck with the R53 search and remember in the end of the search it will be well worth it.
     
  4. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    #2 Jason Montague, Oct 22, 2012
    :cornut: Welcome to MA. Good luck in your search. I have what you want(MINI Margi 08 R56 MCS/JCWm) but, you couldn't take it from me at gun point. You are headed for a blissfully happy world of mod addiction and driving happiness.:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  5. spoolenturbo

    spoolenturbo New Member

    Oct 21, 2012
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    #6 spoolenturbo, Oct 23, 2012
    Dan -

    Yes sir this is me!
    I am actually looking at a 2004 MC40 I think he talked to about yesterday.
    I have arranged a meeting w/ the fellow selling it this Saturday. I have no problem w/ the R53! Personally I don't want a 08-10 car from the gremlins I've read about. I know all cars have issues I work for Mercedes so that sums it up. Haha...

    Thanks for your reply Dan, and I've met you a few times. I usually am carrying a big 35mm camera to SCMM meets with Jon. ;-)

    What is the most important thing to visually inspect in the R53? This car has next to no miles on it. Thinking I might take it to Mortoring Magic to get checked out?

    Jim R
    Long Beach, Ca
     
  6. paulharmo

    paulharmo New Member

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    #9 paulharmo, Oct 23, 2012
    I drove my GP home from Seattle a few months ago :)


    Right-on. The MC40s are awesome! Powerflex bushings are good stuff, they can add a little bit of NVH, but not a huge amount, and the car feels much more stable. The hoses may be fine, if you don't see weeping from the bottom of them, I'd thank the lucky stars and just leave em be! The JCW head is just slightly ported on the exhaust side.
     
  7. Mini562

    Mini562 New Member

    Oct 23, 2012
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    #10 Mini562, Oct 24, 2012
    Dan said brainwashed ha ha love it. Good luck Jim, I can't wait

    Jon
     
  8. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #13 Nathan, Oct 28, 2012
    Congratulations on your search finding you the MINI you desire.
     
  9. spoolenturbo

    spoolenturbo New Member

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    #3 spoolenturbo, Oct 22, 2012
    Jason -

    Thanks for the reply! And I have some hollow-points for my AR15 that will do the trick... jk (don't own a gun lol)

    Personally I am stoked to getting a Mini Cooper!
     
  10. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    #4 Jason Montague, Oct 22, 2012
    :cornut: No offense taken. Again, good luck.:Thumbsup:

    Jason
     
  11. paulharmo

    paulharmo New Member

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    #7 paulharmo, Oct 23, 2012
    This is the route to go! If I had a dollar for everyone I've seen sell their R56 and pick up a R53 lately... I'd have two R53s :p

    Things to check out:
    -Front lower ctrl arm bushings get cracked, get polyurethane replacements
    -Power steering pump/hoses/rack leaks, power steering pump fan
    -Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, *Oil cooler*(up by the oil filter, look at it from below)
    -If it's a very, very low mileage car, check all the gaskets you can, even stuff like the water pump. Without regular use, the gaskets can dry out and not seal properly.

    ^^All of these can be fixed for non-exorbitant money, should they be present. Very little fails on the average R53, other than the water pump gears, but that's a 125k+ thing. Generally, 05-06 models are more desirable, because of the shorter gearing, extra power, and on some late '06s, the occasional "surprise" JCW head.
     
  12. spoolenturbo

    spoolenturbo New Member

    Oct 21, 2012
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    #8 spoolenturbo, Oct 23, 2012
    Paul -

    Thanks for the heads up the car has 10k on the clock. Owner said, car has the JCW package kit, including larger valves or different head. He has some other little mods done just cosmetic.

    Personally I was going to order a full set of Powerflex Bushings for the car. And replace the power steering hoses, and some gaskets if needed. This car was driven mainly to car shows.

    Understand about the 2006 JCW but this car is exactly what I want. Always room to swap in a' 06 trans. Personally don't plan to track it. I'd get the 2006 JCW GP in Torrance, Ca for that! LOL...

    Love the input thanks all!

    Jim R