Hey everyone. I've been Mini hunting for awhile and I may have it narrowed down to two of them.

Both 2005s. One is bone stock, has 103K, and is pretty good condition from what I've seen so far. The people are asking 7K but I'm sure I can get it for probably 5.5K It is a middle aged couple so I don't think its been beat. I love the fact that it is stock. If I where to go with that one, what regular maintenance items I could I get/upgrade with performance minded parts. I plan to get newer ignition parts and such for sure. Was curious what I should also look out for and other preventative maintenance I should do.

The other has a magna flow exhaust, a K&N filter, and B&M short shifter w/bushings. That car only has 60k. Windows already tinted and it has the blue and black interior and cronos package. That guy is asking 8.9K but is negotiable.

Just looking for some advice guys. Thanks so much for taking time to chat with me about this, and for giving advice. Have a great day.

 

Welcome, which one did you decide on?

 

I go for the stock unit without mods. Check the clutch, best way is on the highway in third or fourth gear really get on it, if it revs like it is slipping probably avoid it as a clutch replacement is pricey.

Check the routine problem areas on an R53; power steering pump, oil leaks, mushroomed strut towers.

Let us know which one you chose!

 

I the bone stock Mini was beat up pretty bad. Rust on the back hatch, and particularly bad around the tail lights. Also the kid had no maintenance records and couldn't remember when he did things last.

I'm looking at the 05 with 60K today. So I will let you guys know how that goes.

An 08 with around 70K popped up about 2 hours from my home. I've considered checking that out but I think dealership is kinda shady.

 

So I pulled the trigger and will be picking up my Mini tomorrow!

I went with the very slightly modded 05 with 60K. Got it at a great price, and it has been very well maintained. The guy who owns it is a member of this forum already too! We didn't get that far into things but he seemed to have done as much research as I have on Minis so I feel like I'm getting a great deal and I am super excited to drive my Mini home from Lincoln, NE tomorrow!!

Now I know he has done a lot of maintenance already to the vehicle, but at 60K what items should I be looking at for service that can be upgraded with performance parts? I love hearing peoples opinions so any and all responses are appreciated.

Thanks in advance guys and I look forward to being a MINIac!

 

Congrats, and glad you got it from a forum member . That means they most likely had taken care of it and did some proper maintenance.

Post up some pics and if you need parts or mod parts:

www.ecstuning.com

 

Welcome to NAM, JaysinStrife and congrats on your new MINI. I know you're probably out motoring and too busy to post but how about a few pics.

 

Congrats on your choice of MINI as it sounds like you made a good one.

 

Congratz on the new Mini! Pics or it didn't happen.

 

Welcome to the MINIacs!

Motor on!

 

Congrats. One thing to check for early in your maintenance/mod cycle is your front control arm bushings, which are probably whipped if they haven't been replaced. If they are, get the Powerflex ones: they're much better and will last the practical life of the car.

 

How's the new MINI fairing? Now that you have had it for a bit are there any unusual things that are raising questions? I hope you are really enjoying your new adventure.

Matt

 

Thanks for the tip Helix! As for enjoying it I have to say I'm guilty of letting it sit at the moment. That won't be lasting too long however, as I just need to get it played and then I will be taking it out quite a bit.

I was playing around under the hood the other day and I've noticed that I have no idea which brand of intake is on this car. Does this look familiar to anyone? Seems like there is a generic-ish cone filter underneath there.

 

That's the BMP style intake.

 

Good call Helix, thanks. I'm honestly not a big fan of it so it will more than likely be coming off soon.

Next on the list though is probably a WSM and a strut brace. I've got the STDs installed that are sandwiched in the shock tower, however you can never be too careful so I want to add a brace that has the STDs but in as well.

 

Congrats and welcome to NAM! If you ever need any DIY assistance with your newly acquired Mini, you can check out our tech articles here. If you need any parts you can check out our parts catalog here. Glad you were able to find the one you wanted.

-Luccia