so i just bought a used 2003 MCS and love it. however, it's exhibiting some of the common R53 production issues--namely the steering squeak and a leaky coolant overflow tank. i'm not terribly worried about the tank--i got one off the intarwebs for $25 and it looks to be an easy replacement. the bearings in the steering column are another issue entirely. the warranty is, of course, expired, and i understand the steering column isn't the cheapest thing to have replaced. i'm wondering, though, whether there is enough documentation of the problem such that i could gently encourage my nearest dealer (Irvine Mini) to make the repair pro bono. what do you think fair readers? i need to do more research into Irvine's reputation, but if you have any personal account of service (or lack thereof) you'd like to share i'd really appreciate it. any estimation on the cost of the parts and work? only the upper portion needs to be replaced in 2003s, right? let me know what you think. thanks~

 

Yeah 2003 wasn't the most stellar year in tems of build quality. Should have gotten a 2005 or 2006 R53...Those are rock solid.

But what's done is done. Since you are the second owner of he car, I am not sure what chances you stand to get being that the car is out of warranty. Before anything, try to pull out the service history of the car (Irvine can do it by you providing them with the VIN number of the car) and see if the steering wheel column has been replaced before by the original owner. What you trying to do here is "build a case" if there is a repeat failure of these same part. It is up to the manufacturer to provide a "Goodwill" repair provided that the previous owner took the car back to the dealer ship for ALL basic maintenance and repairs during the service/warranty period. If he didn't you are out of luck and have no leg to stand on.

Other than that, I am afraid, you are out of luck and will have to pay for this and any other future repair out of your own pocket. In which case, I recommend you looking into a reputable independent shop known to perform quality work on MINIs. If you are out of warranty, stay away from the dealer because the hourly labor rates alone are going to kill you.

This is the implied risk that you assume when buying an anything used car. No warranty means = You play, you pay, simple as that.

Good luck. Try to get a complete service history record on the car and take it from there.

 

When buying an used car it is very important to obtain service records from the previous owner to make sure that all the bases were covered. If the seller refuses to provide receipts for oil changes or warranty repairs, walk away from that car = red flag.

 

I love my 09/02 build 03 MCS. Local dealer wants to buy it so they can have used stock. No way Charlie Brown.

I doubt you're going to get the dealer to budge. A good local mechanic or better yet, a local club would be the way I'd look for help.

 

I suspect our used MINIs are becoming sought after commodities given the current prices of gasoline. I read in Forbes (Or somewhere else) that used prices of 4 cyl cars have gone up as much as $600 in the last few weeks.

 

thanks for the input ClubmanS and KnottyMan. the previous owner hasn't had the car service at a dealer since mid 2005 when the car had approx. 27k miles. it now has 57500. it's just a hunch, but i reckon that's a bad thing. any recommendations for competent mini mechanics in southern california? as ClubmanS said, i'm scared of the dealer's labor rates. if i can avoid dropping $600 bucks on this, i'll be happy.