I have questions at the bottom, please advise. But, here's the story. With gas prices soaring over $3 and a 100 mile commute each day, I sought an "economic substitute" for my 4x4 Tacoma last week. I convinced myself it (#1) had to be a "beater" to be less than $5k, and (#2) had to be 30+mpg vehicle... I left to find my chariot. It looked sad, actually when I rescued it... ...sitting in the back of the Mega Auto Park lot. With a cautious inquiry I nodded towards it, "What about that one?". "Oh", said the dealer, "...the Mini?... ...just took it in on trade. It's not even ours ,yet." The owner had slid off the road, smashing the drivers side front and collapsing the drivers headlight to a 45 degree obscure angle. The '02 Standard (R50?) w/111k miles carried trash up to the seat in the passenger footwell. Diet Coke Cans, paperwork, receipts - What a heartless PIG that previous owner!(I screamed to myself) ......even a $1 bill at the bottom of the pile. After a test ride, and appraisal for the damage, I asked the question of how much. "$3800", was their reply. I told them $2800 out the door... "Sold", was their response. Now, I did get the 33mpg. But the cost is over and I'm concerned of what else I should be focused on... So far I have installed new tires+$500, oil change+$120, transmission oil change+$110, cabin filter+$30, cleaning+$70. Body Repair+$1500. Sylvania HBeams+$50. Now I'm looking at pending brakes and rotors+$???. ...it's adding up my friends! Your advice now, please... Can I change out my own pads and rotors? Fastmini.net has a rotor/pad kit for $300... Can I do this myself? Please advise. Thank you.

 

Yes, you can do your own pads and rotors.
The only special tools are a brake caliper retracting socket and a Torx bit.
I would invest in a copy of the Bently manual for Mini's. It is like a bible for those of us who work on our own cars.

It sounds like your car was a little rough to start out with but that you are making progress. Just pick 1 project at a time. Have fun!

 

Thank you for rescuing him/her from such an un-cherished existence. I'm sure you will be paid back tenfold in the form of driving pleasure!
I'm sure you realize you have to name it in order to get the full MINI experience.
Enjoy!
Annette

 

Nice find But there is one major thing you didn't say, is it a manual or an automatic? Please say manual.

 

OP said it is a standard. Looks like you got a great deal. Looks like an Indi Blue from the picture. One of the best combos with the white mirror caps and white bonnet stripes. You may want to change the serpentine belt to be on the safe side at that mileage.

Happy motoring!

PS. I would save that dollar bill that was left in the car in the glove compartment for good luck!

 

Hey! That's a terrific little story! That price is WELL BELOW book! Saved an unloved Cooper from the back of the lot! Awesome! I agree, if you show that MINI some love, it will return the love right back. Call me crazy or whatever if you like, my little guy/gal (haven't come up with a name yet) was sitting in a lot and caught my attention as I drove by. I rescued him/her and we've had nothing but fun together during one of the worst winters I can remember. My friends keep telling me that I'm really giving it the test in all the ice, snow, winds and cold. But I think it's definitely the car giving me the love back that I showed it 2 weeks before I took delivery, when I whispered to it, "don't worry, I'm bringing you home with me for Christmas.."

Highsierra67! Congrats on your new friend! Also, welcome to NAM! Great folks are online here!!

P.S. - Ditto on the dollar bill in the glove box - Tape it in there for luck!!

 

...WOW... Thank you - thank you for all the replies. I haven't named... "it"... yet. But (LOL) I HAVE talked to it! (I know I'm not the only one) Things like, "...you're in better hands now,..." <laughing>. Okay, I'll get that serpentine belt! Thank you!

 

Very cool story, have fun nursing it back to health!

 

Hope for a fast recovery She/he is in better hands

 

Great story highsierra67! Here’s a link to aftermarket or OEM parts to help put the finishing touches on your diamond in the rough:
http://soopercooperinfo.com/lindaminidiy11-09.html

Happy motoring dude, and keep us informed on your progress