Well, my previous car, a 94 Infiniti G20 with 309K miles was backed into in a parking lot and totaled out so I was in the market for a hatchback! I was just about to pull the trigger on a Civic Si when I found an 03 R53 on Craigslist. It's in ok shape cosmetically but needs a lot of work. $2800 later I have my completely loaded Chili Red Mini Cooper S at home in the driveway! I'm so glad these cars are getting old enough that we plebeians can afford them. The Mini has 152K on the clock and has about every option except for leather and the Harmon-Kardon stereo. Another thing it doesn't have is a clutch! Past about half throttle it slips loose and spins like a dervish. I'm already deep in the debate on the dual-mass vs solid flywheel and wouldn't mind some input on that. Other issues are a check engine light for the bank 1 o2 sensor and a fuel system minor vacuum leak (possibly related?) the typical cracked coolant expansion reservoir, a very minor oil leak from somewhere on the back of the block (oil pressure switch or filter housing maybe?) a rust spot under the driver's side tail light, a missing A pillar trim (dreading looking up the price for that one) and one exceptionally rusty muffler. Anyway, I could talk about the car all day because I'm thrilled to have it, it puts a smile on my face just to see it in the garage in the morning. I'll stop here to avoid writing a novel though.

 

I cannot answer any of your questions. I am afflicted with your condition of smiling when I see her in the garage! I have not had that opportunity lately bc she was leaking tranny-fluid in the garage and I am not mechanically-inclined.

Good luck getting your questions asked!

 

Sounds like a bit of work ahead of you!!
Driving a mini, IMO, is the most fun you can have in a car legally, with your pants on!!
There is a bunch of info around on each of your questions.... A quick search, then a post to clarify and final questions you have is a great way to go.
The clutch...a single mass is much cheaper...adds a bit of vibration at idle... But most folks are happy vs the $$ saved. It is a big job..the clutch on a mini...and the dual mass oem is usually no reusable.... It is not resurfaceble.

 

I got my last car to go over 300K using the G20.net forum and a lot of help from all the folks there. I have already been instilled with the power of the search bar and I'm looking forward to much happy wrenching on this car. If this community is half as dedicated as the G20 crowd I'm in good hands! Thanks for the well wishes!

 

Congrats on your new MINI. As mentioned already, you''ll certainly find a great deal of help and useful information here at NAM.

 

Welcome and congrats! You're gonna love your '03 R53 once you get her running at full strength! :D