Hello forum...
I am planning to purchase an R53 S in the next few days/week & I came across a rather good deal on 2.

I am looking at a '04 w/93k on the odometer.
Has a clean carfax but the owner has pointed out that its throwing 2 errors.
Error #1 - P0123 is this TPS under the bonnet or the pedal? Is it an expensive repair?
Error #2 - P0456 is this a vacuum leak or some type of EVAP? I have read possible gas cap issue?
I know its hard to help car issues over the internet.

I'm coming fro a loooooong line of mazda ownership (RX-7, MX-6, P5, Miata turbo, Speed 6, CX-7), so kinda new to the Mini/BMW world...and figured this would be the best place to start.

The 2nd '03 R53 has 120k on the odometer & is in excellent condition.
Whats the general consensus on higher mileage cars? (there seems to be many more out there w/massive mileage 170k & up)

I will do a small amount of modifying (pulley/intake/exhaust/coilovers + other basic bolt-ons) on whichever Cooper S I get.

Any help/thoughts would be appreciated.
-Phil

 

Not Mini specific info: But in general Carfax is a tool for dealers to sell you cars and not a source of infallible information. You will find posts of people selling cars here and elsewhere who freely admit accidents but note that they don't appear on Carfax. I think Autocheck is more accurate from what I've come across.

Best of luck, spend the dollars for a quality pre buy inspection.

 

Thanks for the info.
i have the VIN...i'll take a look into that.
There's a mini master mech w/a private shop about 5 mins away from my house...problem is the 93k car is in Dallas (4 hrs away) & the other is about 1hr or so.
I would def spring for a pre-check though.

 

If the price is right... and are you willing to face a sizable repair bill from the start?

Control Arm Bushings, engine mounts, exhaust hangers, possible exhaust system... but they are Texas cars so that may not be an issue.

I have a pair of 2004 MC40s one with over 245000 and the other with just over 142000 and my 2007 R52 has just under 50000...and when I run them, I run 'em hard... well you know... spirited.

I bought the one MC40 for under $3K, put just over $3K into it... new clutch assembly, Alternator, Battery, Control Arm Bushings, engine mount, and a full service (Fluids, filters, plugs, the works...) and then some of my own elbow grease and interior work.. and I have a car that looks and drives like it is only a year or two old...

I have a blast with mine...

So no matter what you do, best of luck and...

Motor on!

 

I recently moved to Arkansas (my past FI'd Mazdas were all registered in 'Bama)...to avoid pesky emissions. Happy to be stationed back in the South so I can run a wide open exhaust. I'm not too worried about the exhaust at the moment.
I think I'd rather have the higher mileage without any issues than having to figure out what is wrong w/the lower mileage one...
As stated before, the mini specialist can give it a thorough looking over for me once its purchased...I think I see the path i'm probably gonna take. :p

 

So does anyone know what the P codes are?