Greetings! New member here on NAM...bought our son a used R53 (2005, manual 6-sp with about 150k on the odo) last year. He got his license back in Feb and we wanted to make sure he knows how to drive a manual (a rare thing these days). We actually found that it was significantly cheaper to insure this over a Civic, Mazda 3, or any other small cars you can find in a manual...apparently, there are way more teenagers driving those models which puts the model into a higher risk category.

Anyhow, he absolutely loves the car and I've been trying to help him work out some of the little things that seem to continually pop up with it...found a lot of help here on NAM already. So far, we got the frozen PS fan working again by removing and cleaning it, did a shade-tree mechanic fix with JB Weld to repair his broken glove box latch, still chasing the intermittent leak in the trunk, and we're going to install some Hella 500s as a Christmas gift. Like I said, even with all of the quirks...he loves it (and I get to occasionally hit the asphalt with it )!

Thanks!

 

Welcome to NAM! Nice looking MINI. Great color too. Keep doing your research on the leak. I know i read several posts on that leak but since I have not had it I don't remember what the fix was. It might be helpful to fill out your location so we know where you are located. You might have a MiNIac next door who can help you or recommend a local shop.

 

Thanks Mib...good point! I'll update the profile.

 

What a great first car! A few things to check for the leak are the rear sunroof drains, the third brake light, and the hatch handle.

 

Thanks RB...wish I had a car like that back in the day

We did replace the foam gasket behind the hatch handle and it seems to have gotten better, but still getting in occasionally from somewhere during major downpours. I'll check those out those possibilities!

Thanks!

 

Welcome and congrats on the R53.

For the rear handle , check out this.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...unlocking.html





Also not the rear sunroof drains and that third brake light seal are two other locations.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-problems.html

 

Welcome to NAM and looks like your son is loving his new MINI. For the trunk, be sure to check the seals (around the boot, etc) and rear sunroof drains to make sure they aren't clogged. I have seen an instance where the seals on the welds were allowing water in, but that is more rare to see. If you ever need help with fixes/repairs/parts please do not hesitate to shoot me a PM and I'd be glad to assist you. Enjoy!

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the insights...I may try to tackle some of this on my days off during the Holidays.

 

Is there a rubber plug for the third break light and wiper wire? Sometimes those get moved or just not sealed properly due to debris that might get pushed in.

Good move on your part with your son. Don't think anyone should learn to drive and not know how to operate a manual transmission. Did the same thing for my son. Not teaching that skill is really limiting for a driver and less fun overall. Automatics have their place. The one good example for automatics I can think of would be for those who must drive long slow commutes in traffic clogged cities.

Like others have said here, Mini is a fantastic first car. Imagine he's doing fine with the manual.

 

I absolutely agree...my older son's first car was an 87 Toyota Supra 5 speed that we found with about 70k original miles up in Nashville. It'll be with them forever, just like riding a bike.

 

Welcome.

 

That's an awesome first car and only 70k original miles? Any pictures of the Supra?

 

Anyone ever mistake your son for a 2 time Olympic gold medalist?

 

I couldn't place the face, but thought he looked familiar!

 

Welcome, we're just over in Atlanta if you need anything.