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Hi Everyone, it's my first post. I have a 2005 S that I love, but it needs many repairs (clutch, water pump, power steering, cooling system, etc) that will total around $10,000.
I drove a new S, a loaner, while my car was being looked at, and I didn't like the feel of it, or the sound, nothing. So, am I crazy to consider repairing this car??
I'd appreciate any sincere input.
Thanks,
Bill
Welcome to NAM, Bill. Do you feel that you can work on your R53 and do these repairs yourself? If so, coupled with the help of NAM and our tech articles and cheaper parts pricing, you would spend much less than that. You're not crazy as many people go this route to fix up their MINI's. You also have the option of finding a competent MINI independent repair facility that can also help bring down the repair costs. You can use this site here to help you find one near you. Let me know if you have any questions or need any parts for your project.
I would get a second opinion at at good independent MINI shop. Dealer pricing is usually very high... at least I think so because I'm always hearing "are you high?" when I'm around a dealer service department.
Also, what is the production date of your MINI? If it's Feb '05, or before, then the power steering pump has been recalled. If not, see if the dealer will make a concession under the special extended warranty previous to the official recall. Cars not within the range of either were supposedly handled on a case by case basis.
That's a steep quote even for a dealer, new clutch assuming the flywheel is good is $100 for a Luk kit, plus 10 hours labor at the shop of your choice. So unless it's 9,000 for the rest of the repairs you should be in for abut 3,000 at most.
If you're not happy with the direction Mini is going why not consider something else instead of dumping a lot of money in your present car? Miata and FR-S are just two cars that deserve looking at. There are many others, depending on your budget.
Ship it to us in Atlanta we can do all those repairs for way less than half that including shipping it to us.
We just did a restoration on a 2004 MCS and his bill was just under $10k and we did everything clutch, diff, complete suspension, headliner, gaskets, hoses all of it.
Other than those mechanical fixes that need to be done, what kind of condition is your Mini in? Many on this forum have decided to fix.
A new car is more costly up front and you probably aren't going to like it as much. R53 is a drivers car. Lots of suggestions above on saving money by doing yourself or using an independent shop. We don't have a Mini dealer here in Maine, but we have a really good independent that saves on average 35 to near 50% on repairs, compared to the nearest Mini dealer service.
Repair it. It is I a lot cheaper than buying a new one. You will be better off spending the of money needed for the repair. You definitely need to get a second opinion. That is way too much money.
