Hey guys just picked up my first 2003 mini cooper s with 163k on it, guy I got it from said it ran but needed timing chains. Not being familiar with these and the car only being 900 bucks I picked it up. I'm pretty sure it has a rod knock and is gonna need a motor so now I'm torn between fixing it up or sending it to the junk yard. I wanted to join here to get some insight or maybe a used motor. Alittle About me, I'm a tech for kia, used to work for gm as well as land rover, I live in the terrible state of Illinois lol and i like to autocross and get out to hpde days, Which is why I bought the mini.

 

If you have to pay others to "fix it up", IMO its the junk yard route. If you can do the work yourself and have some cash laying around, put an engine in it. Either way it does not sound as if this is a money making endeavor if it is indeed a rod.

But then any of us here that have taken the "mod" route do so as a labor of love and not for the money.

And remember the way you end up making a small fortune in racing is by starting with a large fortune . . . . .

 

 

I checked those links as soon as I saw the post, id be doing all the work myself, so 1200 isnt bad. I just dont wanna get too wrapped up in a 900 dollar car. I found out the power steering pump is no good as well. Looks like this ones a real winner

 

Once you drive a good running MCS, it will change you! You will fix it and buy others to add to your family!
I am a gen 1 guy all the way!

 

Welcome to the forum
I've never had a vehicle for that price, so I would check into finding what has to be done before sending it to the junk. Had a truck for 1,100, threw in another 2,000 and used it for 5 years before getting another. It drew your attention, so there's something that you seen in it.

 

I saw a 900 dollar car that potentially only needed a 250 dollar timing kit, my bad

 

Just a thought, but could you get $900 out of this car by selling the parts off it and buy another one that needs less work?

 

Have any picks of your $900 Mini?

 

Thanks for the mention! We do have some R53 engines available. I'll send op a pm now.

 

2003 R53 with only 163K miles... for $900.00, as long as the body is straight, I would fix it as a dedicated track day car...

Is it worth it, you are the only one that can make that claim.

It can be a pain in the rear or a labor of love.

Motor On!

 

So Im gonna try this again next Saturday, going to look at a 2006 mcs with 144k ok it. Its a 6 spd in British racing green and has had the power steering pump replaced as well and the supercharger rebuilt and some other maintenance too. Im hoping to pick this car up for $3800, there isn't any rust, and the interior looks good too. As for my $900 dollar paper weight, I may keep it as a parts car or part it out. Thanks for all the input and guidance with looking for a motor

 

Good luck!

 

I wish you the best on another Mini S!
Keep us posted and show us some pics of your find!

 

This is the one I've got my eye on

 

Hi MiniMark89,
05 and 06 are the best years and I am sure, if this one runs well, would be a great candidate!

 

Thats what I've been reading, this will more then likely be a 3rd car and will hopefully be a track / autocross toy. Ive always liked this platform and wanted to own one which is why when I saw one for $900 I jumped at it. Something about nimble quick hatchbacks just appeal to me.