Alright, after my little dumbazz mistake with my oil filter, I decided to start looking for an R53 again instead of something else. Naturally, there are next to none in my area and fewer yet are affordable. About the only one half in my price range is an 03 S with ~62k miles. I've looked over used cars before but am wondering is there any specific R53 things to check out. I got lucky with no real issues with my current ride. *Knocks on wood*. Here it is:
http://faulknercioccavw.vinmanagersi...spx?ID=2919954

 

Holy basic "S", Batman! Looks nice, no sunroof, and looks to maybe have the sport pack from that year (DSC, xenons, fogs). Good color too.

Check normal used car stuff, "the usual suspects" like clean and adequate fluids, tire and brake wear, overall condition. May pay to have a Mini mechanic look it over or check the VIN to see how it was serviced. Ask to talk w/ the previous owner. As for typical Mini stuff, do a search on "high mileage" to see what other owners have experienced and go from there.

 

Here you go:

MotoringFile » MINI R50/R53 Buyers Guide

 

I got a 04 MCS 50K miles for 17,800. If you could, try to find 05+

 

Believe me, I want to. But, those don't exist in my price range.

 

Miles seem a little high...does it come with a used car warranty (some do, some don't). The milage combined with it being pre-05 would make me want one, even if it's just 30k or so.

 

I don't think it does which is why I'm a little leary on it. It has a clean 1 owner CarFax that shows maintanance being done at a MINI dealer but there are some gaps. Were the oil changes skipped or done at home? Who knows....