The people selling it are selling it as is... Tey want me to get it inspected, as they wont..

I ran the codes they are

P2096
P1692
P0302

It has 154k miles and they want 3k..

What do you guys think ? I am just curious as I am a newbie to minis.

Thanks guys

 

More info... Type of transmission? S or non-S?

 

Manual and an S

 

With that mileage, you need to invest in an evaluation by a competent Mini mechanic. It's only $3K (full blue book price) but it could be a $5K money pit.

 

I would concur with that statement...

Now the problem is finding one in my area LOL

 

If you are asking the question it probably means you should look for a car without issues at the start. The lure of cheap money upfront is enticing and often a wipeout.

 

I disagree on that front. I come from a mopar background and have built several motors for my old 2.4L turbocharged vehicle.

I'm asking because I'm new to minis.

 

Yeah I agree, you withheld that bit of info however. You know more about cars then I do. Go for it if, buy a Bentley manual. Offer less money for a problem car.

 

Never said that. That's the reason I came here to the forum to ask knowledgeable mini owners my friend

 

If you were a little closer I'd sell you mine.

 

I'd walk. These cars are complex enough that I don't think it's worth messing with one that is already broken.

But if you want a project, and you don't mind spending time and money on it, might be amusing to work on.

For wrenching, I prefer older cars.

 

A competent Mini shop can do a thorough inspection. But be prepared for a lot of things that need doing. At 150,000 you need control arm bushings and struts at least. And Mini's need regular and routine maintenance. Is it leaking oil? Has the power steering pump and fan been replaced? Supercharger belt and tensioner? Thermostat? Did you drive it?

Anyway....

P2096 Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean can be anything from a bad O2 sensor but I would bet an exhaust leak or failing injector. Which could also be the P0302, Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. For those you should at minimum do a compression and leak down test if anything is abnormal. And frankly low mileage stock injectors are cheap. Replace with new o-rings and new plugs and you may fix it. I can't find what P1692 is are you sure you got that one right?

Mini's are a blast to drive but even regular repairs are frequent. And without a full history, I have a detailed log with my "03 when I eventually sell it, there are too many things to worry about.

///Rich

 

P1692 electronic Throttle Control Monitor Level 2/3 Motorized Throttle Control and Fuel Injection Switch Off 'A'.

Some very good information HERE.

 

OP, the advice of getting someone very familiar with Mini's to do a PPI is a definite. How do you feel about the car? Does it appear that the car has been decently cared for? Have a Mini dealer run the VIN for you and get as much history on it as you can. This will tell you a lot. And it'll probably make you either feel good enough about the car to offer a price for it, or it'll make you run.

I just went through the same exact thing with my Mini about 6 months ago, so I know the feeling. Best of luck!

 

Get it inspected and get a code reader or get it read by a shop. Also getting the car up on the rack and doing a walk around will give you an idea of what needs done. Preparation is huge.

Good luck

 

I'm about to scrap my 2004..runs but needs a supercharger, radiator, a new headlight igniter. Oh, and the effing doors won't open. The really great news is that it's got about $3k in aftermarket parts and it's rust free. Seriously, I'm either going to scrap it or donate it to a vo-tech.
Breaks my heart because I really loved this car until the overly complicated stock stuff started failing. I mean, how difficult does a door mechanism really have to be?? And a $700 headlight??!?

 

This happens to all car's eventually. A decision to fix it or dump.

OP could probably buy this car under 3k since it has some problems, but lets say it's in exceptional shape inside and out cosmetically and buys for 3k. The cost of fixes probably 5-7k? So you end up with a 8-10k car that's still a hoot to drive.

You can go buy a new car. New Minis run 25-35k (or more) and come with "free" maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles. So that "free" maintenance costs a bit more to acquire by 15-25k more compared to the repaired 2004 Mini, if we're talking a cash deals or 0% loans.

I'm partial to repairing an R53 if it's in otherwise good shape. The economics of car ownership is generally not a great investment unless you are dealing with collectibles. Stay away from the rusty Minis you can find up in the northern areas of the country. But don't count them all out, since there are some that are put away for the Winter and never see road salt.

Just something to think about, and really comes down to how much you like that old Mini.

 

Agreed and you make a good point as far as new cars goes. I guess I'm really at that crossroads of "how much is it worth to me/how much will it cost to repair". I really do hate to let it go (basically give it away) because it is such a blast to drive and was a great car for almost ten years. I know that the engine is strong, that the brakes are great (EBC rotors/stainless lines) and that the transmission is strong. Hell, I even have new polyurethane bushings for the front end that were never installed.

Dang it, now I'm thinking about sinking $5k into it. Thanks a lot!!!

 

Sorry about that, but I've driven all generations of Mini, and the R53 is the best of them. 2nd Gens are ok and the New Big 3rd Gen is quite luxurious. 1st Gen is the best driver and look most Mini in character. Best interior of the bunch, too.

If all goes well later this Spring or early Summer, I might be on the hunt for a well loved R53 to fix up. Don't tell my wife, though. It's gonna be a tough sell, but I've never driven a car that gives so much back. Just plain grin making fun, period.