2003 MINI Cooper S (not safe to drive)
For Sale2003 Mini R53: "Mk I" Mini Cooper S
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Price
$2,000• OBO
- Location St. Louis, MO, 63143, USA
- Condition Used
- VIN WMWRE33493TD67670
- Mileage 104,324
- Engine 4 cyl
- Drive Type 2WD
- Transmission Manual
- Vehicle Type Hatchback
- Exterior Color Blue
Description:
LAST UPDATE: I’ve sold the car for $1,000 to a junk car buyer. The two people who expressed interest in restoring her couldn’t afford the repairs either.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I’ve added pics of the engine. Many thanks to Arman of MINI of St. Louis’s service department for the pics!
UPDATE: I’ve added more photos and the July 2, 2021 MINI dealership inspection report. That’s all the information I have right now. I’ll ask the dealership if they can take a photo of the engine and if I can get that, I’ll post it. Thank you to everyone for your interest in my sweet Lucy Blu.
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I need to junk my beloved 2003 MINI Cooper S, and I am soliciting bids. I am the original owner with clean and clear title. I have saved all of the repair paperwork over the lifetime of the car. I am posting here because I don't know if it might be worth something to another R53 owner.
It runs but it is not safe to drive due to critical front end ball joint and control bushing issues. It also has imminent strut issues, imminent O2 sensor issues, and other issues. I am junking it because I cannot afford the repairs and I have been advised that it is not safe to drive. The car is currently parked at the MINI dealership in St. Louis.
New in June 2021 (I got some bad advice on how long the car could last):
· tires
· OEM alternator
· Battery
· Drive belt
· Front and rear windshield wipers
Other than the needed repairs, it is in good condition. The exterior and interior are in good shape and clean. I have attached pictures.
Decal on passenger side door is from participating in a European road rally in June 2005. Nurburgring decal on back is from taking a spin around the track as part of the road rally. Started in England, took the Chunnel to France, then drove through Germany, Switzerland, over the Alps, Italy, and Monaco.
The car has never been in a major accident or suffered any other major collision damage. Driver side door replaced after sustaining cosmetic damage scraping against an old stone wall while touring Shetland Island (UK) in 2005.
The clutch was replaced in 2006 under warranty, at MINI of St. Louis.
Electrical system replaced in 2015 at MINI of St. Louis due to long-term water leak from hatchback brake light. I think the computer was replaced at that time too.
Exterior is the original electric blue, with a black top, sunroof, and the original racing stripes on the bonnet. Exterior panels are in good shape, except for the left rear panel, which has some bubble rust. There are a few minor paint chips on other panels. There are decals on the sunroof and rear windows. Windshield was replaced a few years ago.
Interior features:
· Original black leather seats in excellent condition; they have been covered for the lifetime of the car and maintained regularly
· original Harmon Kardon speakers
· aftermarket car seat covers are custom-made Wet Okole Hawaiian print neoprene seat covers. All but the driver’s side cover are in good condition
· aftermarket Pioneer radio/CD player w/Bluetooth/phone call capability, microphone installed
· aftermarket chrome rings on tachometer and odometer
· small aftermarket shelf in center console
· aftermarket interior “Cooper S” front floor mats
There is currently a safety recall for the power steering, which I did not have done but would be free.
The issues, according to MINI of St. Louis:
- rear brake lining 4 mm
- coolant leak t stat
- oil leaks v cover/pan/crank sensor seal o ring
- strut tops torn
- cabs torn unsafe./// router ball joints play
also the driver side window regulator is crap (I had this replaced twice and it still never worked properly). Somehow never had problems with the passenger side window.
I did not think to take pictures of the engine, unfortunately. If you want to swing by the dealership and take a look, I can ask Arman to let you have the valet key so you can pop the bonnet and check it out. Please only do this if you are serious, the dealership is being very kind in letting me keep the car there until I get it sold and I don't want to bother them unnecessarily.
The regular mechanic for the car since 2006 was Kuhly's in Quincy IL. (217) 223-6385 I don't know how much information you could get out of them, but you are welcome to call them and ask questions about the engine, they will probably help you if you ask nicely.
Thanks for the additional information. I'll give it some thought.
Free bump regardless!
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She’s my baby, and I wish I could have afforded to keep her running forever. But she’s at an age where she needs a lot of expensive work done, and I just can’t afford it.
Thanks for the bump.
BTW, also enjoyed your comments on rallying MINI-style across Europe including the Stelvio Pass which I did in 1981 on my then-new BMW R100RS moto as part of 3 weeks riding the Alps.
I do believe the car is worth more than $2,000, but that’s the high end of the trade-in value and about right for private sale value. I’m stuck with what will be offered, and unless a few people kindly start a bidding war, I’ll be lucky to get that. I’m not willing to engage in anything slimy to get more money out of the deal.
I’ll call the dealership Monday and ask if they are willing to run out, pop the bonnet and take a picture of the engine. If I can get that picture, I’ll add that to the sales posting too and update here.
