Here's the short story:

2004 Mini Cooper S. I purchased the car with 60,000 miles August 2009.
Love the car and added some mods including:

• CAI
• supercharger pulley

I ended up needing more room and got a different vehicle. The mini stayed in the family and had about 80,000 miles when I quit driving it in October of 2010. I handed the keys over and moved on.

Now I want my mini back. I picked the mini up and noticed some changes immediately. the current mileage is 83,000. Low miles I know, but here are the issues:

1. The oil leak which was small a year ago is getting worse. It is dripping from the back of the engine block, near the steering components. (in Texas with our 100F + days). I need to find out if oil was added and if so Im certain it was NOT synthetic. I ran only Mobil 1.

2. The car was being run on reg. pump fuel. I only ran premium. Keep oin mind that the car has increased boost from the supercharger pulley addition.

3. One engine mount was replaced and now the car makes noise when turning to the right side at low speed (passenger side mount was replaced).

4. The suspension needs to be restored/replaced. Im pretty sure the shocks are all gone, it rides really rough with no compression at all.

5. Im guessing all bushings also need replacing.

6. After running through the gears it really feels down on power. I'm considering a compression test after fixing the oil leak to determine if the motor is failing.

Some other minor issues: passenger front midrange speaker (HK) needs to be replaced, driver door lock sticks unless opened manually from inside, drivers side headlight used to flicker on and off randomly (hasnt happened since I started driving mini again).

I do realize that the supercharger pulley upgrade can shorten the life of the S.C.; This is why I always let the car warm up properly and short shift frequently. I cannot say that the past 3000 miles driven on the car were driven with the same care that I used.

The exterior of the car is in excellent condition! It really looks great for an 04'.


So the question is, " Take the car back and start the restoration?"

or pass and find another Mini, possibly a new mini eventually?

I can buy the car back for around $8000.

I am looking for an estimate on the above stated mechanical repairs. Mostly fixing a gasket(s), engine mount, replacing the shocks and bushings, and bringing the car back to its previous ride and performance.

I have a local shop who is great with Mini's without the BMW cost, so labor would be reasonable.

Thanks for your time to all who lend your knowledge.

 

All that happened in 3,000 miles?

 

Sound like it's been ran to the ground pretty hard in those 3k miles. It's kind of a toss up. Do you really love that specific MINI? Is it your baby? Or could you live with getting a better condition model? Also, if you do get a different MINI will you be putting the same price of modifications and work into the new one that it would cost to fix the one you already had?

It's definitely a lot to take in. I think one of the most important questions is...Will it still be the same car when you take it home, just like when you bought it the first time?

I wouldn't want to be in your position, good luck with your decision...

 

No kidding. If that's the case, whoever had it for those 3000 miles drove the crap out of it.

Walk away from it... no... run

 

In all fairness, the car had a slow oil leak when I owned it and the shocks were ready for replacement.
I just priced out some parts koni fsd, strut tower brace , strut reinforcementplates and front end alignment... Sorry iPad typing.

Looks like I'm around 1000 before going into the oil leak issue which would be the first issue.

I think the car is worth rough trade in which leads me to believe I should walk away and invest in a newer mini.

Please keep up any opinions an insights, thanks again mini fans

 

I could live with getting a newer mini if
1. I could do the pulley and cai mods again.
2. I could find a reasonably priced r53

I'm guessing the newer turbo models are not as easy to increase the boost?
This is a main reason for not walking away from this car.

 

I was just going to say that it may not be the new owner that's to blamed but rather simply the miles I'm general. The oil leak may be from the oil filter that wasn't tightened properly. I would definitely do a compression test but would not pass up on the car immediately. Just check it out to make sure nothing major is wrong. $8k is a great deal if nothing major is busted.

 

Ok +1 for keeping it.
The oil leak is my big worry. If it's not a major fix and it's a suspension rebuild, I will prob keep the mini.
Thx.
How do you like the M7 DFIC evasive?

 

LOL I actually sold it. Just haven't had a chance to update my signature. It was nice engine bling but I did not notice any real life street gain.

 

That sucks! I love your former MINI! I want to change all my chrome accents to black like yours. What product did you use to get so much shine on your paint job? I tried to wax mine but it doesn't look like that!

 

Update!
I degreased the engine yesterday, cleaned up the engine bay, and cleaned and re-oiled the air filter. I'm driving the mini today and I'll check to see if i can pinpoint the leak when I get home.
I also brought all four tires up to 42 psi (were at 32), and gave a full turn to the front suspension (stocker).
So far the car is Feeling much better on the front end including left and right turns.
The front end hops to the right considerably when hitting any abrupt changes in the road.
I'm thinking poly-bushings and replacing the driver side motor mount may cure the problem + front end alignment and strut tower brace.
Any suggestions on the front end diagnosis? Also feels the right front wants to wonder, maybe control arm bushings?

 

If you are going in and doing all the work to replace the control arm bushings, you should check or just replace all the ball joints as well. I have them all new in the box if you want to make an offer. =]

I also have poly front sway bushings, but I heard you have to keep them lubed up or they start making noise after a awhile.

 

just remember, when you buy another Mini you may have someone elses hidden problems. You pretty much know this car....I would keep it and fix the issues.