Have a chance to get a 04 Electric blue Copper S that hit a deer, it sustained front and right door damage. The engine runs and I can see the innercooler, radiator/mounting and other damage the engine runs and drives, mileage is 79000. The car has (had) HID lights also, so for 2500.00 I can pick this up with a clear title (no insurance coverage) looking for advise as to doing the deal, I currently drive a 02 Base model as can do most automotive work.

 

I would buy it if it is a 6 speed manual.

 

Also, while doing the crash damage repairs you could service the supercharger water pump drive, replace the water pump and a lot of other minor potential faults.

 

It has the 6 speed manual, any other things to consider?

 

How hard is it to replace the radiator support cross member?

 

once you remove the bumper it's like 6 bolts/nuts.

unless you're talking about the plastic bit that actually supports the radiator in which case it's only a few more bolts plus if it has fog lights you have to take those out and transfer them.

 

Not hard but it depends on where and how hard the Mini was hit. You probably will need to take the car to a frame rack to repair damage to the frame rails. I take my damaged Minis apart then bring the cars to a body shop that I know with only OEM parts so that there is no excuse for the repairs not fitting the new parts. Do you have photos of the deer damaged Mini?

 

It hit on the hood the bumper was not damaged, radiator and mounting area was broken along with the plastics around the intercooler. The hood will open and shut but banged up passenger mirror was broken also. I don't believe their was any frame damage from what I can see, as stated the bumper was undamaged. Most is limited to cooling system and intercooler. Now comes looking for parts, my first area is to get all engine compartment area done and running before the body swork starts.

 

Not sure if you bought this or not but it seems like an okay deal not great. There is a lot of work and who knows how much true damage there is. If you are time rich and money poor than I guess this is a good option. With just your descriptions I call this about 6,000 in damage if repaired by a shop. Give them $1,500..I mean the number of people wanting to buy a wrecked car is pretty limited.

 

that thing will never drive straight.
sell your current cooper, buy a proper, undamaged used one.

 

After getting the car up an in service mode, replacing the radiator and ic should be pretty easy. I would do some basic maintenance while the car is apart. Check out Pelican Parts, I like them because its one stop shop for OEM parts and a few aftermarket parts. They will have all the gaskets, bolts etc you'll need to get it done.

The body is the issue. If its just the hood maybe go aftermarket; check to see if fit could be an issue. The mirror can be found online and should be an easy fix depending on how the damaged it is. Hard to tell without pics but if you can do most the work its a good deal and a good way to get to know your new Mini.