So guys,

I'm in a tight spot. I own a 2005 R53 with 163k miles.

Why am I in a tight spot?

Well, I was just browsing around and I saw a 2002 R53 with the JCW aero kit for $6000 with 65k miles on it and it looks totally badass.

Should I buy the damn thing, put all the stuff I have on mine to that one and then sell mine and pay that one off? Or should I just keep mine and forget about the whole idea?



Pros and cons are very welcome.

 

Is the 65k Cooper automatic or manual?

 

Its a manual. It has stripes, but those can be taken away and polished

 

It looks real clean. You might have a clutch replacement coming depending on how hard it was driven. Do you personally know the owner or how many owners it's had? It looks nice!

 

It has only had 2 owners, that's what the autocheck says (I'm the 6th owner on mine lol). It came from NYC (after 8 years) down to Vero Beach, FL for the last 4 years. Its at a local dealer here. I'm gonna drive it Friday and check it out, give it a looksee. Check for oil leaks, and for all the suspension components and see if there is any rust. Too bad its not a JCW, but it does have the magnaflow exhaust.

 

That's good that it's been in Florida. No ice and salt=less chance for rust. I'd say the main concern is the tranny, but you'll be able to feel that when you test it out. Let me know how it turns out!

 

Question...
If you like your current car...you could save up some $$ for an engine swap...if the rest of the car seems OK...
Good cars are driven...
Iffy cars often sit...in airplane talk, we call them hanger queens....even a turd can be made shiny!!
Only you know your cars status...
But ALL R53 cars were 6 speed sticks till 2005, but 2005+ cars got better gearing....the auto was not an option till 2005...
Build quality by 2004 was pretty good....
2002 years cars are often priced pretty low...
Often many things are kinda nonstandard....mini was still figuring out how to make cars, and "improving" compotents as some failed it caused issues...
The rattle prone 5 part dash on the older cars is a great example... Vs the newer 3 part one on the refresh cars....many other items...door handles froze on older cars...2005+ cars got better ones, internally AND EXTERNALLY....
I'd read the motoringfile buyers guide....lots of items are issues on the older cars...especially the earliest production cars..so DO CHECK THE DOOR JAMB DATE CODE....

 

PS
As for rust...
Your 2005 still has the 12 year warrenty...
The 2002...nope.

 

You've got a lot of good points there. I really don't want to do an engine overhaul lol. I loled at the shiny turd comment, I've seen many of those and that's why I want to see the car first and drive it. I also work on the aviation side so I'm familiar with the "hangar queen" term because I work with on the simulation side though.

I get a lot of mixed feelings when it comes to changing cars, but 163k on the chassis of my car is well, is a lot.

 

I can't gather the courage to even think about swapping my 02 for a facelift or any other R53. Why? Coz we thoroughly know each other. It's a keeper. Call me stupid & sentimental.

 

You're stupid and sentimental...... I kid I kid! Hahahaha

I totally agree with you. There is some sentimental value to a car I have put effort in. Still, it's a material thing and it comes and goes. And all that effort will be transferred to the prefacelift lol. :D I'll have two MINIs for a while until I sell my high mileage Mini..if it comes to that and the car is as good as it looks. If it's a shiny turd I will not buy as simple as that.

 

Manny

I really like your car. If you really want that kit, then buy that 2002 and take the kit off it and part out the 2002 car keeping all the best parts for your 2005.

Everyone knows that the 05/06 are better in almost every way.

Simple examples Steering wheel, Transmission ratio, clock placement etc etc.

 

Well.....

$6K ... hmm how much would it cost you to just outright buy the JCW Aero Kit and the other odds and ends this one could offer you?

When it comes to asking about cost effectiveness of one car for parts... I found that even with a small amount of work and willingness to pay for work being done that I do not have time nor the inclination to do myself... I find that I tend to just repair them and add them to my growing stable ... that reminds me I need a larger garage.

If all you want is the parts, it may be cheaper and easier to just get them and add them one by one... stretching out the financial commitment ... if funds are tight.

No matter what you do, I bet you will have a blast.

Motor on!

 

1. Front suspension was modified to prevent "pull left" problem in March 2002
2. No manual boot release was fitted by the factory until October 2002
3. Alloy Pedals weren't standard equipment on Cooper S models until December 2012
4. The power steering fan shared the same electrical circuit as the radiator fan until January 2003
5. Due to customer complaints regarding the "bone jarring ride" of 17" wheels with runflat tires, the oil viscosity and valve structure of shock absorbers was changed in May 2003
6. The power steering fan was unprotected by a grille until October 2003

With the exception of the "bone jarring ride" (I'm running 16" wheels and will eventually fit Koni FSDs), I've addressed all these issues on my May 2002 build MCS.

My MCS has a JCW Tuning Kit fitted and has just over 60K on the clock. I wouldn't trade it for a facelift R53.

 

I don't mind some of these things, as they have a solution. But maybe the other owner already took care of them , you never know. I'm aware of the differences.

 

The AERO kit will be expensive to buy and to paint and get fitted...maybe $2k total. Plus I'm looking also at the mileage of the engine, a mildly used engine will cost anywhere from 1.5k to 3k. For 6k or 5.5k I can get a car with less mileage on the chassis and engine and with the JCW aero. That's my reasoning behind it. But the car can be a "shiny turd" as our friend said, so that is why I will go see it first and drive it.
Really transferring all my upgrades over to this one would be the way to go and then get mine as close to stock to possible to sell it.

 

I really like my car also, thanks. Paying 6k for the other car and parting it out, plus painting the JCW kit black.... that's gonna be expensive imo.

I'm aware of the changes in the cars, but it doesn't make them that much different...The steering wheel can be found anywhere if I don't like it much :D maybe from another car you part out lol.

How much of a difference does the transmission gear ratio make, is it thaaaaaat much of a difference?

 

Hey! I'm with you... as you can see by my signature block I have a few...
#24 was a "ST" when I got it, it has been resurrected and has 244K miles on it, and I expect it to blow up on the race track ...
#211 was mechanically sound but had some major paint issues, it is to has been resurrected and it also may find its death on the track ... it has 142K miles.

Both cars have been worth the investment, I don't plan to resale them, I got them because most tracks are no longer letting convertibles unless with full cages out on track... so... hence the MC40s.

I priced some half scale race cars (MiniCup and Baby Grand) and it is cheaper to just get an older car and convert it. Most tracks have things you can do from the Track Day (stock) to full race conversion.

So if you can afford it... get it and do your part swaps and keep them both until you are given an offer you can't resist for the less favorite.

Best of luck.

Motor on!

 

Two of those issues are for stock suspension. I don’t think any MINI enthusiast worth is salt is seeking out some stock shocks and bushings.

The power steering fan, does anyone still have his or her original fan? The 05-06 fans still **** the bed just the same even with the grill.

Cooling fan-wiring update already done so scratch that one off this list.

Alloy pedal covers, again no care. They don’t make the car any faster.

Steering wheel is an easy swap.

The clock I could care less about

Gear ratio change was only done because grandmas were stalling in first gear. I don't have any problems.

There seems to be this on going myth that 05-06 cars are way better. There really not all that better the major issues with these cars were never fixed.

The supercharger still will **** the bed
The power steering pump will still **** the bed
The oil seals will all **** the bed just the same
They still catch on fire


The 05-06 has the distinction of having throwaway keys when the battery in them finally dies.

 

Can't argue w/ you there, nicefeet.

 

I'm still on my original but have only put just over 60K miles on the car. I hope the power steering fails before July next year so I can get a replacement before the 13 year extended warranty expires.

I prefer the clock location in pre-facelift cars. The relocation to the speedo in facelift cars was done for cost-cutting purposes.

Agree

 

So guys, I went and saw the car, drove it and drooled for a while.

HOLY S$^@T this thing felt totally different, in a good way. My only concern is that I'm not in love with the blue/black leatherette interiors and there seems to be some minor cosmetic things that have to be taken care off.

The thing drove a LOT better than my current car, I have no idea why...but it felt more MINI in its own way and gave me more confidence while driving it. It has absolutely no leaks, coolant level was good, power steering had been changed under warranty, no rust at all, the window and the sunroof worked perfectly smooth. I did not see if it had an aftermarket dampener though, this can be changed later and is not really that hard to change. The transmission shifts great and the engagement of the clutch is shorter than my current setup. What really motivates me is how mechanically safe it feels, cosmetic things are the least of my concerns right now.

My strategy is to wait out 2 weeks and if they have not sold it then go with a lump sum over to the guy and say this is what I have, take it or leave it.

There are some changes that my girl and I have planned for it if we get it. Black roof and side view mirrors will be the first to be taken care off though.

You guys are awesome, thanks for the feedback and for your opinions, they are really valued.

I could really feel the 100k mile difference to be honest.

The interior is what is holding me

 

Interior?No mods=no fun, Manny. Enjoy making it your own. I've driven quite a few used facelifts that couldn't compare w/ my old 02. All boils down to maintenance.

 

Yup...sounds like a good car from your check of it! Good luck picking it up! Great to hear it impressed you!

 

Manny we can change over that whole interior in one day, so please dont even consider that a problem.