Year: 2003
Make: MINI
Model: Hardtop
Price: $1500
Mileage: 130000
Color: Liquid Yellow
Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing
Location (Region): West

Hey guys. My LY/B MCS got smashed on Sunday by a dude in a Jeep with a ram bar who just "didn't see" me. I've been thinking about either buying it back from the insurance company and either parting it out or selling the entire car.

I bought it with 105k, it now has 130k, and I've put over $2k into her in the last 8 months. Oil was changed during my ownership every 5k miles. Was literally serviced by MINI North Scottsdale two weeks ago for the power steering recall. Only ~100mi on the pump and fan!!

The following are the only parts not available (damaged in accident):

Rear bumper, trunk/hatch, RR tail light, RR fender, front bumper, hood, side scuttles/side scuttle turn indicator covers, radiator, radiator fan assembly, a/c condenser/associated lines

I have replaced the following parts within the last 20k miles:

• OEM timing chain tensioner
• OEM heat exchanger
• Victor Reinz crankshaft position sensor o-ring
• Victor Reinz oil pan gasket
• Lemfoerder inner & outer ball joints
• Cardone Select CV axles
• WJB hubs/bearings
• KYB strut mounts
• OEM glove box
• Driver side window regulator
• Passenger side window motor
• PelicanParts aftermarket fuel cap (in German )

It has also been lightly modified with the following parts within the last 20k:

• BSH lower motor mount
• TSW passenger motor mount
• PowerFlex transmission mount insert
• PowerFlex lower control arm bushings
• 2006 MCS bypass valve (~35k mi, ~10k mi with Operation VGS)
• Redline tranny fluid

Additional Notes:

• Black leather seats (front driver side has tear on bottom seam, otherwise immaculate)
• 17" Alloy S-Lite Wheels (light curb rash on all four)
• recently refreshed fender flares
• the dashboard was literally split along that horizontal seam by the force of the impact....i'm sure a bit of glue would make it a clean replacement for one that is scratched, damaged, etc
• headliner is saggy (adds character)
• missing some interior trim (for middle a/c vent, cupholder) due to recent...bad decisions while painting bits..lol
• the entire subframe can theoretically come out and be transplanted in a car to give it new power steering and suspension bits. Might be a good way to refresh an old MINI!

Put your name down in this spreadsheet

...and if ~40% of the car gets spoken for, I'll buy it back and part it out to you guys. Please strikethrough any items that you are calling "dibs" on, and make sure you write what you want in your line in the request spreadsheet. The only way to guarantee I remember what you need is if everyone's requests are in one place. PLEASE USE THE SPREADSHEET!

Shipping is to be paid by buyer, shipped from Phoenix, AZ (85308).

Totally willing to work with buyer on shipping method, meeting halfway (if relatively reasonable), discounting if buying multiple items, etc. Let me know!!!

Alternatively, you're also free to PM me an offer for the entire car. The worst I can say is no. But I mean, I know what just the engine alone goes for on Ebay, so let's not be insulting, yea?

(Any advice on logistics, including storage, transportation, methodology will be heavily appreciated! I'm know I'm trying to minimize headache and cost on my end; but I haven't the slightest clue about how to ship an engine, transmission, etc.)

 

So... did you buy it back?

 

No, unfortunately. They wanted over $3k for it because I argued to get more money in the settlement. I ended up buying a 2003 DG/W in December of last year instead, quite similar to yours actually. Except I did so in a total rush because I needed another car quickly, rode a Greyhound bus (twice, the first time the oil pressure light went on) to California, and managed to ignore telltale signs of abuse--epoxied on mirror, whining transmission, motor rocking around, temperatures not holding steady, hole in rear quarter panel, etc.

I'm now 3k deep in a 3k R53 as a college student...and it's transmission finally went out last week. Replacing the trans and all the associated parts in the coming weeks, RIP savings.

tldr; When a car gives you bad vibes, do not hesitate to turn around. Never think that you'll be able to save a car from bad ownership--bad ownership taints the car for the rest of its life.

 

Wow, this thread is a throwback. I really miss this car...all I ever had to do was change the oil.