Hey everyone,

It's been a while since I've been on this website, but it seems to be just as busy and friendly as it was when I had my MCS back in the last decade. I've always wanted to get back into another R53 and wanted to get everyone's opinion on what to look for. It would seem the 05-06 are more attractive, as they have the possible LSD, shorter gearing, and better build quality than the earlier cars. I have a side hustle that involves repairing cars, and have my own garage to do work on any car I get, so I don't mind getting something with a worn out clutch etc..

However, I am finding cars with a huge spread in price. On CL, they're either super high mileage, or really expensive. I can't seem to find any cars in between. I've been following for sale threads on here, but there's definitely a bit of a premium for them. Any other places I can look? I've been reading some great rebuild threads and would love to do the same.

I originally had a 2003, and put a 19% pulley, with GIAC tune, HAI, and an exhaust, and the car was great. Is that still the go-to tune for one of these, or have people moved away from that? Any insight would be greatly appreciate!

 

Good luck with your search, I also keep an eye out on www.cars.com and depending on the shape and mileage are big factors, and of course the emotional connection it has with the owner.

I have paid $7500.00, $2999.00, and $1500.00 for my 2004 MC40s, all based on the overall condition.

Three of my four MINIs I found on www.cars.com.

Motor On!

 

What's your budget? What do you consider to be "super high milage"?
+1 on Cars.com They have a pretty good warranty.

If you're good with a wrench, a 100,000+ mile car shouldn't be a deal-breaker. My '06MCS has 153,000 miles . Aside from the normal rock chips, there were/and still have not been any issues.
Included with the car was very well documented on the service history.

 

Welcome back. Cars guru and cars.com are good places as well as the NAM marketplace.

 

I would suggest looking around till you find the exact car that fits your wants. Also keep looking in MINI clubs and groups as you may be able to find a car that has many normal maint items already done that would save you a bunch right off the bat even if you pay more upfront.

As for tuning we have advanced much over the years and so much more avail as a GIAC tune only changed the timing and rpm limiter.

 

Thanks, I will check out the website for any good deals. I take it that you traveled to get your cars?
Thanks or the info. Yeah, I'm not really going by mileage, more about what has been already done to the car and how thorough the past owner was. The people who have taken really great care of their cars and don't want 30-40% over resale value are the ones I'm looking for. The gap between the beaten up cars with no service history and the loved cars at a serious premium is very small!
Thank you, I will check out those sites!
Thanks, yeah, I will be keeping my eyes peeled! I am glad that they've broken 'the code' with the ECU. Is Jan still big? Do people still argue over the non dampened crank pulleys?

 

Welcome

 

It's relatively easy to inspect wether or not the car has been raced or abused. Check under the hood for any aftermarket items. Look at the tires for odd/uneven tire wear. Check the oil/dipstick for any anomalies. Check the coolant.
If it generally looks stock, chances are, the car hasn't been raced.

Unless there's service history, the only thing that I'd replace is the supercharger. The average home mechanic won't be servicing/replacing it any time soon.

There's no need to rush in on a purchase. You don't want to me inheriting someone else's mess.

 

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QUOTE=Soul Coughing;4361963]Hey everyone,

It's been a while since I've been on this website, but it seems to be just as busy and friendly as it was when I had my MCS back in the last decade. I've always wanted to get back into another R53 and wanted to get everyone's opinion on what to look for. It would seem the 05-06 are more attractive, as they have the possible LSD, shorter gearing, and better build quality than the earlier cars. I have a side hustle that involves repairing cars, and have my own garage to do work on any car I get, so I don't mind getting something with a worn out clutch etc..

However, I am finding cars with a huge spread in price. On CL, they're either super high mileage, or really expensive. I can't seem to find any cars in between. I've been following for sale threads on here, but there's definitely a bit of a premium for them. Any other places I can look? I've been reading some great rebuild threads and would love to do the same.

I originally had a 2003, and put a 19% pulley, with GIAC tune, HAI, and an exhaust, and the car was great. Is that still the go-to tune for one of these, or have people moved away from that? Any insight would be greatly appreciate![/QUOTE]

 

I've just returned to MINI ownership too (yesterday) and I was finding a lot of price variation and condition variation too. It's hard to find a quality car for a reasonable price. But I found mine by checking the websites often, as once a good car with a reasonable price is posted they are snapped up quickly. Welcome back, and good luck.