Took my 2004 R53 to a shop today to have some things investigated and got the news: ~$1,700 worth of work to be done, plus a rattling clutch throwout bearing that's a harbinger of a $2,500 clutch replacement down the road (139,000 miles on the original clutch so I'm not complaining).

The thing is, I kind of like hearing about expensive repairs now! I've become a MINI masochist. I'd be relieved if there were nothing expensive to be done, but some sick part of me would be disappointed, too - like it's a badge of honor to keep spending money keeping my car in a state of good repair.

Maybe this comes with being the original owner of an old little car. I don't know. I do know I'd rather drive this car and spend $3,000 on repairs this year than spend that money making payments on anything new. And it's a good thing, because 14-year-old cars that need their clutches replaced aren't worth much these days.

 

You make an excellent point! I have a part of me that wants new new new and another that says what's wrong with you this is paid for 🙄🤔

 

You have the right attitude - it's paid for, so why not keep it running? Who wants to make payments on a car that won't make you smile. You're doing well to be still on the original clutch, look at your repair cost this way: ($1700 + $2500)/139,000 miles = $0.03/mile. Get it fixed up and drive it for another 100K miles.

 

We see this all the time as people often are surprised with what their car needs.

Just make sure you are doing them in the right order. If you need a clutch many things like powerflex front control arm bushings, ball joints, steering hoses, and more will have the labor overlap with the clutch to save you a lot of money.

 

With this bill, you could buy another mini.

If you're serious about the repairs, get more estimates from other shops or find a local enthusiast who could do the work for half that.

 

I appreciate your advice, but with my car I know every mile of its history, every service and repair. When I'm told the valve cover gasket is leaking, it's awfully nice to check my spreadsheet and be able to see it was last replaced 6 years ago, for instance. Or when a window regulator needs to be replaced and "might as well replace the window motor while we're in there", and I can look to see the motor already was replaced recently. Any other R53 would come with the mysteries all used cars come with - and at some point it would require all these same repair expenses!

 

Thanks! Steering hoses were replaced recently, but I'll be sure to research things to replace/upgrade when the clutch finally gives up. I'm only driving about 5,000 miles a year these days so it hopefully could be a while.

 

I'll be at about $19,000 total in services and repairs since 2004, so $0.14/mile overall. I stopped tracking gas and insurance on my spreadsheet a while ago, otherwise I'd give a total cost of ownership. It's probably around $0.60/mile, including paying for the car in the first place.

 

You're not a masochist until you work on these cars and do the repairs yourself.

 

 

Working on a mini not really that hard. If you have a little time and tools. You would be amazed what you can find out.on here or YouTube. You can do the clutch yourself. I just did the control arm bushing an ball joint along with the hubs an brakes all around. Not really hard. Just need the right tools an love for your mini