02 Mini with 158K miles rear ended and considered totalled. $8500 estimate. Should I junk it and buy new?

 

Steve: IMO -junk it. I have the same year S, and it still looks and runs like new, but I would junk mine if it was going to cost $8K to fix, even though it only has 71K miles. You likely (if you haven't alreadly) will have some pretty significant repair bills coming your way for maintenance, like a clutch and supercharger. I have heard of a few early S models going over 200K on mostly original parts, but I don't expect mine to last much longer than that.

On another note, I've heard of some pretty significant discounts on new MINIs if you're will to buy one off a lot.

BTW: Was anyone hurt?

 

No one was hurt. A really safe car.

 

Agree. The problem with rear-enders is that you can't just replace parts (like hood and fender. Glad you weren't hurt.

 

Scott: I vote to buy new as well. After that many years and miles on the '02, I think you deserve a new one. May you have many more years and miles of happy motoring.

 

It was a cool car, but time to move on. The newer Minis are probably better anyway.

 

Glad to hear that. These stout little cars will surprise. Here’s a NAM post of a Cooper that t-boned an SUV. You can see the SUV in the background. http://bit.ly/gKOH6n

 

By what standard? I know I speak for many R53 owners who would beg to differ. In your situation, I would take the insurance money and buy another R53. Any other model wouldn't even cross my mind.

 

Too late, Jazzop. Scott didn't waste any time buying a 2011.

 

The insurance company bought mine. I agree the '02 MINI was more like a Mini. The 2011 is heavier and a little bigger. It is faster though. Tough part with the wrecked one.