So I was excited to have found a 2003 MCS JCW with only 25k miles on it but yesterday I went to Seattle Mini and Ouch!
Need to replace Steering fan, front strut mounts are domed, lower control arm bushing need changing and then wheel alignment for now. They still have the car and belt tensioner and/or alternator will probably need to be replaced. That's on top of the tires I already knew I had to replace!

So far Seattle Mini (Raychel in Service) has been GREAT. They gave us a brand new 2011 mini as a loaner while the car is being worked on.

Anyway do you guys have good recommendations for new tires? I'm not looking to race so I need a good all around type tire for 17" wheels.

 

Suggestions on a couple of these:

front strut mounts are domed - seach for threads about 'mushrooming'. It is a common malady and I'll bet the dealer is planning to charge a LOT more than is necessary. You can fix this with a big hammer .... but then it is highly recommended you add some form of a strengthing plate to prevent its comming back - available from a couple of vendors.


lower control arm bushing need changing - yes sadly the font lower control arm bushing is a weak item on the GEN1 and while the replacement is possible as a DIY it takes effort and tools. The factory procedure involves dropping the front subframe and that equals time and money - this job can be done without this tho and it may be worth asking around for a recommendation for a MINI or BMW savy mechanic in your area. I got this job done for about 1/3 what the dealer was going to chanrge. Also the dealer is most probably going to put in the same rubber bushing that doesn't last. A poly such as the one available from PowerFlex is a highly recommended alternative.

and then wheel alignment for now. - lots of discussions about this too as the dealers tend to charge several times the going rate. They claim the MINI needs special equipment which is a crock.


Anyway do you guys have good recommendations for new tires? I'm not looking to race so I need a good all around type tire for 17" wheels. see the zillion threads in the tires and brakes forum . . . or call tire rack and talk it over with them

 

Thanks for the details. I need to do some homework on tires. I have been looking at M7 and I was thinking of getting the strut tower brace after everything is straightened out. although I'm not sure if I need the Brace or just re-inforcement plates.
Man and I thought I was spending money in my Jeep before!

 

Mini's can drain a bank account in a flash.
Do some research before spending your money.
Some accessories are great and work very well, others are just junk.

 

Sounds like lot of things need to be done... I am sure u can find one more wit less problem!?

 

sounds like the car was really abused in the 23K miles its done.

 

I got my car back today!!
I have ordered the reinforcement plate with the brace from M7. Should get these next week hopefully it won't mushroom again until then!
I'm still looking at tires and I think I'm leaning towards the Continental ExpressContact but someone also recommended Toyo Proxis. There are so much different opinions it's really hard to decide. The dealer recommended the Continental.