I have a friend.. Truly its not me.. That is looking at a yellow 2002 R53.

What should he be looking for when test driving?

Opinions on a 2002 R53?

He is strapped for cash...and this R53 is going for 10k. I don't know the mileage yet?

Would you recommend or steer clear? Why?

Thx
Jackson

 

Advising on a 2002 R53 is one thing, but the "strapped for cash" part of it makes it more difficult. Things can wear out or break in older cars, and MINI's are not so cheap to repair when something goes wrong.

This article lists some long term issues that you can check for: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/. Not mentioned but I would also add that suspension bushings wear out.

 

Would depend on the sale price and what service has been performed thus far.....maybe they have some repair records to examine ?

Supercharger service ?
Oil leaks/engine oil dampness fixes ?
Suspension components - Frt control arm/rear sway bar bushings ?
Engine suspension components ?
Manual trans fluid exchange ?
Leak down test ?

Even buying OEM parts for an 02' can be difficult. Back then MINI was working with more than one vendor for certain parts. E-brake handle and rear wiper motors for example. To some degree part numbers and can be difficult to decifer even by the dealer unless you actually pull the part and get a number off it. This makes aftermarket parts difficult at times.

Bottom line.....It's a BMW, and you should budget for it as such.

Good luck !

 

If it's a manual, give the clutch and transmission a good work out. If there are any red flags at all, your friend will probably be looking at big expenses down the road. Also check for a clicking sound in the steering column when turning at low speeds. This could indicate a bad fan, which is common and also an expensive repair. If you can, get a compression check done to find any oil leaks.

 

As grayraven noted, the 02 is kinda special for a r53...it was from the time mini eas learning how to build a car...
many parts were troublesome...many parts later changed for the rest of the r53 production...buying some items like suspension parts aftermarket might be hard dur to changes that occured in 02...many part listings list date "from xx/xx/02 production..
As such the car should be sold at a bit of a discount imo.
Early 02 cars, and all mini's varry in build quality lots....so look closely..
One 02 might be worth it...
Just seems $$ for a decade old car....

 

Great information being posted here for you. For 10k, I would definitely continue the search.

 

I got my 2002 r53 2 months ago for 8k with 100k miles.

i needed: tower braces, front end alignment, new tires, and an oil change.

it wants: 15% pulley, header, and exhaust.

oh which do i get first?