I have a 2005 R50 with 121k on her.
Body is mint (no rust), interior also perfect.
She is 100% stock and perfectly maintained.
Is it worth putting a 3rd clutch in now ($2,300)?
The KBB says she is not worth $5k at the moment.
Just don't like the looks of the newer MINIs (too bloated).
Also, this MINI was built to order, so everything is perfect (for me).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmy_racoon/4200578517/

 

05/06 R50 is the pinnacle of MINI purity, hang onto it. I bet you could get a clutch job from an independent shop for cheaper than that. Regardless, it's still cheaper than a new car, right?

 

You can get an oem clutch kit for around 300 so that's a serious labor charge. I'd go else where to get it done.

 

Hope things work out for the best and you keep your little car. It's a beauty.

 

KEEP THE CAR!!!!!

no reason to get rid of a perfect car just because of a clutch job. find some shop that will do it cheaper. or if you feel up to the task do it your self. not so hard just VERY time consuming as you need to take a lot of crap out first. i did it my self on my S.

 

Keep it! And, as others have said, shop around for the clutch job. You should be able to get it for around half that. Shoot, the labor charge for my CVT to 6-speed swap was $950, I know you're not getting a $1300 clutch, and a clutch replacement is less work.

And I completely agree with you on the looks of the 2nd gens - they certainly do look bloated!

 

Nice car. Find a good Indy ( it says he is in Mn - can anyone help him? ).

 

Gen1 R50's are (unfortunately) the highpoint of Mini styling and classiness. If you otherwise like the car, I'd fix it - if you continue to maintain and the tinworm is at bay, it probably is about at the bottom of its depreciation curve and might even start climbing a bit in value. But I'd consider a change in whatever is causing you to get 60K-mile clutch life - driving habits, mechanic changing the clutch, brand of clutch, etc.

- Mark

 

Jimmy, I agree with the previous posts regarding replacing the clutch. If there remains any doubt, take a look at the first year depreciation on a new car.

 

Another thing I was going to mention is that if the clutch is the only major item you've had to replace so far, you're probably a little lucky and you should probably expect other items - if having another $2K repair six-months after replacing the clutch is too much to bear, then sounds like you're ready for a newer car.

Having to sink what appears to be unreasonable amounts of money into maintenance and repair is par for the course with older cars, particularly Euro cars, and particularly Minis. It's still a lot cheaper than buying a new one, but it doesn't make economic sense if you plan on selling the car anytime soon - you've got to stay the course and get value by driving the car through these major repair hits. Some have the stomach for it, others don't... kinda like the stock market.

- Mark

 

I don't see why it's 2k for a clutch job. I wouldn't pay more than 700~ as a OEM clutch is around $200.
If i were you, i'd do the clutch, suspension, all wear parts and that would be around 2k, and you would have a reliable car for another 5~ years.

 

Keep The Car!!
Even if it costs 2K!! Thats a whole lot less than you'll pay for a new car!! Even a second hand car, that you don't know anything about..
Your happy with the car, besides that, right?

 

Why not???
In this day and age the car is about 50-60% through its expected life( if well cared for)...
Even if you are ready to move on....it is worth MUCH more as a driver, as opposed to a car that "needs work".

 

Go around to dealers or good specialists shops (and you want a VERY good shop for this repair) and see how many are willing to do a clutch for $700. My dealer wanted this much to replace a freaking wheel speed sensor.

- Mark

 

It all depends on whether the clutch is just starting to give warning signs of impeding replacement or is completely shot. If the first, you can usually unload the car and give the problem to someone else (I like to trade this sort of car and push the issue to the dealer); the second, yes, it is probably cost-effective to make the repair (as economically as possible) rather than sell "as is".

- Mark

 

Really appreciate the feedback and suggestions.
The plan is to replace the clutch, but also check for reputable independents.
Any recommendations for the Minneapolis geographic area would be helpful.
Thanks again, everyone...this MINI is staying on the road!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmy_racoon/4740747414/, on Flickr

 

Have you had a flywheel replacement?

 

Am I the only one that thinks it's strange for an R50 to go through 2 clutches in 121k? My CRX did 225 on one clutch (but three cheap and easy transmissions!)

 

not yet, but believe it is on the list for this next job

 

Were you bringing your MINI to the MINI dealership in Bloomington up to this point?

 

I just brought our 2005. MCS to Orr Autosport in eden prairie. We will see how they do, we had been bringing it to motor works until now. We have an extended warranty, so we thought it was the only choice. We are limited in the metro area on places to go. Orr specializes in MINI, BMW, and Audi.

 

Save the R50's! What a beautiful car- red with a white top (please tell me there's no sunroof in there) and holies to top it off. If you won't replace the clutch (and I hear you are going to) give it to me and I'll replace it!

Val

 

thanks!...no sunroof (as suspected) plus matching set of holie snow tires to boot!



yes, that is correct

 

My thoughts exactly. I got 125k on an 88 Hyundai Excel, 100k on a 66 VW. Something isn't right.

 

Heck the OEM clutch from factory should have lasted over 100K miles...were the other two fixes done by the dealer ? Did they use OEM trans. fluid ? If so, primary driver may be slipping the clutch during shifts increasing wear.

Also agree with post above, after two other burnt clutches the flywheel has to be toast.

She is a beauty, I'd do the replacement.