It's been a very long time since I've been around these forums. I parted with my 2005 R53 about 5 years ago when it became a bit impractical for me. It was a painful day when I sold the car, and I told the new owner that if he ever was to sell her to contact me first. Well, I got a message from him last week, and he's ready to move on. It looks like he's taken very good care of the car, and I'm in a position to purchase it back if I want to. What I would like to hear from this community is your advice on what you would do in this situation.

As a matter of history, I ordered the car back in the summer of 2004. It was one of the first 2005 builds, prior to having the availability of the rear fog light, but during the coveted free anthracite headliner days. I was a faithful member of the former MINI Motoring Club of Utah, and took the car with my wife on the first MINI Takes The States - even got to ride the roller coaster in Nevada with the then president of MINI NA.

The car was very special to me, and we shared both great and not so great experiences. From phantom dash rattles that an amazing tech took hours to locate and eliminate, to the dreaded power steering failures and window motor burn outs. But through it all, I still fantasize about charging down the 101 with 800 additional MINIs, asking an extra 90 minutes to get to work when I just had to go driving up a canyon, and the long stares backwards after parking the car - every time.

The purchase would be purely emotional, and I'm worried that time has blinded me to some of the more painful and expensive realities of R53 ownership, but I may be ok with that in the end.

What would you do? What advice would you give me in th situation?

 

It's rare that any of us ever get an opportunity to get back into a favorite, previously-owned car. More than that, you're the original owner!

Do it!

 

I wish I could have the opportunity of owning a brand new R53. With everything working, I imagine ownership would be the most amazing thing ever.

But to be perfectly honest, time doesn't treat these cars well. I love the R53, and I would buy one again in a heartbeat, but I have had to fix so many things in my fourth months of ownership. I have done all of the repairs on the car myself, and that is the only way I would be able to afford it. Try to pick one up that has been treated really well, it'll save you countless headaches.

Make sure you take any R53 with 80,000+ miles to a mechanic who specializes in European cars.

I took mine to an incredibly competent mechanic who doesn't specialize in Euros, and he was only able to warn me of 2 of the things I've had to fix in the 4 months of owning mine (this isn't even the whole list):

• strut tower mushrooming
• blown low speed fan resistor
• door sill rust
• Common oil leaks
• Cracking crank pulley
• Bad belt tensioner
• Bad timing chain tensioner
• Bad control arm bushings
• bypass valve yo-yo

 

By your title it is obvious you really want to do it, go for it. I'd like my first BMW back, although by now it probably has 200,000 miles on it if still kicking.

 

If he is selling it to you for a good price I would do it.

You most likely already know the typical problem areas with these cars, so if they haven't been addressed already figure those into the cost. The power steering pump might be covered under a recall. I'm not sure of the cutoff date, but I think early 05's are covered.

The car is getting old so it's going to have more issues obviously than your first time with it. In my experience all the important stuff works great. It's the little things that might add up for you though. Things like door parts malfunctioning, cooling fans, suspension parts, ect...
The more willing you are to fix some of the little things yourself will make the car less of a money pit.

Sounds like it will be an extra car for you so maitainence shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully anyway

 

I'd say Just Do It. As long as you can shed the rose-colored glasses & be straight with yourself about the possible upcoming maintenance or repair costs for an aging car, and as long as you can afford the costs and accept the possible inconvenience, why not?!

Some cars elicit a visceral and emotional response from deep within, which is what separates "car guys" (or "car people") from regular drivers. For those of us in that category, it's possible to form quite an attachment to a particular car. If you have a second car and can afford the potential expenses, do what makes you happy! Life is short, so live it well and enjoy the ride!

Let us know what you end up doing.

 

It's a buyer's market for used MINIs simply because there are so many of them available. If you negotiate a good price, you can afford some fixes. I am fortunate to have a MINI mechanic right down the street who does a pre-purchase inspection for $100 - money well spent, IMO.

 

If I consider the cost advantage between a new car and this one, I know I would be more satisfied with the driving experience and spend less money overall with the MINI - but I'm not really in the market for an additional/new car, so not sure if it's the best choice. I'm hoping to take it for a drive in the next few days and let that work on me

 

I bought my '05 MCS in October of last year with 130k miles on it. I am currently putting 1,000 miles a week on the car due to job requirements. Currently at 150k.

I have had to replace: tires, control arm bushings, clutch slave cylinder, Crank Position Sensor o-ring, low speed fan resistor, passenger side motor mount and bracket, and the passenger door lock actuator. Some of them needed replacement when I bought the car and others failed due to my use.

The power steering pump failed but was replaced by MINI under warranty.

So far the car has been as good or better than I had hoped when I bought it.

 

I would look at the mini a weekend toy----a fun car project---enjoy driving it but be prepared to fix the car yourself and buy your parts on line----have a place that the car can be put for work-----have the tools to do repairs. If you are not into the DYI repairs then you may want to consider passing on the deal. Mini's are great drivers put are expensive to keep running especially high milage ones----how do I know that----just ask. If you do not get any personal satisfaction from working on the Mini then stay away!!!!

 

If its a second car and you are ok with working on it then yes. I cant stand new. the first thing I want to do is take it apart......

 

Haha, I think this sums up the entire R53 ownership condition. I got mine precisely to have something fun and with personality to work on. If I didn't enjoy that I think it'd be a nightmare.

Take it for a drive. If it still puts that smile on your face, well, just say to yourself "this delightful thing will cost me goodly sum of money and time" and if the smile is still there, buy it.