This car only has 63,000 miles, and after $12,000 worth of repair s and upgrades it runs like a beast. I just raced a jag F suv and blew it away, and an older Chevy Z.
I bought it new with the upgrades 17 in wheels sport package sunroof ect
some of the Gen 1 problems and there were many, include ,new steering shaft,front sway bar links,strut reinforcement kit upper and lower, Helix 15% pully, Helix air induction, powerflex lower control arm bushings,abs speed sensor,new power steering pump and fan and new hoses,new struts front and rear, new CV boot axle,crank sensor,new headliner,expanson tank,new hub bearings,new hatch and door locks,new steering rack,new valve cover gaskets,new turn signal switch. The control arm bushings we're replaced twice.
I trashed the runflats and put all new no runflats Goodyear 205/45z/17 eagle f1 all season tires
RUNS AWESOME ! Racing green with black bonnet stripe.
Pioneer xm Sirius cd receiver with Alpine 100 watt amp under the seat. New alpine 6x9 side back speakers , Alpine coaxial in the doors, Kicker self-powerd sup in the hatch shaped like a triangle with a metal sceen and 10 in woofer.
Awesome.
Comments Please!

 

I think I would have spent the $12k on a different car!

 

For $12k I’d be converting to flex fuel and doing a big valve head.

 

Congrats on getting your car back to where it should be! I know that's a good feeling, and generally priceless. I just finished replacing this mess of parts on my '05 R53. Still trying to sort out a P1498 code, but driving it feels almost better than it did 11 years ago!

 

Its just one thing after another SUPRISE.... But finally the feeling, the handling , stiffness whipping around curves, its all worth it because the rubber and road feel is better than new, and rides the way it was meant too.
THANKS suspencer, Make sure you have a good mechanic. I give him stew and he takes care of my 03 S Cooper. Now why get a new car ? I still have about 200,000 miles to go, I might have to replace the supercharger, trans, and exhaust in the future.

 

Congrats...it's not how much or how little you spend...it's your car, your money, your fun...enjoy the fruit of your labors...