Hello all:

I am looking at a long distance R53 MCS purchase in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Its a two owner car thats seems to be in good shape based on pics. Its been regularly serviced at a shop called Pearce Autotech. Anyone have used them here ?

Can you please give me suggestions on where I would want to take it for a pre-purchase inspection ? A part of me tells that I should use a different shop but not opposed to the idea of having the same shop check the car for me although Im guessing there would be a conflict of interest.

Thanks in advance for you input.

 

I haven’t heard of or used them, but it looks like they’re in San Francisco. I would probably take it to Bay Bridge Motors in Oakland for the PPI. They’re a well known MINI specialist in the area, about 10 miles away across the bridge. If you want to have it done at a MINI dealer, MINI of SF is 3 blocks away from Pearce.

 

Plus One for Bay Bridge Motors
Have used them twice they saved me money and are more tha pros when it comes to MINI and BMW. The owner built a two engine MINI a must see if you stop by the shop.
Also its a quick ride over the Bay Bridge. so a Plus one on location as well.

 

Fantastic. Thank you to everyone who have responded. I will keep you all posted.

 

Yup Jacques at bay bridge used to race minis he knows his stuff

 

Sharing a happy ending to this thread... I just couldn't walk away from a one owner survivor R50 that was listed for sale on CL about 6 miles away from my home. Owner was fastidious in maintenance.

I was looking for a Getrag equipped R53 but this midland gearbox equipped R50 (2004) tugged on my heart strings after a short test drive. It has enough power for the intended purpose of a daily commuter. Exterior and interior as you can see is in immaculate shape (benefitting from the PNW weather from day 1). The clutch, brakes and suspension felt like they would in a brand new car.

Here are some gratuitous pics

 

Looks great! Chili red is a great color

 

Awesome buy! You'll love the R50. I was in your same boat a few months ago... ended up in a 2002 midlands R50, 2nd owner, massive stack of maintenance. The lack of power doesn't bother me. I actually find the power to be great in higher RPMs on the twisties... I don't find myself wanting more. They are fun simple little cars. Definitley do the rear sway bar first, thats whats next on my list.