Have Red 2002 R53 manual...Should I get a $500 Red 2005 R50 Auto parts car?

The 2005 looks different inside than my 2002. The 2005 does run and drive but its a little rough around the edges. Seller says it needs brakes and sometimes overheats (radiator fan resistor I'm thinking?). Says transmission still works well. Has error codes (from TorqueApp, I didn't have my Mini compatible reader):

P0137 O2 low voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P2270 O2 Signal stuck on Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 2) [I'm thinking NTK O2 sensor might solve the o2 errors?]
P0456 Evap leak (Very Small leak, fuel cap, piping, etc)
ABS light on

I'm wondering of the things that typically go wrong on the R53 I could get from the R50 that cross over...I'm liking that the visors stay up on the 2005 R50 :-) ...I might also look at it and make it a runner until it really dies and then it'll be a parts car.

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

My two cents ...yes! Especially if it's a running car for $500. Keep it covered, maintain and drive it a little and when it dies it'll be worth it's weight in spare parts for the r53. One trip to the salvage yard for my r53 was $300, next was almost that, need to go again...

 

My 2 cents worth is ... there are not enough comparable parts to warrant buying the R50 Auto to support a R53 Manual.

 

Only to swap a manual into the r50 - no.

 

Second this. It would be a great car if you plan on enjoying it as is. As for swapping parts to the r53 there is not much to be had. You can get R53's cheap up here, sell a couple items and pay for the entire car. Its also fun digging into a new R53 looking for aftermarket goodies!