R52 Going to look at a R52 JCW tomorrow need advice
#1
Going to look at a R52 JCW tomorrow need advice
I ran the Vin and the car fax, I'm ok with it all..
I just need some knowledge what to look for while I'm test driving and looking around the car. I have a trailer so I can look underneath.
2006 59,000 miles factory JCW car The only service I can see was just oil changes and brake fluid flushes Brakes Rotors etc from mini.
I own a F56 JCW which I know is completely different. The Wifey wants a vert so she on board with this.
I just need some knowledge what to look for while I'm test driving and looking around the car. I have a trailer so I can look underneath.
2006 59,000 miles factory JCW car The only service I can see was just oil changes and brake fluid flushes Brakes Rotors etc from mini.
I own a F56 JCW which I know is completely different. The Wifey wants a vert so she on board with this.
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#9
Good Luck!
In addition to what's been mentioned I'd look at the following:
- Motor mounts cause they leak frequently
- Oil leaks around the oil pan and valve cover near the intercooler
- Give the rear windows a few cycles and listen for any hiccups (My 2006 had both it's rear regulators go within 9 months of each other and the parts aren't cheap ~250 each)
- drive at speed with the top up and listen. When the tops get out of alignment, air leaks and causes a whistle.
- Check the rear chrome trim to see if it has been replaced. If not, plan on spending the $400 for new trim with existing rubber.
- Check the front seat seams (where the airbags are) for signs of lose stitching. Both of my 'vert front seats ended up needing to be resewn.
Everything else is just normal looking at a used car stuff.
Also, you can retrofit a MSFW if you really want one as well as the rear fog light and heated seats. After all, it's just time and money.....
Happy Hunting.
In addition to what's been mentioned I'd look at the following:
- Motor mounts cause they leak frequently
- Oil leaks around the oil pan and valve cover near the intercooler
- Give the rear windows a few cycles and listen for any hiccups (My 2006 had both it's rear regulators go within 9 months of each other and the parts aren't cheap ~250 each)
- drive at speed with the top up and listen. When the tops get out of alignment, air leaks and causes a whistle.
- Check the rear chrome trim to see if it has been replaced. If not, plan on spending the $400 for new trim with existing rubber.
- Check the front seat seams (where the airbags are) for signs of lose stitching. Both of my 'vert front seats ended up needing to be resewn.
Everything else is just normal looking at a used car stuff.
Also, you can retrofit a MSFW if you really want one as well as the rear fog light and heated seats. After all, it's just time and money.....
Happy Hunting.
#10
VIN decoder shows it to be a factory JCW, red over black, heated seats, LSD, chrono package.
Here is the link for you:
http://www.bimmer.work/vin/9ad7b5803...fbc746dda79d8/
Regards,
Jerry
Here is the link for you:
http://www.bimmer.work/vin/9ad7b5803...fbc746dda79d8/
Regards,
Jerry
#12
Don't need to waste money on replacing the rear rubber trim at the top that will just rot again. The threads below have my postings where I fixed the issue for a whole lot less money. Was at a Club meet today and the topic came up as a guy had a set of new trims he was selling as the car was going to his wife in a divorce settlement. I showed him what I had done and agreed the new trim was not needed.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-away-3.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...options-2.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-away-3.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...options-2.html
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#14
IMO, hold out for a Last of the SuperCharged car. Surprisingly, there are usually a few for sale at any time even though there are only 100 of them out there. There was a $5k one on a Kansas CL post that ended up getting traded in somewhere.
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#17
terrifyingly not. It’s was a flooded Car, I knew that from the title.. Owner said it was showroom, and no water entered the vehical. He was wrong. The pictures must of been 9 months old, that's when he purchased it from the auction, according to the carfax. Water must of got inside and rust was hidden, He wanted top dollar.. shame. tons of potential, I'm not up for the restore :( I drove 7 hours there 7 hours back with my trailer... disappointing..
here's the ad, Just not for me... oh and it had 62,000 miles not 59
https://lakeland.craigslist.org/cto/...428810712.html
here's the ad, Just not for me... oh and it had 62,000 miles not 59
https://lakeland.craigslist.org/cto/...428810712.html
Last edited by djtomy; 01-28-2018 at 05:19 PM.
#18
For the R52, make sure top completely functions and works easily overall. Other than that I would make sure everything else functions... but since it had water on the inside if might have more issues. I would go through the whole thing with a fine-toothed comb. Where was the rust?
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#20
I'm thinking of changing gears here..
Maybe I should be getting a used F57 S, or something else..
IDK I seem to have a lot of time on my hands to look.. Here's my Situation. Its just me my wife and our daughter 12.. They really want a convertible, this will be a weekend and road trip car... (a 4th car for us) Florida is very hot during the summer so keep that in mind (hardtop would be nice). Also, unfortunately It will have to sit outside. Any suggestions? here's my range- Miata~335is or M3 vert.
Last edited by djtomy; 01-30-2018 at 02:36 PM.
#21
Miata's are great toys if you fit. There is no backseat so no family fun.
The backseat of the R52 is great for 2 people if they don't have legs. I have put 2 teenagers in the back with the front seats moved up a little with no complaints. Road trips will be tough in an R52. There is very little trunk space. I don't know about outdoor storage of a convertible in the Florida sun.
The backseat of the R52 is great for 2 people if they don't have legs. I have put 2 teenagers in the back with the front seats moved up a little with no complaints. Road trips will be tough in an R52. There is very little trunk space. I don't know about outdoor storage of a convertible in the Florida sun.
#22
Miata's are great toys if you fit. There is no backseat so no family fun.
The backseat of the R52 is great for 2 people if they don't have legs. I have put 2 teenagers in the back with the front seats moved up a little with no complaints. Road trips will be tough in an R52. There is very little trunk space. I don't know about outdoor storage of a convertible in the Florida sun.
The backseat of the R52 is great for 2 people if they don't have legs. I have put 2 teenagers in the back with the front seats moved up a little with no complaints. Road trips will be tough in an R52. There is very little trunk space. I don't know about outdoor storage of a convertible in the Florida sun.
#23
I had my R52 in your area for 9 years and it was surprisingly resistant to most of the Panhandle's Sun/UV exposure. At various times, from 2007 to 2017 the car was garage kept (at night), but was left in a large outdoor parking lot during work hours (except for the first few months of my FL residency when I covered the car once I arrived at work). Basically, two things were the result (in my opinion). 1) my top faded more than others, but wasn't really that bad. I'll post a pic below of my top right before I sold it this past May. 2) the side bolsters of both my front seats eventually pulled apart (due to leather shrinkage my upholstery guy said). I guess I'm saying, storing an R52 outside in the panhandle isn't the end of the world as long as you ok with having a slightly faded top and watch out for signs of seat seam issues.
However, the R52 back seat is not really a good place for a teenager during a road trip (unless your wife is short enough to provide some leg space. The other issue is that the top makes the shoulder room tighter, which was the most uncomfortable part of the R52 back seat in my opinion.
That being said, I think the MINI provides a unique enough driving experience that it's worth the trouble if the above things aren't deal breakers. However, if they are, I'd give the following some consideration: the E46 M3 convertible, Volvo C70 (an under appreciated grand touring vert), the Audi S5 vert (if the repair bills don't worry you), and of course a Wrangler 4 door.
However, the R52 back seat is not really a good place for a teenager during a road trip (unless your wife is short enough to provide some leg space. The other issue is that the top makes the shoulder room tighter, which was the most uncomfortable part of the R52 back seat in my opinion.
That being said, I think the MINI provides a unique enough driving experience that it's worth the trouble if the above things aren't deal breakers. However, if they are, I'd give the following some consideration: the E46 M3 convertible, Volvo C70 (an under appreciated grand touring vert), the Audi S5 vert (if the repair bills don't worry you), and of course a Wrangler 4 door.
Last edited by AeroJammin; 01-30-2018 at 07:49 PM. Reason: added pic
#25
Thanks AeroJammin lots of good info for the R52 in our area... I really want a JCW one.. but so hard to find...
135i, Just took a quick look! wow that is a great suggestion! thanks...
Update 5/01/18
A dealer friend of mine had a trade in with 5k miles showroom cond. 08 350z for 11k
Had an 08 135i Vert. Great car and the rear seat area is a little bigger than a MINI.
Update 5/01/18
A dealer friend of mine had a trade in with 5k miles showroom cond. 08 350z for 11k
Last edited by djtomy; 04-30-2018 at 11:27 PM.