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Nav but no multi function steering wheel, weird. At those miles:
1.) Crank sensor o-ring.
2.) Belt and belt tensioner
3.) All the fluids
4.) Crank pulley and waterpump have seen better days as well as the t-stat.
5.) Coil, wires and plugs.
Oh and slide the targa top back (ok some call it the sunroof) and check to see if the glides are dirty or clean/lubed. A bunch of crude and no body took care of the top. Check the "pockets" on both sides of the back windows for crud as well.
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.....
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.
Thanks for the reminder about trimming the trim. Of course one can always use rotten trim as a negotiation point even if there is no plan to pay $400 for the new parts, which is crazy money for what it is.
Update I took a good look, It was not up
To par :( Thanks for all the replies. I’m gonna look for a JCW sidewalk R52 next.
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.
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.
Spot on! that's my plan, thank you for the advice..
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
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?
Whats that saying, if it sounds too good to be true . . . . .
correct!...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by AeroJammin; Jan 30, 2018 at 07:49 PM.
Reason: added pic
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.
