R50 or similar wanted (2002-2006)

[VRRab&Diane]

Hi, sadly our beloved Velvet Red R50 has had its airbags deployed due to a minor bump (well a ditching to be precise) which resulted in no other damage (not me driving may I add) however it will be seen as a write off by the insurers, so I reckon that due to the amount of money I have spent over the past months on new parts and personalising the car that it would make an ideal donor car. I have been searching gumtree etc and went to view a few but have been met with heeps of junk and chancers along the way :confused: If anyone is selling or know of anyone selling similar, please give me a shout..... Cheers for now Rab

[MINI William]

Sad news indeed. Hopefully you get a the right car sourced soon

[VRRab&Diane]

Thanks William. Can’t wait to get on the road again. I have been in two minds on what to do. I have been trying to think of a way to get the VR (my velvet red R50) fixed airbags replaced and reset. Not sure if it is possible but I was thinking if I bought a scrapper to change dashboards, steering wheel etc then get airbag module reset by a specialist. Obviously need to take cost into consideration. My other thought was to start again with another mini and keep the VR as a donor car. Anybody any suggestions?

[MINI William]

If it’s just airbags that have went off then this should be sorted. If there’s any chassis damage I would got for another car.

[VRRab&Diane]

Thanks, Nah nobody hurt at all. Looking forward to finding a replacement. Been to see a R56 today which looked immaculate, however there was a distinct rattle coming from the timing chain and the guy who was selling buys and sells cars from his house. Thought it too risky. Also been to see 3 x R50’s over the weekend. One which would have been ideal with a fsh and only 70k and had almost struck a deal when I discovered that there was no V5. Wasn’t to sure about the colour though (gold). Other two were no good.

[Mon the fish]

As William said, if the chassis is undamaged I'd buy it back and get it fixed. I wouldn't worry about it then being a Cat D or whatever, R50s will never really be worth anything so just keep the car for good.

Velvet red is a rare colour and when cars get as cheap as R50s are now, you're never sure how they've been maintained and looked after - at least with your car you know where you stand mechanically

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[bpirie1000]

Did you get a car sorted?
I have a 2002 cooper. 78,000 miles silver. P.m. me if interested.

[VRRab&Diane]

Hi sorry for delay in replying. I just saw your message. Got sorted out now but thanks for getting in touch.8333