Advice on purchasing a Mini Cooper S R53

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  1. #1
    Theory Test Pass
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    Hi, I’m looking to purchase an R53 for about a grand. I understand you get what you pay for but what are the obvious things to look out for or should I just step away as this will turn into a money pit with things going wrong left right and centre? I’m waiting to hear back about mileage etc but below is a picture of it.

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    Just has a bit more info, it’s done 148k and has a slight tool leak from somewhere.

    I should have added that I’m fairly new to mini’s I have a Mini Dooper which is a real great work horse.
    Last edited by MikeY; 25th June 2020 at 11:48 AM.

  2. #2
    Site Owner MINI William's Avatar
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    I’d try and find out where the oil leak is first, if it’s coming from the rear crank case seal then your looking at a big bill as the gearbox needs to come out as well. The tailgates are prone to rust above the handle. Check for any knocks etc. You’ll probably find with the sort of mileage your going to be looking at a few big bills. If your set on an R53 I’d see if you can get a lower mileage car without an oil leak.
    Racing Grey F56 JCW GP 0370 - Chilli Red Mirror Caps, Custom OHC Alcantara Steering Wheel, Motech Performance By PiperCross Panel Filter, Custom GP Steering Wheel Spoke, Custom GP Stitched Carbon Side Scuttles, JCW Pro Mats, RSI C6 Carbonfibre Scoop, JCW Pro Stitched Carbon Boot Handle

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  3. #3
    Theory Test Pass
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    Cheers Mini William
    I went and seen it. Someone had removed the twin pipe at the back and had cut a hole at the rear drivers side to put a side exhaust on it. The boots rust was bad, the interior was gone and the engine was moist with oil to say the least so I’ve walked away. Ideally I’d like to buy a Cooper S for around the £2k mark and do it up and have it for a weekend car. Thanks again for the advice.

  4. #4
    Site Owner MINI William's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MikeY View Post
    Cheers Mini William
    I went and seen it. Someone had removed the twin pipe at the back and had cut a hole at the rear drivers side to put a side exhaust on it. The boots rust was bad, the interior was gone and the engine was moist with oil to say the least so I’ve walked away. Ideally I’d like to buy a Cooper S for around the £2k mark and do it up and have it for a weekend car. Thanks again for the advice.
    Perfect. Sounds like a better plan
    Racing Grey F56 JCW GP 0370 - Chilli Red Mirror Caps, Custom OHC Alcantara Steering Wheel, Motech Performance By PiperCross Panel Filter, Custom GP Steering Wheel Spoke, Custom GP Stitched Carbon Side Scuttles, JCW Pro Mats, RSI C6 Carbonfibre Scoop, JCW Pro Stitched Carbon Boot Handle

    Ice Blue R55 Clubvan - JCW Shiftlight, JCW Carbon Fibe Handbrake, JCW Carbon Fibre Dash, JCW Steering Wheel, Recaro JCW Sportster CS, CoolerWorx ShortShifter, BC Racing Coilovers, JCW Brembo 4pots, HEL Braided Lines, JCW Front Bumper, MINI Challenge Splitter, White Rota Blitz

  5. #5
    Bob the belter stoney's Avatar
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    Jul 2005
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    blackwood, United Kingdom
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    R53 heavy moded
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    Yea loads out there for that kind of money all I would say is if you can try get a facelift model so 54 or above as if your tracking the gear box is so much better and a few other bits that all help.



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  6. #6
    Theory Test Pass
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    Cheers all appreciate the help. If you do see a man R54 Cooper s for sale at £2k Please give me a nudge.

  7. #7
    Site Owner MINI William's Avatar
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    Will keep my eyes peeled. Any specific’s/must haves?
    Racing Grey F56 JCW GP 0370 - Chilli Red Mirror Caps, Custom OHC Alcantara Steering Wheel, Motech Performance By PiperCross Panel Filter, Custom GP Steering Wheel Spoke, Custom GP Stitched Carbon Side Scuttles, JCW Pro Mats, RSI C6 Carbonfibre Scoop, JCW Pro Stitched Carbon Boot Handle

    Ice Blue R55 Clubvan - JCW Shiftlight, JCW Carbon Fibe Handbrake, JCW Carbon Fibre Dash, JCW Steering Wheel, Recaro JCW Sportster CS, CoolerWorx ShortShifter, BC Racing Coilovers, JCW Brembo 4pots, HEL Braided Lines, JCW Front Bumper, MINI Challenge Splitter, White Rota Blitz

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