2005 R53 Cooper S

[robsuddaby]

I'm seeing a super clean 38k miler R53 on Sunday, full leather interior, 17" bullets, aftermarket Bluetooth player, smart as you like; £5k. Does this sound reasonable? Also, is there anything I should look out for or specifically ask about?

What are parts/servicing costs like? Any issues with runflats? I presume they can just be changed to normal tyres if you prefer or will it significantly affect the ride etc.?

Much obliged

[CO2000]

Sounds a great car and a good price too, I changed from Dunlop runflats to 215 40 17 Sessantas on the bullets and it was a revelation

[Challo]

Its a low mileage car but 5k does seem a little high. Whats the spec on the car?

Servicing is not expensive, I would check if the timing belt has been changed. I changed the run-flats on mine and it was much improved ride wise.

Edit: Just realised its a 2005 car so 5k for a low mileage does seem ok.

[robsuddaby]

Chilli Pack, seems to have full leather (rather than half?), Xenons, 17" Bullets, creamy white paint. I think he is open to bringing it down, maybe to £4,750

[CO2000]

Challo said:

I would check if the timing belt has been changed.

It's a chain that's used on these.

[johnoz]

Oil leaks from sump pan and crankshaft oil seal.
Power steering pump.
Thermostat housing water leak.
Those are the main ones i can think of, depends who you are getting it from (private or dealer)
Sounds a great car, and price, dependent on speck? we have a R53 (2006 56) 24000 miles from new, fully equipped.

[CarsOrBikes]

5k isn't high

good R53's aren't exactly everywhere

[robsuddaby]

Got it for £4,850, pick it up on the 30th. Looked clean as with the only real concern being that it doesn't have much of a service history... 2 services in 10 years but never any problems on MOTs and plenty of receipts for anything else that's been done. Got him to top up the coolant as was a bit low but otherwise seemed fine. Will drive for a few months then get it fully serviced. Also, weirdly it has run flats at the front and then normal tyres at the back so will change that once the fronts go (maybe 5k left in them) and swap the rears to the front (then get a full alignment) and maybe get the nasty kerbing on the front drivers changed for the back or fixed (depending on how much damage the missus does to them!)