Going to view an R53 this weekend. Advice please.

[em177]

Am hoping to pick your brains if possible!

Am going to see an R53 at the weekend. Short list between one of these, a possibly a Mk1 Focus RS. Mini is a couple of grand cheaper so saving a few quid for some tweaks in the future. What do you guys think of this one:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

And anybody got a quick check list of things to look out for?

Cheers, EM177

[MadDad]

Here are a couple of reasonably good buying guides;

http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-gui...

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/mini/cooper-...

When I was looking aside from the obvious (ill fitting panels, signs of a hard life, etc), weeping header tanks seemed to feature as a failure, as well as bottom end oil leaks. Superchargers are quite robust and usually rattle for a second when you start the car from cold but should then go away, if it continues to rattle walk away!

Mine just failed its MOT on front suspension bushes and a seized rear brake caliper - thankfully both items were covered under warranty - the front suspension bushes alone would have been £480 at BMW!

I have had mine (2006 Cooper S Checkmate) since Jan - really is a fantastic little drive, fast, stiff but does enjoy a drink! I tend to measure my smiles per gallon - then the miles per gallon don't seem so bad!!

[si_xsi]

I saw this the other day as i was doing some re-search as looking to put mine up for sale in the next few months.

Looks great and astro balck a nice colour, esp in the sunlight, has a good spec - JCW seats will be great and worth a bit too. The wheels are 17 inch not 18, and will be better ride. If on runflats check for wear as they are on the pricey side.

Check for bushes, squeaks, whine from power steering on full lock is normal but any clunks or knocing isnt! If there is a whirring noise when setting off on some lock chances are it has a LSD. Check rear exhaust boxes for corrision as these are expensive to replace. Other than that i would have a good look at the history and paperwork. Check all inspections, oil services and break fluid changes have been done in accordance with manual, normally every 15K miles. On that mileage it should have just had the inspection 2 - the main one.

Its facelift so a little better all round. Can't tell from pics if it has chilli pack but most did and came with xenons on facelift.

If you have any particular questions after viewing come back.

Good luck and enjoy!

[Pork]

Hmm...I think "massive spec" seems a bit generous.

For massive spec, I'd be thinking:
- panoramic roof
- visibility pack (auto wipers/lights, heated screen/mirrors)
- folding mirrors
- xenons
- climate
- multi function steering wheel

None of the above are mentioned in the advert and from what I can tell, it doesnt look to have them (some are easier to see than others). To me, it looks like a pretty basic spec car with nice alloys/seats and certainly not a 'massive spec' car. I could be wrong, though.

[Chr1sch]

I think that's fecking expensive!

We sold our 55 plate R53 which had done 45k miles and had Nav and all sorts for £6k last yr

I wouldn't be paying that sort of money for any R5e nowadays, having had both I would thoroughly recommend putting you money into an R56....

[M@1975]

Best advice I can give is don't look at that one, come and see mine instead...