2004 Cooper S sell or fix

[lexusplexus]

Good evening all

I have a 2004 Cooper S, which needs a new exhaust system.

I have been quoted around £800 to supply and fit.

The car has 130k on the clock and is in reasonable condition, supercharger has been serviced, 4 relatively recent pirellis, and other work has been carried out over the 4 years of my ownership.

Would the consensus be to sell, and if so what realistically could I expect to sell it for?

Alternatively should I look to keep the car? It's my daily driver for 120 mile round-trip commute, three times a week.

Any advice gratefully received.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

Loads and loads and loads of Mini breakers who'll sell you an exhaust for very little. alternatively, new ones aren't too much and are an easy switch. 800 is taking the Michael a bit...

[paddy1970]

Do you really need the full exhaust system replaced? Who diagnosed this issue and specifically recommended a complete replacement?

It's worth getting a second opinion from an independent Mini specialist who might identify that only a section needs replacing rather than the entire system. Many times a catalytic converter, center section, or rear box is all that's needed rather than the complete setup.

Also, have you considered looking at second-hand options? There are quite a few breaker's yards and online marketplaces where you might find a good used exhaust system for your R53 at a fraction of the cost. Even performance options like Milltek or Janspeed occasionally show up used at good prices.

£800 seems excessive for an exhaust on a 2004 Cooper S ...

[Nickp82]

Curveball - fix it and then sell it

[lexusplexus]

It was a mini specialist down here in Kent
The silencer has two large holes apporox 10-15cm in diameter

[Roboticarm]

£800 would see you with a full custom exhaust, if you are just after a stock one then that's way beyond what it should cost.

Also I'm surprised it needs a full system, would be odd for the downpipe and the backbox to go at the same time.

I'd start by going to another garage for a second opinion

[anonymous-user]

lexusplexus said:

It was a mini specialist down here in Kent
The silencer has two large holes apporox 10-15cm in diameter

£800 for that is an absolute rip-off.

[Robertb]

Bit of masking tape and it’ll be fine.

If you like the car otherwise and there are no other big bills looming, then get it fixed but see if there are cheaper alternatives.

[lexusplexus]

Thanks
I will check if there are garages who specialise in exhausts in my area.

[miniman]

[Hoofy]

An exhaust fabricator would do a bespoke and lasting system for half that but surely, all it needs is a new box which can't cost over £200?

Since you're in Kent, get to Mr Exhaust in Reigate. They'll sort you out, I'm sure.

Edit: ^^^ I was right - under £200!

[lexusplexus]

Robertb said:

Bit of masking tape and it’ll be fine.

If you like the car otherwise and there are no other big bills looming, then get it fixed but see if there are cheaper alternatives.

Could I try some aluminium tape?

[alabbasi]

miniman said:

Even though spending 600GBP is a no brainer to keep a car on the road, as it always makes more sense than buying new and acquiring dept or buying another used car with unknown issues. That said, it sounds like you need to spend 1/3 of that if you don't mind getting your hands dirty.

[lexusplexus]

miniman said:

[lexusplexus]

Hoofy said:

An exhaust fabricator would do a bespoke and lasting system for half that but surely, all it needs is a new box which can't cost over £200?

Since you're in Kent, get to Mr Exhaust in Reigate. They'll sort you out, I'm sure.

Edit: ^^^ I was right - under £200!

Excellent - thank you - will call them tomorrow.

[Tony_T]

Most places will supply and fit for less than £300 I would have thought