'03 R50 MINI Cooper - nearly a shed
Discussion
So while downsizing for a move from Southwest London to Brighton I found myself looking for a cheap(ish) runabout. Always wanted a MINI and having discovered the potential of how much fun could be had I couldn't resist. Previously owned some decent motors that I spent a little cash on lightly modifying including an MX5, MG ZS and recently the much maligned FN2 Civic Type R. Absolutely brilliant car, had it setup properly and then took it to Goodwood Festival through some brilliant roads, I really discovered how glad I was to not listen to the haters!
Which Brings me to the current purchase of a British Racing green MINI Cooper with 75000 miles and what seemed a reasonable price at the time of £1750. The paintwork was great, drive was good and had brand new brakes just fitted. It was serviced and MOT'd for me, the dealer fixed a reverse sensor and within a week I collected the car very happy!
It did need a bit of a clean out from the inside as the previous owner had a dog roam around abit inside I think 
I did find though a service was promised the Air filter was filthy when I checked it. The idle seemed a bit lumpy at times and when cold would have a flat spot. But to be fair to the dealer, they covered the cost of both the replacement air and Pollen filters I ended up changing.
Having driven from London to Brighton a fair bit during the move, I have already put a good couple of thousand miles on and found it to be a fun little car. Fair bit of space once the rear seats are folded flat. Softer and slower than the Civic but corners brilliantly and having put a set of non run flats on since owning it the comfort is there too. Managed to pick up a 16" set of MG Alloys which look a bit like BBS rims for £80 with some ditchfinder tyres that had plenty of tread on so cant complain!
Got some R53 sills to fit and have made a couple of changes in the short time. Have had to fit new exhaust hangers and there was a vibration in the cabin from the low hanging backbox I've had it but plan on a few light mods these being apparently fairly easy to tune, with emphasis on the lightweight approach. Will be on the lookout for some better front seats. Also possibly swapping in the 6 speed Getrag gearbox in. The current one doesn't inspire confidence in its longevity, but it might be just the horror stories I hear about the Midlands fitted that makes me pay way to much attention to certain noises
eager to spend some spanner time on it and will be looking to make some noise around Brighton way from the little MINI!
Which Brings me to the current purchase of a British Racing green MINI Cooper with 75000 miles and what seemed a reasonable price at the time of £1750. The paintwork was great, drive was good and had brand new brakes just fitted. It was serviced and MOT'd for me, the dealer fixed a reverse sensor and within a week I collected the car very happy!
It did need a bit of a clean out from the inside as the previous owner had a dog roam around abit inside I think I did find though a service was promised the Air filter was filthy when I checked it. The idle seemed a bit lumpy at times and when cold would have a flat spot. But to be fair to the dealer, they covered the cost of both the replacement air and Pollen filters I ended up changing. Having driven from London to Brighton a fair bit during the move, I have already put a good couple of thousand miles on and found it to be a fun little car. Fair bit of space once the rear seats are folded flat. Softer and slower than the Civic but corners brilliantly and having put a set of non run flats on since owning it the comfort is there too. Managed to pick up a 16" set of MG Alloys which look a bit like BBS rims for £80 with some ditchfinder tyres that had plenty of tread on so cant complain!
Got some R53 sills to fit and have made a couple of changes in the short time. Have had to fit new exhaust hangers and there was a vibration in the cabin from the low hanging backbox I've had it but plan on a few light mods these being apparently fairly easy to tune, with emphasis on the lightweight approach. Will be on the lookout for some better front seats. Also possibly swapping in the 6 speed Getrag gearbox in. The current one doesn't inspire confidence in its longevity, but it might be just the horror stories I hear about the Midlands fitted that makes me pay way to much attention to certain noises
eager to spend some spanner time on it and will be looking to make some noise around Brighton way from the little MINI!
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