Thinking about getting another Mini for work and back to save a little gas and added smiles per gallon. I had an '03 R53 years ago that was decent but didn't have it long enough to determine how good or bad it was. What year is the best bet to pick up? Looking to stay under $6k, would consider other alternatives if you guys had any better suggestions.
The 2005/2006 r53 are the most sorted from the factory. That said a 15 year old car is all about condition, service history and mileage. There are a bunch of common failure points that may have already been addressed or are waiting to happen. You would really want to give it a good inspection.
Avoid the auto Trans.
I know to avoid the auto for sure. Didn't know if they had a sweet year or just go newest one wins. Thanks for the info
I had a 2006 Cooper S with the 6-speed. It was trouble free except for the leaking thermostat, bad oil pan gasket and dead 02 sensor all replaced under warranty. But actually it wasn't bad. The 2007 to 2010? R56 had some issues, but I think they were better later. My ex-wife had a 2011 with an auto and that wasn't horrible. I can't say what happened after 80k miles.
I think for R53s it's 2005/6. For R56 it mostly seems to be either "none of the above" or "latest one wins".
After having a few.
Manual, no sunroof, no automatic climate control, and sport seats would be for me. I would avoid the sports + suspension unless you really can handle it and I would do any color that works with a black roof that you can wrap if it has uv damage. Other then that maintaince and mileage wins for me.
R56 is not out of budget but its going to have some issues at 6K I would think. They do lease really well sometimes like 199$ a month with walkoffs if you are so inclined.
Good info, really only going older and cheaper as it's gonna sit outside and I plan to also teach my 15 year old how to drive a manual on it. We have 5 other cars and I'm sure the wife will love another one out there.
If you're considering a non-boosted, the '05-06 models had a Getrag built 5-speed instead of the Midlands on the earlier years, so much more robust and less prone to breakage.
The engine issues on the second gen's seemed to crop up more on the S's, so a standard Cooper might be safer.
If it was me (and I'm 100% biased because I miss my '04 Cooper that I bought new), I'd look for an '05-06 R50, no sunroof, sport seats in vinyl and the sport suspension plus like mine was configured. But they seemed to be odd options and I rarely see ones without a sunroof.
Ninja Edit: Besides looking for the nicest one you can find, I'd still hold back some of the $$ for maintenance. For example, I'd bet 90% of the older ones need the LCA bushings replaced.
-Rob
Was really looking for an R53, mainly for the extra power and whine fun factor.
Always look at the latest of each generation. For the first gen that's the 2005-2006 (up to 2008 for the convertibles). For the second gen, that's the 2011-2013. For the third gen, it seems to be everything after 2015.
These have been mine:
The yellow 2011 R56 base (well equipped though) was the first one and dead nuts reliable without ever returning to the dealer for anything but regular maintenance (oil changes). The 2014 F56 base was mechanically sound (and loved that 3 cyl turbo) but had all sorts of trim issues and recalls. Then the last is the 2013 R59 JCW roadster that has been great so far at 55k miles. It has the later N18 engine that seems to have fixed a lot of the problems of the earlier R56 N14 engine. All three have been 6 speed manuals, so I can't really speak to the automatics other than stay away from the ones in the first gen cars.
As a basic commuter car, the F56 versions have the best reputation for reliability. MINIs do not seem to hold their value like they used to, so you might be able to find one in your price range.
Otherwise, I agree a '06 R53 is the car to have, although depending on your commute, it could be wearing.
Commute is only about 20 miles, so 40 miles a day.
I have a R56 (2012) and used to have a R53. There are things I like about both. The R56 is definitely faster but a bit more trouble prone, but mine has been decently reliable, only needing a water pump, clutch, and now a recent high pressure fuel pump (replaced under warranty). It is in the background of the pic (only pic I have of it on work computer). Probably going to be for sale soon. I have put it up for sale previously, but I keep pulling it as I love this car.
One more thing, the r56 gets far better fuel economy than the r53, so savings as long as it doesn't blow up.
Aspen said:One more thing, the r56 gets far better fuel economy than the r53, so savings as long as it doesn't blow up.
If the gas savings offset the cost of repairs that would be ideal. Found an '05 with a few mods for $4300 but it's 4 hours away. Bummer
In reply to Placemotorsports :
I've been browsing for an R53 to potentially replace my current 2003 Cooper S, which is suffering from the typical rust belt issues. I found an R53 in Maryland with 916 miles on the clock !!! Yours for the princely sum of $29,850 .......I'll give you first dibs on it.
In reply to DeadSkunk (Warren) :
I saw that one at Catocin or something like that it was called. I'm searching the NoVa/WV/MD area as well
The original.
I have a low-ish mileage '03 S and it's been relatively trouble free. The non self-inflicted repairs were a pulley tensioner and top motor mount. I did the 100,000 mile service myself as preventive care.
I agree with the general thought of the '05/06 model year, but condition should be the primary decider.
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