I am contemplating the purchase of a 2006 MCS, my first MINI. What should I look for, and look out for, with respect to mechanical, electrical, corrosion, driveability, etc. issues with this model year R53? What are the typical problems and at what mileage have they appeared? Your advice and guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

This is a good year for the R53, there's not much to have to worry about, as far as general issues.

 

I agree with GBMini
Expect potential problems with the passenger side motor mount - seems to require replacement on 25k intervals
Possibility of small coolant leak at the thermostat housing - during cooling of the engine
02 sensors

 

Recommend you re-post this thread in the Gen 1 forum. That's where all the expertise for your year model lies.
R

 

I agree with these too, I had my thermostat housing replaced twice and the motor mount once under warranty :-(

 

Yes, LOTS of recent posts on this...

 

Many thanks for your input... however, I have decided to wait until I can purchase new. The price of new is too close to used to make it worthwhile to buy used... in my opinion.

 

I would drive both the '06 and an '07- since they are quite different with regards to powertrain and aesthetics.