Hi all,

I'm not yet a Mini owner but do have one (an R53) in my sights that i'm currently a couple days away from buying. I've been trying to do some homework and learn some of the typical problems encountered. I guess you could say i'm getting a case of cold feet, seeing as how i've been reading through postsonly to find some pretty regularly occuring problems (HMM, mushrooming strut, ect..) I'm buying this car as my everyday driver and i guess am looking for a bit of feedback as to whether or not i should be as worried as i'm starting to feel. I'm not rich by any means, and don't want to end up getting into a car thats going to break my bank roll on repairs. After a few test drives i'm definately loving the Mini experience, and could most definately get use to driving one. I guess my question is, should i steer clear, as these are better suited for a secondary vehicle?? Or will a little bit of tlc help to avoid some of these problems all together? Thanks for taking the time to read/apply.

-Mrjohnson

 

I have owned only an R56 and an R55, but motoringfile.com has a section devoted to issues on R53s.

 

If the car runs good, looks good, is a good color, has an acceptable group of options, assuming it will pass muster when checked out by knowledgeable MINI mechanic and has a clean Carfax, then BUY IT! Don't worry about all the problems reported here on the forum, they only occur with a small
%age of MINI's. There is no reason why a MINI will not make a good daily driver. They are approved for all roads, weather conditions, and most driver abilities. Get your feet out of the fridge, and get yourself a MINI!

 

There is cheap fixes as well if you avoid dealership. Here is buyers guide: http://www.motoringfile.com/mini-r50r53-buyers-guide/

 

Thanks for the feedback! I'm actually about rdy to head out the door to go close on my new 2005 MSC! I'm definately adopting that 'go for it mentality'! Wish me luck, hopefully i'll be behind the wheel of a Mini before Memorial Day!

 

Pull. The. Trigger.

You won't regret it. No, it won't be as reliable as a Toyota, but you'll be smiling your a$$ off as that Toyota catches your vapors on the road.