Greetings, all. I'm in the market for a first-gen MC/MCS, and I've joined to start getting to know the community and do some proper investigation before pulling the trigger on buying one of these badboys. I'm currently a happy BMW e36 325 owner, but I think it's time for a step up to something newer, a bit more fun, and friendlier at the gas pump. I look forward to hopefully making some new friends, gleaning as much helpful and useful information as I can, and when the time is right, putting some of my own back into the pot for future members.

 

Welcome aboard Rob! First gen cars are great - especially the R53 (S). Check out the first gen buyer's guide on Motoring File for some "gotcha's" to look out for. Buyer's guide.

Have patience, look around, and more than likely you'll find the right car. The styling & performance of the R53 are great, and the driving/owning experience just fantastic.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks, mate! It looks like 2004+ is the way to go. I greatly appreciate the article.

 

'Welcome. You're looking at a sweet range of cars, thought I might be a bit biased. You'll find tons of useful stuff in the First Gen MINI forums re: mods, maintenance, the whole nine yards. Have fun with it! The reading, research, and of course shopping are a blast, and just the beginning.

 

Welcome and good luck

 

good luck

 

Hi Rob! Good luck to ya!

 

Have fun looking Rob.

 

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I'm hoping to purchase within the next two months or so in the area I'm currently in (Orlando, FL), and then drive it home to Illinois. A 16 hour drive should give me and the new girl some time to get to know each other. :D

 

Welcome Rob. Good luck with your venture. I hope you find the right Mini. Remember never settle....

 

 

I think I've come to the decision that she's gotta be BRG. My BMW is Boston Green, which is just shy of BRG, and I LOVE the color. She also needs to have three pedals, as my feet get confused when there's only two.

 

Now you're talkin'!

 

Good luck in the search!

 

That's a beautiful car, mate. Very nice. I can only hope to attain one just as nice!

@NJ Mini: Thanks, mate. I'm going to need it. Finding a MT BRG MCS in the '04-'06 range with a good mileage-to-price ratio has been interesting to say the least. I'd really like to find one with around 70k on the clock and pay no more than $9-10k for her. From what I've seen so far, that's a pretty realistic goal.

In any event, I just saw the MOTD announcement, and that seems to be around the time that I'll be making my pilgrimage back home to Illinois. A stop in North Carolina to hang out with a bunch of cool people and a crazy Dragon seems like just the adventure me and my Mini would like to take on.

Hopefully, it all goes to plan and I can meet some of you guys there!