Hello Everyone,

I am looking for a used R53/R56 with low miles for a 2nd play car.

My background:
- 35yrs old (if any exhaust is as loud as some of the EVO9 offerings for my old car, no can do. Some rumble/attitude is fine)
- Former motorcycle touring nut and trackday enthusiast, ended due to major MC accident. Cars only from now on.
- Former 2009 Mitsu EVO 9 SE w/ basic bolt-ons owner. Loved the "velcro" handling but could due with lower running costs, better MPG, better user community who actually drives backroads and gets together for trackdays, and would like to experience the "go kart" handling of the Mini.

"Play" can be defined as:
- Backroads weekend corner eater
- 1 to 2 times a year trip to Smokey Mtns / Deal's Gap area for meetups
- 1 to 2 times a year trackdays
- Backroads weekend driver plus wife to smell the roses a bit
- Cornering ability over straightline speed, but I want a nice kick over stock.

The contenders:
2006 R53 w/ Dealer installer JCW Package (looks like 17in rims even though the ad contradicts itself):
http://tinyurl.com/mq6e9cr

2007 R56:
http://tinyurl.com/l976nxz

I am willing to upgrade the handling and upgrade the engine performance of the R56 with the ~$2000 leftover in purchase price plus a grand or so ~if~ what is needed to bring the R53 to the R53 JCW performance specs is $<3K total and the upgrades = bolt-ons. I am fine with intercooler, exhaust, air filter, sway bar type installs, but if I have to go into the motor I'm not a fan. Don't want to go too bold so as to majorly affect reliability.

From all the reading I've done it seems like:
- R53 has intoxicating supercharger whine that adds to the fun factor. Weighs less and maybe slightly more "go-kart" feel than the R56.
- Vs. stock R53, R56 has more power potential (but not sure how it compares to already JCWed R53) and more torque under the curve. Better MPG (not a huge deal)
- Both models can be made to handle on rails for the backroads / occasional trackday enthusiast. Would probably come down to the driver.

*If I'm wrong on any of the above points please correct me.

I'm willing to give up the R53 supercharger whine and put some work into upgrades (bolt-ons & retune for engine plus suspension work) if it won't cost me an arm and a leg and the R56 is a better performance platform in the end.

I realize the R56 I listed is the 1st year the R56 was around, that concerns me a bit. I also realize the R53 was the last year of that model and was decently sorted by then. I've read about unplanned maintenance for both R53 & R56, but unsure if one or the other stands out as more reliable or more upgrade/tuneable.

I have no idea if the 17in rims of the R53 (JCW brakes > R56 brakes?) or the 16in rims of the R56 I have listed for sale have better Max Performance Summer tire options available.

General thoughts of what I will be happier in the end with?

Many thanks and I look fwd to joining the community!

(BTW, my wife has a 2013 base hardtop with automatic. Still decently fun!)

 

06' r53 jcw.