In preparation for joining your ranks, I have been learning as much as I could about the R53s for the last several weeks. I researched factory options, upgrades, common issues, solutions, and price points. I then found a clean, lower mileage 2006 JCW (factory) less than 100 miles from my home. Since I am on call for work this week, I could not check it out in person, but I did find a 2006 MCS in town for sale. I went to check it out because I have never actually drove or rode in a MINI. I was a little worried about having enough legroom, but that was not the problem. The problem is my head hits the roof unless I lean over far enough to stick it in the moonroof area.


Am I out of luck?! Is there any extra headroom in vehicles without the moonroof? Has anyone else found a solution to my challenge?


The seat was all the way back, as was the backrest. One of the reasons I was drawn to MINIs is I despise driving in a reclined position. The Edmonds.com website lists the front headroom as 38.8" for a 2006. It does increase to 40.3" in 2015, but I am not looking for a 2015.


Thanks,


Jim

 

I'm assuming you lowered the seat as far as it could right? I imagine not having the sunroof would help. Don't get a sunroof, heavy POS on the top of the car and another thing to break or leak. I HATE my sunroof.

 

The non-sunroof cars have more headroom, but are harder to find. I knew someone who was 6'8" and was comfortable in his R53, but I don't remember if it had a moonroof.

He did have an awesome story though of a road rager getting out of his car in a toll booth line to come after him. I guess the guy never thought someone that big would be driving a MINI. He promptly turned around and got back into his car when he saw what he was up against.

 

Thanks for the replies! I am not 6' 8" so I will keep looking. As far as I could tell, the seat was as low as it would go.

 

+1 on.making sure the seat was lowered....
Unless you have a very long torso, you should be fine....lots of 6foot drivers can wear a helmet and autocross in a MINI.

 

2 levers on the seat, one goes forward and back the other up and down. I don't think you were all the way down.

 

Jim,

Good luck in your search...

 

Thanks for the responses (and the photo). My hunt continues.

 

My dad is 6'2" and has driven an R50 for almost 15 years with no headroom issues.

 

I am 6'4" with a long torso and I fit fine. Make sure the seat is all the way down, and play with the angle of the seat inclination. Small changes can make a big difference in head room.

James

 

My 03 JCW has no moonroof, but I'm 6'3 and fit with TONS of head (over 4 inches) and legroom. One of the few cars with so much legroom I keep the seat a couple clicks forward.

 

Thanks for the replies. I should fit because I am 6' 3". I am also better equipped to ensure I adjust the seat properly thanks to the information Tim included.

 

I'm 6'1 and definitely have a few inches till the roof in my 04 r53 with the moonroof... You should be good.

 

Yes, find the sunroof version and put the seat all the way back and pump the side level down to the floor, you should be fine.

 

I finally got an opportunity to sit in a Mini again and I fit once the seat was properly adjusted. I actually drove 85 miles (one way) to test drive two different cars, but the dealer had put one in a different shop for repairs and the other one sold a few hours before I got there. The one I sat in (non S) had just been traded in, but it was not inspected so they would not let me drive it. Next step is to actually find one to test drive. 2005-2006 6 speed models are far and few between right now.

 

Yes, the R53 in 2005-2006 are the most wanted. Good luck on the search. Knew you would fit.

 

Hi bigjas. Where abouts in the Springs are you? I lived there for five years and just loved it. I recently picked up an '04 R53 and it's amazing. Let us know what you find, and check truecar.com for an idea of what MINIs are going for in the area.

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.