Hello All . . .

Since I destroyed the engine on my 2000 Boxster S and sold it for scrap last year, I have been driving a '16 Transit 250 cargo van as my daily driver. I've been looking for something else for my daily . . . my first thought was a 2016 Fusion Eergi plug-in Hybrid, because I like the luxery and economy . . . but not wanting to spend that much money, so . . . been considering a R53 Mini due to the ravings of my former Euro mechanic who felt the Mini could outdo my Boxster in the twisties . . .

It would have to be' an S, with 6 spd manual. As I think and look more, an '05/06 JCW is looking like it might be a good option.

Are there compelling reasons to go with a newer turbo model? Reliability, gas mileage, etc? Looking to find something in the 5 - 10k range, but not ready to pull the trigger just yet.

Thanks for any thoughts or input you might have . . .

Former 'sporty' vehicles (all manual transmissions)
66 GTO Convertible. 389, Tri-Power, 4spd Hurst, Posi, bench seat
59 Alfa Guiletta Spider
90 CRX HF (sport? hahahahahahahaha!)
91 MR2 - non-turbo
2000 TT/180
2000 Boxster S - factory lowered, Sport Design wheels

 

Just my personal opinion here.....

I’ve owned 4 different MINIs (5 if you want include the classic Mini we owned for a short time) over the span of about 12 years. We have enjoyed them all. First was an 06 r50, then an 08 r56, then an 06 r52s, and then most recently (after a few years with no MINI) an 06 R53.

The most recent car was purchased as a “fun” extra car to fix up and wrench on. When I decided to find one, I didn’t even consider one of the turbo cars. The 08 i owned was a fun car, but it had by far the most problems (multiple timing chain replacements, occasional electrical gremlins, carboned up intake valves, Etc). They were all issues that were resolved, but I just didn’t want to deal with that stuff this time.

For me, theres just something special about the gen1 cars. The driving experience is a bit more “raw” and connected to the road. The exhaust burble, the supercharger whine, the rougher ride.....it’s just where it’s at for me.....so when it came time to buy one to work on, that’s what I looked for. Additionally, the engine/tranny of the R53 is relatively bulletproof and parts are easy to come by....and aftermarket support is still very strong. Mods are straightforward and easy to add. I will say that it’s getting more and more difficult to find one with reasonably low mileage and (depending on where you are) one without rust issues. With a budget of up to $10k, you could find a very, very nice and well maintained r53 at this point I would think.

Not saying I won’t ever own one of the newer F series cars, but they just don’t do much for me. They’ve grown in size and lost the “raw-ness” I love about the older ones. For a daily driver, I’m sure they are great and still a blast to drive.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your search. You really can’t go wrong with any generation car.....just depends what attributes you are looking for.

 

Thanks! Right On.

My Boxster was raw, for sure . . . and I swing that direction.

Michael

 

I went for a Gen 1 for the reliability reasons. Paid 7300 for my vert with 53k mile. 3 months later and not a single issue or regret!

Do it!

 

I have all 3 gens and the F series are nice to drive and vey comfortable, but like others said the gen1 is my favorite.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome.

I'm a GEN 1 guy ... three R53s and a R52...

I suggest you drive them all and get the one you like the most.

Motor On!

 

If you're daily driving the car, then the R53 is perfect for you.

Instant boost is awesome. My '06 MCS is the one car I love driving on the freeway. It's small, fast, and is able to overtake most cars.

 

I am a Gen 1 nut, as the raw is the real me and the fun of the drive is hard to beat for a daily fun car! I have an 06 MCS JCW model and it lets me feel evrything, including my lost youth!

 

The 1st Gen model being what most go to if they have owned the different models and the one people go to if modding one up is the exact reason why they should have left the "Cooper" alone. Let it be the new classic and remain mostly untouched for years. They could still have the other Clubmans, Roadsters, Countryman models etc but leave what most thought was a perfect fun car alone and maybe in 20-30 years it could be thought of as we do the classic now...

 

I have only owned one MINI...a 2005 R52 S. I have never driven another MINI, and from the current body styles, I don't want to. If I ever buy another car, it will not be a current model as compared to some other of today's cars...it falls short.

 

Had two MINIs, there were two Corvettes between the first and my current ride. Both were Gen1s and yes I do like the styling of the "oldies" better than the new ones. Time moves on and also do most car designs except for the original VW Bug that did not change too much from when it debuted as the people's car. The front "crumple" zone criteria changed and hence the "longer" designs.

Don't get me wrong as I have said here before that if somebody wants to give me their Gen3 JCW, send me a PM and I will give you me home address.

 

UPDATE . . .

I'm the proud owner (for 4 days now) of a 2005 Mini Cooper S. Paid top dollar ($8,500) but have a car that, except for driver seat leather undulations, appears to be off the showroom floor. Not a ding or scratch on the body, and no curb rash on the wheels. ALL service records, from the first, are at the same dealer. Has full leather, Combo #1 Premium, Combo #2 Sport. Included 2 extra sets of 17" wheels - both are the 'fat spoke' variety, and has 16" tires/rims on it. 67,700 mi. Bought from the original owner -- who ordered it through a broker in late 2004 -- and who is a meticulous engineer who would take samples of any drips on his garage floor for evaluation, who claims the car never went farther than 70 miles from home (I do not question this). I've had it on two 'drives' this weekend, both that, apparently, are further than the car as ever been driven . . . and OH BOY, am I impressed. This coming from a guy who drove a 2000 Boxster S for 10 years (bought used in 2006 with 26k miles), and prior to that, a 2000 Audi TT for about 7 years (bought new in '99).

The best used car purchase experience, and result, I have ever had. Happy to provide more details on the experience and/or car if anyone is interested.

Yeeee Haw!

Michael

P. S. I have a list of notes, questions, etc. that I'll be searching for threads to explore.

 

Major congrats!

We need pictures!

Sounds like you found a great example from a meticulous owner.

I'm also relatively a new owner, having my 06 JCW since April and have driven 5k miles so far. I'm totally in love with the R53 and was astounded when I first drove it on twisty mountain roads, it is jawdroppingly sticky and planted, so much fun!

And yes, exploring the threads here at NAM is great fun and very educational as well, like you I joined here before I was an actual owner and having this place as a resource has been of incredible value to me.

 

Congrats to you, mbraden! (you too OldboySpeedwell)
You are both going to keep smiling every time you drive a gen 1! I think most newer ones are ok, but the gen 1 is the statement car! It delivers what you ask! Caution: Make sure your smile does not crack your face, as it will be big!
Pics, we need pics!

 

More pics will come, but here's one, apparently, of the the 2005 Mini's first trip to the ocean . . .



and lot's of satisfaction getting here.

 

It looks happy to be there too!

 

Congrats.

Yep they don't look like a Porsche but they handle pretty darn good for what same call a flyin pig.

 

'flyin' being the operative word here . . . but I think it's a fantastic looking car as well.

Michael

 

Well, since my Ins company required photos today, I'll pass these along . . .

 

That thing is stupid clean. Nice find