Hello all-- looong time mini fan and am just getting around to purchasing my first. However, I can't decide between 2 cars, a late year N18 and a cherry R53 s.

The 2006 R53 S looks like it rolled off the dealership clean, has a pulley reduction install, resonator delete, CAI (mini mania), and a few other small bits. It also has the Aero kit. Car has 72k on the clock and is on the original clutch I think , although the owner says it's fine and that he babied it for the most part. It also has some nice sport tires. If go this route I plan on adding suspension mods and then maybe injectors and a tune.

The R56 S is a 2013 and has 47k miles on it, in great shape, with all work done at the dealership. It was in a small fender bender, but it was only a replaced bumper. It just had it's clutch replaced 4k miles ago.

So, I'm looking at the R53 at 7k, where as the R56 will be 10-9.5k. I've done a ton of reading and it seems folks tend to prefer a good shape/low mileage R53 over the R56, even if it's the later N18 engine. I live in the Redwoods among the twisties, so I'm thinking the go-kart like feel of the R53 may win out over the more dulled/comfortable ride of the R56. I do like the interior of the R56 better, so if I go the R53 route I will probably install some R56 seats.

I'm really torn and could use some persuasion

 

Also,I'm sorry if I posted in the wrong spot-- please let me know if I need to move this thread

 

The R56 is also a go-cart.

There is something to be said for a younger car.

age has an affect on rubber materials, so there is some reliabililty benefit to the R56.

Enjoy your new toy!

 

 

Thanks for the insight. It's good to hear from somebody who has owned both and is impartial in their opinion.

I'm leaning R53 as I love that whine and the more raw feel. I just got back from looking at the R56 and it had some issues, like pain cracking on the hatch, broken grill trim, and what looked like very uneven wear on the brake pads. I haven't seen wear patterns like that before, so I'm not sure what's going on.

The R53 looks to be in mint condition and I am hoping to check it out by the weekend. I think it is probably around 190 whp with it's current mods, so it may keep up with a N18 turbo, I dunno

 

My 2004 R53 is running 192hp and it's an absolute blast to drive. I've owned Mustangs, Corvettes, and Jaguars which were all much faster but you really can't beat the whine of that supercharger for a visceral driving experience. And, it's not that difficult (though maybe pricey) to get quite a bit more horsepower from it (say, 230). My vote is for the R53.

 

That sounds like a fun ride!! What kind of mpg do you get with those mods?

 

Drive both.

They both drive and feel differently.

I own an R53. I drove an R56, and did not like the way it felt.

Your choice, your money.

Buy the one that feels right to you.

 

Sounds like you summed it up. The R53 may be the more extreme MINI and the R56 may be the easier to live with. While the first generation may be more reliable if everything else is equal, the age difference is also a huge factor. For me, I would go with the R53 if I were buying a weekend car and the R56 if I were buying a daily driver. Others would come to different conclusions that are equally valid.

I would be a little concerned about the condition of the R56. It sounds to me that it has a too many issues for the age and price.

Good luck with your decision.

 

It will be for a daily driver, so I'm not sure if R53 or N18 makes more sense. I have also found a 2013 S with 23k miles that has a salvage title for only 8.5-9k. I'm really tempted by this as it has low miles. it was salvaged due to a replaced hood and fender due to a top/front impact. Only mechanical issue was a replaced radiator. The second owner has had it since 2015 it has been fine. I never go for salvaged vehicles, but this is pretty tempting...

 

Just bought my new ride, I added a new thread on it: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-aero-kit.html

 

All the way with the R53!
Way to go!