Hello everyone
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Neutral
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Hello everyone
Hi everybody. I am new to this forum and to MINI in general. I have been a life long VW owner until recently. I had the pleasure of riding in a friends 05 MINI Cooper S a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Since then I have ridden in a few more and driven a few. These darn cars are addictive. I am on the hunt for an 05-06 Cooper S currently. I have been lurking through here for a bit and have a decent idea of what to look out for on the R53 body as far as rust spots, water leaks and of course, the coolant overflow bottle.
I'll keep you all posted when I find something.
I'll keep you all posted when I find something.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 971
Likes: 145
From: York PA
Welcome to the forum.
We all understand the attraction of driving a MINI. I encourage you to look into the first generation section and don't be afraid to ask questions either before or after purchase.
You are on track as far as I can see. The later years are the more reliable of each generation and therefore, 05 and 06 are the more reliable of the first generation. (Up to 08 for convertibles.) Many believe the first generation represent the purest MINI experience and are the most go-cart like. The later generations are more refined which comes with its own benefits. The S has more power and therefore more fun than a non-S. A manual makes it even more fun.
I would focus on the obvious used car preferences. Buy the best maintained, lowest mileage, most documented MINI you can afford. Pay an independent MINI mechanic to go over it and let you know what they find.
Don't overlook the R52 Convertible. If you are buying a car to have fun in, you can't do better than a MINI convertible. Although, I understand Colorado does get some cold weather.
We all understand the attraction of driving a MINI. I encourage you to look into the first generation section and don't be afraid to ask questions either before or after purchase.
You are on track as far as I can see. The later years are the more reliable of each generation and therefore, 05 and 06 are the more reliable of the first generation. (Up to 08 for convertibles.) Many believe the first generation represent the purest MINI experience and are the most go-cart like. The later generations are more refined which comes with its own benefits. The S has more power and therefore more fun than a non-S. A manual makes it even more fun.
I would focus on the obvious used car preferences. Buy the best maintained, lowest mileage, most documented MINI you can afford. Pay an independent MINI mechanic to go over it and let you know what they find.
Don't overlook the R52 Convertible. If you are buying a car to have fun in, you can't do better than a MINI convertible. Although, I understand Colorado does get some cold weather.
6th Gear - An Official NAM Greeter
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 331
From: Southern oregon
Hi and welcome to NAM!
A R53 is a great car 05and 06 are great cars. I don't drive the newer ones, as I am a gen 1 addict!
I have a 06 MCS JCW model in Hyper Blue with silver top, that I drive daily and I just can not get over the go-kart feel it gives me!
I hope you can find a nice one!
A R53 is a great car 05and 06 are great cars. I don't drive the newer ones, as I am a gen 1 addict!
I have a 06 MCS JCW model in Hyper Blue with silver top, that I drive daily and I just can not get over the go-kart feel it gives me!
I hope you can find a nice one!
Welcome and glad you've fallen for the MINI. The R53 is a great car and if you find a good one it will be worth it. I do have an R53 GP for sale with only 47k miles, but not sure you're looking for an all original mint car like that.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 971
Likes: 145
From: York PA
Hummmmm
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