Hi everyone! I am new here and have been looking around for an R53. Have been reading a lot here and learning about all the ins and outs of the platform. I currently own a 2006 Toyota Tacoma and have had an itch for a project car (but especially since we started quarantining. Right now, looking at all the R53s but have seen the guides stating that the 05/06 seems to be preferred.

I started down the mini road because I used to own a 2003 gti 1.8t and loved how it drove. A good friend of mine had an 06 mini for a couple years and it was one of the only cars that I felt outhandled that VW- I don't need or want big power in a car, but driving feel is top priority.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi! Look forward to finding the one for me and posting about my progress with it!

 

Welcome.

2005/6 are good. look for the JCW ones of the JCW tuning kit for extra perks. If you get a 2002-2004 R53 JCW those are good also.

 

Thanks, ECS,

I have used your stuff in both my gti and my Tacoma- really cool that you guys are so active in these user communities.

question: looking at an 06 with 165k for $3500. Has lots of records and looks to be well maintained. Or, there is another 06 with 90k for $5800. Fewer records, but also well maintained and clean.

would you guys be inclined to pay the extra money for a lower mileage example assuming they are both maintained?

i know I will be baselinging either car if I get it- plugs, fluids, obvious leaks, supercharger oil. Should the high mileage be a deterrent? Am I really saving money or creating extra headaches?