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Hey everyone! I just recently purchased a R53 Cooper S, straight drive. I'm in love with it already but very new to the MINI world and how to properly take care of it to keep it running for years to come. I bought it with only 41,500 miles on it and will be using it mostly as a daily driver for work and for fun!! Looking forward to learning more on here and working on my MINI along the way. Currently just learning what is the normal for this car, I was driving a Nissan Xterra before this so definitely and adjustment to getting used to the nature of this car! If any one can direct me to some forums about general maintenance and what to watch for a specific milages that would be great! This is her!
Wow nice find! As these have been around for many years, lots of support and products are available. There are a few very common items you can expect to replace:
- Upper motor mount (hydraulic fluid leaks out, must be replaced)
- Lower control arm bushings
- Coolant expansion tank
There are others, but you probably won’t need to worry about them until 80-100k miles.
Might want to proactively replace all fluids, filters, and belts.
Welcome to the forum and the MINI experience. The first generation is often thought to be the most reliable.
What year is your MINI?
Did you get the manual or automatic?
I bought my low mileage 06 convertible about 4 years ago. I replace all the fluids and did everything needed to bring it up to perfect. Since then it has only needed routine maintenance and an o2 sensor.
My recommendation is to get a synthetic oil change every 5,000 miles and keep up on the other routine stuff and it should serve you well.
Thank you guys!!
I’ll check out that forum. Looking forward to keeping it going for years to come. I’ll be sure to change out all fluids soon to start fresh.
Its a 2005 and manual.
Great to hear your 06 has had minimal maintenance so far!
Hi and welcome to NAM!
It is a beautiful R53!
I have owned many Mini Coopers and this one is the best of years for them.
It looks similar to my Keeper Mini, which I really love:
from a few years ago, but still looks great now. 06 R53
