To make this short and sweet, I'm heading 70miles away to look at two different R53 Cooper S's (not sure how to pluralize that).

Anyways, One is a 03 Racing Green (blk top) and the other is a 06 Blk (silver top). Both cars have about 88K mileage. I'll add that neither have extra features over the other...Which would you lean more towards?

Trying to make this decision without solely leaning on price, but there is substantial difference in that department.

Thanks for any suggestions/insight. Cheers.

 

IIRC by '06 the R53 had a transmission with a bit lower gearing, so it may accelerate from light to light faster. However, I've always been happy with my '03 and it's performance. Look very carefully at the condition of each and find out what maintenance has been done in each car's life. New lower control arm bushings, belts, oil/brake fluid/coolant changes? Any mods like supercharger pulley, intake, exhaust? Then drive them both and get a real feel for how each performs. Try to be objective- never easy for me! Best of luck.

 

The 1st Gen MINI had a "facelift" effective with July 2004 builds (2005 model year).

More important then the (few) cosmetic changes made to the MCS ...

2005 and 2006 models have slightly more (+7 hp / +7 ft-lb) power due to a 5th Gen Eaton supercharger which incorporated an innovative rotor coating that allowed for tighter internal clearances compared to the 4th Gen used in 2002 - 2004 MCS models.

2005 and 2006 models accelerate slightly faster due to revised transmission gear ratios.

 

Given the age of the car, I think the 06 sounds nicer. considering on the connecting bits, age of rubber, and gaskets. Not entirely about the engine and trans, but I guess the best bang (spirit of drive and reliability) for the buck.

Thanks for that bit of insight, it helps, a lot!!

 

2006, the car is 3 years newer and has some updates which add to the performance and look of the car. Of course you'll have to weigh the price difference, personal preferences like color, and any maintenance issues you find between the cars.

 

I have an 06 model R53. It has most of the "mistakes" BWM made fixed and is generally a better car. The Supercharger is better which is a big thing.

There are differences in the motor mounts and niggly bits. Later works better. You can buy all the better bits if you want.

The best thing is that the 1st generation is the best so far.

Bottom line is was it cared for? Did it get all the service from a good dealer or a mechanic that knows what he is doing. A missed oil change or failed water pump will crater the engine.

I have a 2008 as well and it is a lovely bit of frustration. The Peugot motor is not as good as the tritec and for every problem I had with the old one I have had 3 with the second gen. It is working fine now (knock wood).

The best part of 1st gen is all the aftermarket bits available.

I brought my 06 back from the dealer today after and oil change (BG to get extended warranty which is worth every FN penny) and had a 3rd gen loaner.

It is weird. It is huge. The Justa was very perky with huge torque for a 3 cylinder, but it is hundreds of lbs heavier. Strangest thing is while I had it for a day in "green mode" with start-stop on I got WORSE mileage than my old R53.

Longer lower wider.

enjoy the experience.

 

The '06 was the finalized version of the Gen1. As I recall, the gearbox was improved and that year was considered the best. I loved my '06 and would have kept it forever if it hadn't been murdered!
Annette

 

BOOM! Meet Brittany (Brit-ish), My 2006 Cooper S....Nice 63 mile (mostly highway) maden voyage back home Smiled the entire way. She pulls real nice.

Found some twisties in the evening time, AMAZING tightness (that's what he said) around the bends. Truly happy with this one. Completely stock...first mod is to install my Raceseng Slammer from the Evo into her.

 

I was smart enough to heed my son's advice and purchased an 06 R53 which was at the end of a model run versus a first year R56. Best decision I could have ever made at the time. After viewing the new MINIs at the local dealer, our R53 will remain in the stable for many more years. Good luck on your decision.