Hey there NAM,

So I bought a 2009 Cooper S exactly a year ago (w/ 103k mi) (should've researched more and just bought a R53 then) and driving is just so much fun ever since.

But, the car did have it's issues. The death rattle (timing chain was replaced) and a gasket leak. Also I've replaced the clutch. Now, the car runs good without any problems.

I have that itch to swap it for an R53, but worried I have to deal with reliability issues again. Is it really worth it to replace a well-known R56 for a new R53 which might come with it's own set of problems?

 

Sure just get a good one, a good r53 will probably be more reliable than even a sorted out r56. Really depends on which you want, an r53 is very raw car you feel a lot more of the car. To elaborate, going 80mph in an r53 feels faster than 80mph in an r56 because the r56 is a slightly larger more comfortable car.

 

That's what I'm after. Don't really care much for comfort (atleast thats what I think now).

 

Until you're used to the R53 I suspect you'd feel it was dated initially, and uncomfortable, but it'll come to you, maybe quickly if you have a good spec, with subtle performance, and put your foot down haha, you definitely won't have the same issues I'd say. You will have some, but easier and cheaper.

 

The R56 had far better interior quality. The R53's interior quality was pretty much garbage for the entire run from 2002 - 2006.

 

I'd have to disagree, the 05-06 have an improved interior. No creaks or rattles for me and the material quality isn't bad.

 

I drove a 2005 and the interior was not really any better than my 2002. The steering wheel was nicer I give it that. The seats in these cars are truly a throw away design

 

The seats aren't great but the interior is improved in the facelift.

 

The OP needs to understand that the youngest R53 is coming up on ten years old now.

With that said I'd sooner take my chances in a R53 vs an R56.

 

Good point. It's getting increasingly harder to find a low mileage R53.

 

It's getting pretty hard to find one with average miles that that is not beat to ****.

IMO these cars will pretty much vanish like the A2 VW GTi and the CRX of the same time period.

 

What is your motivation? If you're sure that you like the R53 better than the R56, then go for it. However, it doesn't sound like you've driven an R53 enough (at all?) to know.

 

Good question. I really like the steering, handling and the nimbleness of the R56. All my previous cars are either econoboxes or luxobarges with some performance cars in the mix. But none of them drove like the Cooper.

I never drove an R53 but it's really hard to get a taste of it just from a single test drive, so that's why I plan on buying one and driving it for a while. Seems like R53 is much better for go-kart handling and steering feedback. Who knows, I might end up not liking it that much.

 

The reason there's not a lot of low mileage, well maintained R53's on the market is that those of us that have them know what we've got and aren't eager to part ways with them!

I've had very few problems with mine. Thermostat housing and damper. That's about it. Most of my friends that have or had R56's have not been so lucky. Which is a shame because one of the cars I would replace mine with is a Roadster. The only other would be an M2. Needless to say, the SupaCoopa is in no danger of being replaced.

 

I guess I must have a throwaway @$$ . I love the seats in the R53. Can't stand the ones in the R55.

 

The R53 does have better steering feedback, and stiffer suspension. The R53 has less low end torque, a disadvantage for everyday driving.

 

So how much would an unmolested 05 R53 JCW with no sunroof, LSD, mint condition, garaged, with 16K miles go for?

 

Depends on how badly the buyer wants it. 16K is very low mileage. Looks like you're saving it for collectible market.

 

I agree a single test drive isn't enough to base a purchase on. I'd get out there and test a couple out and report back.

 

I always felt that the seats were one thing they improved with the R56 (and REALLY improved with the F56). As for the R53, the interiors did get better as the model matured. We had a 2005 in the shop for the tuning event this weekend with 8000 miles on it. Everything was so clean!

 

I spent the last few month looking. Found several r53's with less than 80k on them....they were hammered. Interiors falling apart. Really bad paint. Ended up with a r56 and didn't spend much more money.

 

It's all in who's taking care of it. I've got 65k on mine and most people don't believe it's almost 10 years old.

I'd shy away from super low mileage cars unless you're a collector. Cars are meant to be driven. Lack of use = problems when you start to daily drive it.

 

An '05 and '06 is a good year to look into. Good advice given so far. I agree, time is just as detrimental on a car as mileage so make sure maintenance needs have been taken care of even if it's a lower mileage R53.

 

Not a collector but can't pull the trigger on RMW headers, cam, and a tune. 230whp will get me in way too much trouble. Daily drive for me in SoCal is 90minutes of bumper to bumper traffic which is no fun with a 6 speed. I take it out on the weekend for my morning drive when freeway is empty. It is a garage queen though.

 

I'd like to know how the interior improved during the R53 run. I see seat pattern changes, a nicer steering wheel and different dash pieces, but that's about it. I still see plenty of 2005/06 R53's with foam rotting from the headliners and worn out seats. The leather they used might was well been made out of rat hides. It's pretty poor quality from 2002 to 2006.