If its a gen 1, try for an 06.

If its a gen 2, go for a 12 or 13.

If I were you, I would go for the 2012 even if it does not hold its value it will
make you smile.

Just know up front what that years drawbacks are and be ready to address
them when they arrive.

 

It's been about 3 weeks since I've purchased an 2004, 40th Monte Carlo with full JCW 210 hp engine mods and the full aero body kit (170,000 miles). Sure it had some deferred maintenance but for $5,000 I could not pass it up. I have a budget of another $3 - 5k for repairs, upgrades etc. So far I'm into it about $1,500 and doing most of the work myself. I have no intentions of selling this car, so most of the work I'm doing should last me another 170,000 miles or more. I love my R53, it's one of the easiest cars to wrench on and parts are cheap, especially coming from a 911, where everything is $1,000 minimum, lol. Insurance, is cheap for a 12 year old car, it's reliable, fun and I get a kick out of it everytime I get behind the wheel. If it breaks, I just garage it, fix it and motor on. Good luck on your search.

 

Thanks for all the responses everyone. As of Friday I'm the proud owner of a very clean pepper white 06 mcs with 84k miles.

Ideas for small mods have already been bouncing around. I'm excited to get to work on it.

 

Congrats and Merry Christmas!!

 

For the pure joy of go-kart handling the best mod you can make for the $$$ is a heavier, 19 or 22 MM adjustable, rear sway bar and KONI FSD struts...hands down.

PS: 0446 Christmas eve and morning? Looks like 'some assembly required' beyond earlier expectations.

 

Minis can be quite reliable and reasonably priced to maintain if you heed one bit of advice. If you frequently enjoy flogging your MINI, especially at WOT(wide open throttle), then prepare yourself during the course of ownership to frequently experience WOW(whip out wallet).

 

I approve of this message, lol

 

You did well. Great looking Mini. Welcome and lets the mods begin.

 

This weekend I threw on the winter wheels, Tein lowering springs, and did a little bit of caliper and hub painting.

15% pulley, belt, tensioner, plugs are awaiting install soon.

 

Looking great!

 

The Calipers and hubs look great. Details please. What paint did you use? Brush on or rattle can? This is project I want to do soon. Thanks

 

Both are spray paint. I got the red caliper paint in the automotive section at Wal-Mart and not sure where the silver high temp paint was from. I simply blocked off what I didn't want to spray and then wiped off the rotors when I was finished.

 

Looks great! Next time you have the wheels off either rotating tires or field day on the undercarriage, give the hats on the brake discs a shot of red paint as well. Gives the scene a little more pop.