At what point does lower upfront cost trump newer/more reliable?

Example:
03 MCS with JCW dealer installed upgrades 40k miles for $8k
VS.
12 MCS base 40k miles for $13k

I have done a lot of research over the past 6 months on issues plaguing the different years, leaving me wanting an older 03-05 or newer 11-13. I am mechanically inclined and will be keeping on top of maintenance.

Given that, thoughts on where the breaking point is for the price difference? Not sure how scared of the older minis I should be, and how much money needs to be saved to combat future issues.

Thanks!

 

I would go for the JCW if its has the tuning kit and more. You cant beat a JCW car... too much fun.

The olders MINIs are a bit more reliable, more simple. post up a pic of the JCW and I can help you out with what options it has vs. whats good.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I found a couple lower mileage examples but they are pretty rare. I'll defiantly send you some pics before making any decisions so I'm well informed on what it truly has. They offered an appearance and performance packages right?

 

Good question. IMHO, there are a few different things to consider. First, which car do you like better? Forget about the cost for a sec, and ask yourself which car excites your senses when you see it & drive it? One might strike a more visceral chord in your gut.

Second, cost. The difference in asking price is $5K, which would cover a lot of upgrades or maintenance to the R53. If you do your own labor, the dollars go even farther.

A PPI (pre-purchase inspection) from a dealer or reputable indie shop should reveal any issues: immediate or possibly upcoming, which might help point you in the right direction.

I love my first gen S, and as I see fewer & fewer on the road, I know I have something that's becoming more rare, some might say "special". I bought mine with 29K miles in 2010, and aside from an earlier-than-expected clutch replacement, have had very few problems. All my dollars have gone into upgrades & mods.

In the end, it's your money and your driving miles, so get whichever one will bring you the most joy. Life is too short to do otherwise.

 

+1 with ECS
The Gen 1 years are much more 'MINI' than the newer ones. Just the styling alone is superior IMO.

 

Welcome.

Here is some more JCW Gen 1 stuff for your research. Read up and then find the best example.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nt-03-jcw.html






https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...his-a-jcw.html

 

Good thoughts for sure. I do like the older ones better in terms of looks and size. I enjoy a more raw experience. I have a "refined" car right now and hate every minute of driving it.

All the bad stuff floating around for the older minis is really the only reason I'm even having this conversation.

 

R53, no hesitation from me. And yes I've owned an R56 S.

 

if that was an 05/06 with jcw kit it would be easy for me

are those asking prices?

 

Why 05/06?
And it was just an example based on a few cars I've come across.

 

Yea, I scoured NAM for pre ownership information and the first few months of ownership I could hardly relax and enjoy motoring waiting for something to fly apart. Now after 9 years I look forward every morning just for an excuse to get behind that wheel...easy to do what with 10:00 coffee with a bunch of curmudgeonly old reprobates.

 

facelift are better

 

That's what the plastic surgeon said

 

If you can find an '05/'06, Gen 1.......no question.

 

OK, first off, I'm especially **** (pardon the expression) about mechanical and cosmetic condition of any vehicle I consider purchasing - especially one intended strictly "for fun" rather than transportation. My search started looking for a (relatively) low mileage garage queen of which many vehicles of that category can be found in the Phoenix area (100 miles SW of me). In the time I was searching online using Craigslist and this forum, I couldn't find anything fitting that criteria. Since that time, a few have popped up here for sale but none within reasonable driving distance.

So I ended up with the (sig) 2nd gen 2013 MCS which only had 17k miles and was pristine in/out with clean CarFax record. It had been leased and pampered for 3 years until lease term expired and turned back in just the day before I spotted it on the MINI dealer's lot. No blemishes and eligible for extended CPO warranty too made the difference after a quick test drive.

Yes, I'd still like to have equivalent in an R53 hardtop - even better if factory JCW version. Nonetheless, mine is a ball to drive and I'm enjoying the OEM JCW rear muffler I installed as well as non-runflat tires swapped recently. My "requirements" might well be different than the OP's but I'm happy with my decision. As is said, "YMMV"...

 

To some on here that's going to be an easy question to answer, and to some, a very tough question!!

As someone who grew up dreaming of owning an original Mini (Austin / Rover) and did eventually own one, I was bitterly disappointed to not be able to bring it to the US with me . . so for me the 1st generation (R50 / R52 / R53) was the closest I could get.

I am now on my third R53, and I wouldn't ever get an R56, or for that matter, an F56. I have driven R56's (mostly as loaner cars) and really didn't like anything about them. I have never driven an F56.

So my vote is for you to get the R53!!!

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. Looking at what you all wrote and some additional resources, I am going to look for:
1. 05/06 MCS
and
2. 11/12 MCS

Problem is going to be finding a low mileage option. I have a hard time wanting to buy something without first seeing it in person and driving it, but this may be one of those times I rely on a broader search of cars with a detailed maintence history, a lot of photos, and a price that allows for some repairs or small work.

Thanks!

 

There's some low milage R53's out there. I bought mine almost a year ago with 54,000mi. Shortly after that I bought another R53 with 94,000 that runs just as good as the lower milage.

 

That's incredibly low mileage — averaged less than 3K miles per year! You can always hold out for something "better", but if this one is in good condition you should see it as a rare opportunity. Perhaps you could negotiate to a price that you'd be willing to commit?

 

Not that Im biased, the R52 was up to 2008 with the same supercharged engine and basic style.

 

Yeah but the later models aren't as cool...stick with an R53 if you're looking for a good, connected driving experience.

 

UPDATE:

Thanks to all of the responses here and some further research on my part I have narrowed down my search to the 2005 and 2006 models.

I went to see the 03 last weekend and the guy who showed up right after me bought it. Then I called two different dealers about a mini on their lot, both were 06s.

1. First one was an 06 S with cold weather package and pano roof, 39k miles, extremely clean inside and out. An out of state buyer saw it the day before I called and their funds came through an hour after I inquired about it but before I drove over to see it.

2. Second one was an 06 S with JCW supercharger and exhaust, cold weather pack, pano roof, 25k miles, clean inside and out (even had underbody pics on the website). When I called I was told someone put a deposit on it a day before and was going to be getting it today...



We are heading into a Northeast winter, who else is dumb enough to want these cars right before winter hits?!?!? haha It just seems crazy that 3 cars still listed for sale all sold on the day or day before I inquired about them. O well, hopefully this means the best one will become available any day now.

 

My wife and I both drive our R53's straight through winter. What state are you in?

 

PA. I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't drive them in winter, I use to drive a 2000 mustang gt through the snow. I simply found it interesting that 3 of them sold within a day of each other right as winter is arriving. Just not the car you think of selling well around winter in the north east. But small car prices are down and they were very nice low mileage cars, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

 

There's some decent ones for sale around MA if you're inclined to travel a little ways.