I went through this exercise middle of last year and ended up with a 2011 Cooper S, bought in September. At the time the choices of nearby R53s were limited and either high mileage (120-150K) for between $3-6k or well overlapping R56 prices for lower mileage versions. I think the R53 is moving into the collector/enthusiast group these days - the youngest is now ~14 years old. I didn't want to spend what getting into an F56 would cost so went for the N18 engined R56. Always wanted the turbo for the added power. However, ours is the second car and is not needed as a daily driver so if something breaks I have options. You've said 2 important needs - daily and no space to work on it. This, to me, suggests you should consider an F56 if you can afford it and if not the best 2013 you can find.

cheers
macmini34

 

They are. They are now getting more expensive to have a shop fix than the vehicles are worth. They are going to junkyards or being bought by guys like me.

Very good points. If my R53 breaks down I just park it in my driveway and drive something else until it is fixed. Doesn't sound like that's an option for the OP.

 

Thanks for all the input folks

To the point above, we do have another car and my commute is short enough to walk or Lyft in a bind. But I do not have much space to work on a vehicle (we have a parking space behind our apartment where I can do some minor repairs, but that's about it) and I'd simply prefer a vehicle that doesn't need something all the time or that I'm constantly worried about breaking down.