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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
R53 . . then R55. Not much of a fan of the rest of them
Ditto this - mostly. I think the bonnet doesn't quite look right without a scoop, but the R52's and R58's would have to fit into my 'MINI best of' somewhere. G1 cars are already classics, and for good reason, IMO.
Ditto this - mostly. I think the bonnet doesn't quite look right without a scoop, but the R52's and R58's would have to fit into my 'MINI best of' somewhere. G1 cars are already classics, and for good reason, IMO.
actually, I kinda like the R59 too, but only if I could get it as a BRG JCW!!
Factory warranty? We don't need no stinkin' factory warranty!
Lol - JK, realize not everyone is a skinned knuckle, grease stained fingerprint type. But owning a MINI definitely reminds me of a Ducati meme that is absolutely apt (used to own a 748).
I just bought a slightly used '21 F56, couldn't pass the good deal and the factory warranty.
Nice! I had F56 as a loaner couple of times. Both were Justa, so impossible to fairly compare, but man I loved how softly doors were closing on them.
That's one of the things I am not a big fan of in my R56 S. I got used to them, but anyone who rides with me manages to properly close the door only on a second attempt.
I'm quite biased in that I prefer the R53, although I do enjoy how much more refined the later generations have become. They're much better built, higher quality materials for the interior, and again, more refined. They're more accessible than before, faster, more fuel efficient, more powerful, more room as well. The R50/R53 generation are definitely more raw, and simplistic in their design with little to no frills, and creature comforts. It's transmission is more notchy than smooth, and at times almost feels like you need to ram it into gear rather than it sliding into gear.
The love of the R53 is more irrational than rational, but if that is what car ownership is like for your dream car, then that's alright.
I only know my F56S. I hear it's got more pep; the interior looks much nicer.
But I'd be lying if I said I didn't think them older models weren't prettier (straighter lines maybe).
We all love our own. The R52 is a perfect raw convertible. The visibility out the back makes it tough to park and impractical as a daily driver.
I would love to have a late second generation S hardtop as a daily driver. Sorry I don’t know the numbers. A Paceman, Roadster or Coupe would each make great second cars that you would seldom see similar cars on the road.
