I only drive the R53 occasionally these days. I ordered it in August 2005, waited 6 months, then drove and modded it for a couple of years. It has a Dinan S1 package and some cosmetic stuff such as JCW grille and clear side markers.
My partner took it over as his daily driver in 2008. And he loves it and I hardly ever drive it now - until this past week.
We took it from Oakland to Reno to get it smoged and registered and I've been driving it non stop since Thursday. 7 years old and 85k miles and it feels fantastic. Yes it's loud and bouncy but it's like a go kart. It's a keeper!

Two pictures. First one taken in Oakland after a nice bath on January first, the second after two back to back snow storms in the Sierras late last week. Glad I put the winter wheels and tires before we headed out!

 

IMO the R53 is an awesome car like you said.

 

I'm new to the R53 fun, but I have to admit this car is the most fun I have ever had driving on four wheels. I have owned many cars, but nothing makes me smile like this little car does.

Matt

 

It hurts because of how much fun they are. I drove a R56 and I did not smile as much.