Hello folks. It's me, the young idiot that sold his R53 with only 22,000 miles on it, only to find out later that it was totaled by the new owner. Thankfully, I learned a lot about personal finances from that debacle, and haven't made the same mistake since. Unfortunately, I still hop from car to car every couple of years, but I pay cash.

My wife has always wanted a MINI, and this might be the right time for it. I do all of the maintenance on our cars (a Honda Fit with 170,000 miles and a Toyota FJ Cruiser with 214,000 miles), so maintenance is top of mind for me. The MINI was the car that got me into doing my own maintenance, because even back in 2007 an oil change for one was $80.

I haven't driven any other MINI except the R53 that I had, but I have a feeling that the R53 represents the pure go-kart feeling that these cars were meant to provide. That, and I love the supercharger... But, I know these weren't the most reliable vehicles, and have heard that the F-series has made some substantial improvements to reliability. This car would be daily-driven, as I don't think we should have three cars.

An S is definitely what we want. Here's what I have written down in a note on my phone, based on things I've heard or read:

• '02-'04 R50/53; fine if you know what to look for and/or on a budget
• '04-'06 R50/53; the GOAT in terms of gen 1 mini and most reliable
• '06-'13 R56 series; AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE, THEY ARE RIDDEN WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS
• 2014+; The F series is very reliable and are how Mini ended up as one of the most reliable brands in the U.S. as ranked by Consumer Reports.

Now, if it was just myself to consider, I'd probably get a Miata. But I can't say I'm not excited about the idea of having a MINI again.

So, am I on the right track? What should I keep an eye out for?

 

I have heard the f series is really reliable too. When they first came out I didn't like the look of them but now think they look great.

I have a 2006 R53 JCW 6 speed. I bought it with about 210,000 km's and used it for almost 5 years without any real issues that required anything more than an oil and filter change. I then had the harmonic balancer fall apart, up till then not even an oil leak.Fixed it then the timing chain guides died. Fixed it, then the belt tensioner fell apart. Fixed it but decided to do a supercharger service and replace the oil cooler and oil filter housing gaskets as well as the thermostat and radiator and water pump as well as a 17% reduced pulley (with stock intercooler). Then the timing chain cover gasket died and it dropped almost all its oil within minutes and sounded like a diesel. Replaced the gasket, removed the lifters and watched a youtube video on how to unstick the lifters.

Put it all together again and now it sounds quieter and runs smoother than when I first got the car. I have now hit 299,980 km's and no oil leaks again for over 6 months.

I absolutely love my r53 and plan driving it on a round Australia trip sometime next year but if it is for your partner I would be inclined to get something newer. Only because all the hoses and plastic cooling fittings are at breaking point (I had some plastic cooling fittings literally crumble when removing the radiator hoses). Of course if you plan on doing all the preventative maintenance in one hit before you hand it to your partner then maybe it will be ok.

 

According to what I read on the MINI drophead FB group, the new models are operated with a touch screen and an automatic slush box. Puts me in mind of nothing more than an everyday grocery getter. I'd look for an earlier model if you're looking for the MINI experience. I'm sure this may get me yelled at by some, but...

 

I dunno ; to me the first Gen Mini ~ '03 - '06 R50,R53,R52 are the real MINI.
I just never could appreciate the looks of the later models. That also includes the 07 R56 onward.
I've had my 04 pre-facelift R53, since new/late 2003. Whilst still under warranty, within 4 years, the dealer had to replace; 3) harmonic balancers, 2or3) alternators and 1) battery. Since 2012; I've done all my own maintenance, repairs and performance upgrades, including suspension work and oil changes every 3,500mi.
Although it's only "broken down" twice (failed idler pulley and a failed manual transmission), had to be flatbedded...
Now at 125k mi, This car has cost me a fortune, over the last 22years of ownership. I've learned alot and Ive done a lot of preventative maintenance and never complained about it being an unreliable car.
Personally, I love my 1st Gen Mini and really can't imagine driving or buying anything else.
But that's just me ~ "a fool and his money are soon parted".

 

Your wife wants a MINI but you might consider a Miata? If she's good with the convertible, then it's easy - an R52, in S or JCW guise.

Saw a JCW for sale in NH on CarGurus recently with low miles for $8k - seemed like a bargain. It helps a lot that you can wrench on these.

Good luck and keep us updated with what you get.

Cheers
MacMini34